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Dental Hygienist job description

A Dental Hygienist is a skilled oral health professional who supports patients in achieving and maintaining optimal oral health. They assist Dentists by conducting screenings, taking X-rays, and providing support during dental visits, ensuring comprehensive care and promoting overall dental well-being.

Nikoletta Bika
Nikoletta Bika

Nikoletta holds an MSc in HR management and has written extensively about all things HR and recruiting.

Refreshed on

May 23, 2023

Reviewed by

Eftychia Karavelaki

Senior Recruitment Manager

 

Use this Dental Hygienist job description template to find reliable employees for your dental office or clinic. Feel free to modify this template based on your unique needs and local legal requirements.

Dental Hygienist job responsibilities include:

  • Conducting initial oral screenings
  • Cleaning and helping protect patients’ teeth (e.g. removing plaque or applying fluoride)
  • Educating patients of all ages on proper teeth care

Job brief

We are looking for a Dental Hygienist to help treat patients and promote good oral health practices.

What do Dental Hygienists do?

Dental Hygienist duties revolve around conducting initial patient screenings, cleaning teeth (e.g. removing plaque) and advising patients on oral health and preventative care. You’ll also help dentists decide treatments for teeth or gum diseases and handle dental emergencies.

Dental Hygienist skills

As a Dental Hygienist, you should be reliable and able to build trust with patients of all ages. You should have deep knowledge of relevant health and safety rules and a good eye for oral diseases and anomalies. If you also have a steady hand and great bedside manner, we’d like to meet you.

Responsibilities

  • Ensure patients feel as comfortable as possible before their examination
  • Sterilize dental instruments properly
  • Conduct initial mouth screenings and check oral health history
  • Identify conditions like gingivitis, caries or periodontitis
  • Clean and help protect patients’ teeth (e.g. remove plaque or apply fluoride)
  • Educate patients of all ages on proper teeth care (by demonstrating, for example, good brushing techniques)
  • Give instructions to patients after operations or other dental procedures
  • Take X-rays or dental impressions
  • Assist dentists with selecting appropriate treatments for various diseases (including oral cancer)
  • Maintain documentation and charts on each patient
  • Monitor supplies

Requirements and skills

  • Proven experience as Dental Hygienist or similar role
  • In-depth knowledge of health and safety regulations in this profession (e.g. HIPAA)
  • Experience in preparing and maintaining dental equipment
  • Outstanding communication skills
  • A patient and friendly personality
  • Attention to detail
  • Stamina to meet the physical demands of the job
  • Diploma in Dental Hygiene; Master’s is a plus
  • Valid licence to practice

Frequently asked questions

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