Discover What it is Like to Be a Dental Hygienist

What is the role of a dental hygienist?

Patients' teeth are examined and cleaned by dental hygienists. Typically, they provide patients with preventative care to assist them avoid oral disorders and also educate them on how to maintain good oral health. These are the duties carried out by dental hygienists:

Clean patients’ teeth

Dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning patients’ teeth and gums. They use ultrasonic toothbrushes to deeply clean and power polishing tools to eliminate stains. They may also use handheld implements to remove plaque and tartar.

Examine patients’ teeth

These dental professionals are responsible for examining patients’ teeth and looking for signs of oral diseases. They may take X-rays to assess the source of a problem or create dental molds for dentists to review.

Monitor patients’ oral health

Dental hygienists document the procedures they perform and the issues they discover. They review patients’ dental histories during each visit to ensure they are maintaining good oral health and following recommended treatment plans.

Teach patients about good oral health

Many dental hygienists advise patients on how to achieve better oral health by brushing and flossing their teeth regularly. They may offer verbal advice or provide patients with educational pamphlets to review.

Collaborate with dentists

Depending on state regulations, dental hygienists often work under the supervision of a dentist. Most work closely with dentists, who check over their work and develop patient treatment plans based on their examinations.

Average salary

Dental hygienists often work part-time schedules. Their education, experience level and location can influence their hourly wage.

• Common salary in the U.S.: $38.20 per hour  
• Some salaries range from $17.40–$66.85 per hour.

Dental hygienist requirements

Most dental hygienist job listings require post-secondary education, a license, current certifications and on-the-job training.

Education

Dental hygienists need an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree from a post-secondary program approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. These dental hygiene programs include coursework on biology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and radiology as well as interactive courses that invite candidates to perform supervised dental care.

Associate’s degree programs generally take two years to complete, while bachelor’s degree programs typically require four years. Although an associate’s degree meets the minimum requirements for many job listings, dental hygienists may be able to get higher-level positions or increase their earning potential with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene. Some dental hygienists also pursue a master’s degree, which can be completed in two years.

Training

After learning the fundamentals of the field during their post-secondary programs, dental hygienists often undergo short on-the-job training programs to master the essentials. The length of these programs depends on the employer, and most include company-specific procedures and workflows.

Some dental hygienists also receive training in entry-level positions. Many gain experience as dental assistants. These entry-level dental professionals work closely with dentists to support them as they examine and treat patients.

Certifications

Since dental hygienists provide medical care and may work with patients with challenging conditions, they have to be able to perform emergency treatment when necessary. These dental professionals typically need a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification so they can provide chest compression and artificial ventilation in the event a patient experiences cardiac arrest. Certification courses typically take a few hours and must be repeated every two years.

Skills

To succeed as a dental hygienist, you need these skills:

Attention to detail

Dental hygienists must follow strict procedures for examining and treating patients. They will need to focus on and keep track of small details, whether they are working independently or directly with a dentist.

Communication skills

To provide instructions to patients, share findings with dentists and document patient histories and progress, dental hygienists need excellent communication skills. They must be able to write and speak clearly and concisely.

Dexterity

Because they perform delicate tasks in areas with limited space, dental hygienists must have advanced fine motor skills. These dental professionals must be able to exercise precision and safety when cleaning and examining patients’ teeth.

Patience

To complete lengthy cleanings and examinations successfully, dental hygienists must be patient. They may have to focus and work in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time.

Problem-solving skills

To develop effective treatment plans, dental hygienists need strong problem-solving skills. They use examinations to identify and find the source of problems and apply their knowledge of oral health to assist dentists with designing hygiene plans.

Dental hygienist work environment

Dental hygienists work in dentist offices and do much of their work in treatment rooms. When examining patients or cleaning their teeth, they typically sit in chairs or stools. They generally stand when performing or reviewing X-rays.

Because they can be exposed to infectious diseases, dental hygienists wear gloves, eyewear and face masks to protect themselves. They also follow safety protocols to guard both themselves and patients from radiation emitted from X-rays.

Dental hygienists may work standard office hours, or they may work weekends or evenings to accommodate patients’ schedules. Most work part-time jobs, assisting dentists on select days each week. Those who are seeking full-time employment may have part-time jobs with more than one dentist.

How to become a dental hygienist

Consider following these steps if you want to pursue a career as a dental hygienist:

1. Earn a degree

First, earn an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene. Most programs take two to four years to complete.

2. Complete CPR certification

Get certified in CPR so you can provide emergency medical assistance if needed.

3. Obtain a license

Research your state’s requirements to assess whether you need a license to work as a dental hygienist. If you need a license, keep yours active by pursuing continuing education requirements.

4. Cultivate important skills

To excel as a dental hygienist, take steps to hone key soft skills. For example, you should have excellent communication and problem-solving skills as well as good attention to detail and critical thinking skills.

5. Create a resume

When you have completed all the dental hygienist requirements, create a resume you can submit to potential employers. Include your education, certifications, license, skills and relevant work experience.

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