Dental Hygienist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

illustration of dental hygieniest in scrubs cleaning teeth. Text reads:

Dental Assistants, or Certified Dental Assistants, are responsible for providing hands-on support to Dentists and completing prep work so they can more efficiently care for patients. Their duties include completing intake paperwork and updating patient records, sterilizing and organizing dental tools and assisting during dental procedures.

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Dental Hygienist duties and responsibilities

Dental Hygienists perform basic dental duties as well as assist with more advanced procedures. Responsibilities and duties for a Dental Hygienist include:

  • Screening patients during checkups
  • Reviewing a patient’s dental history
  • Recommending care to improve a patient’s oral health
  • Teaching patients about proper teeth cleaning techniques
  • Performing preventive dental care
  • Applying fluoride treatments
  • Taking x-rays and reviewing them for signs of dental diseases
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Dental Hygienist Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

Our office is looking for a motivated Dental Hygienist to join our growing team! The ideal candidate should have competent hygiene skills and interact with patients and staff in a professional and kind manner. This position is full time Monday-Thursday and the first Friday of each month 8:00-5:00.

As a team, we strive to achieve great company culture and provide the type of office you look forward to coming to work each day. We also participate in lots of fun team outings and events. If you are looking for a team that feels like family, we'd love for you to join us!

In addition, you will be working in an environment with state of the art technology that is always evolving to provide the most current and effective care to our patients.

Compensation:

Advanced Dental Treatment Center offers employment opportunities that promote professional, personal, and financial growth. We work extremely hard to provide our employees with continuous professional development and a supportive work environment. WE VALUE YOUR WORK-LIFE Balance! These are just a few reasons why a career with us is an investment in your future.
  • Competitive Compensation
  • $2500 Sign on Bonus
  • Health Insurance
  • Generous Incentive system
  • EARN at the TOP of your Profession!

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $68,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
    Schedule:
  • Day shift
    Supplemental Pay:
  • Bonus pay
  • Signing bonus

    License/Certification:
  • Registered Dental Hygienist License Location: One location
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    Example 2

    Registered Dental Hygienist - 1 to 2 days per week - Monday or Thursday

    Licensed in the State of Florida

    Naples Family Dentist is in search of a skillful, energetic, intelligent, team oriented Registered Dental Hygienist who will join our remarkable team of dental professionals. Excellent customer service and attention to detail are required for this position. Experience with Dentrix and Dexis is helpful. Salary is commensurate with experience.

    We are looking for the right person to join our team

    We have an Immediate need for a hygienist on Monday or Thursday

    Please send your resume' and references via email.

    We will call you to schedule an interview.

    We look forward to meeting you!

    Responsibilities
  • Welcome customers in the dental office
  • Prepare customers for treatments or checkups ensuring their comfort
  • Select and set up instruments, equipment and material needed
  • Sterilize instruments according to regulations
  • Undertake lab tasks as instructed

  • Perform the duties of a dental hygienist, prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, radiographs, intraoral photos, etc...
  • Provide oral hygiene and post-operative care instructions
  • Keep the dental room clean and well-stocked
  • Schedule appointments
  • Maintain accurate patient records and assist with payment procedures

    Skills
  • Proven experience as dental hygienist
  • Knowledge of dental instruments and sterilization methods
  • Understanding of health & safety regulations
  • Good computer skills
  • Excellent communication and people skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Well-organized and reliable

    Job Type: Part-time

    Pay: $32.00 - $42.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Naples, FL 34108: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    License/Certification:
  • Registered Dental Hygienist (Required)
  • Dental License Location: One location
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    Example 3

    Registered Dental Hygienist - West Phoenix

    [website]

    Who Are We?

    At Adelante Healthcare, we believe that healthy people create healthy communities. Our mission is to improve the health of our communities by providing the highest level of primary and preventive care, making it affordable for everyone. For over 40 years, we have been dedicated to serving our communities by providing healthcare to those most vulnerable by offering health care services at nine locations throughout Maricopa County. By joining the Adelante Healthcare team, you become part of a patient centered caring organization that is playing a vital role in helping our communities.

    OUR Amazing Benefits

    We offer a culture that values caring, professional development, growth, and sustainability. We provide a comprehensive and competitive benefits program including:

    · Medical, Dental, and Vision available DAY ONE!

    · 3 weeks Paid Time Off annually

    · 10 paid Holidays annually

    · 403b Retirement Account Savings Plan

    · Tuition Reimbursement for eligible programs

    · Employer-paid Short Term and Long Term Disability

    · And MORE

    WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO HAVE

    · Graduation from an ADA accredited school of dental hygiene

    · High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution

    · Valid and Active Arizona license to practice Oral Hygiene

    · Demonstrated understanding of dental methods and techniques.

    · Excellent interpersonal and written communications skills required.

    · Ability to perform assignments requiring considerable exercise of independent judgement.

    · Valid and Active Arizona Driver’s License

    · Intermediate competencies in Microsoft Office Suite and Windows Operating System

    · Competency in dealing with people of various cultures

    · Commitment to AHC mission, vision, and values

    · Certification to perform cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for the Health Care Professional (CPR) and AED through courses that follow the guidelines from the American Heart Association and Red Cross (cognitive and skills evaluations) or ACLS

    · Valid Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety for all specialty behavioral health locations

    Responsibilities

    · Responsible for personal compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and center rules, regulations, protocols and procedures governing the practice of dental hygiene and the clinical provision of dental hygiene services as well as those relating to, but not limited to, personnel issues, work place safety, public health and confidentiality

    · Provide clinical oral hygiene services including dental prophylaxis, scaling, sealant application and fluoride application consistent with accepted professional practices and standards and in compliance with applicable state law and the center’s clinical protocols

    · Obtain baseline oral hygiene assessment data based upon accepted principles of oral hygiene and periodontal care. Assist in the oral health management of all clinic patients

    · Perform independent procedures as delegated and directed by a dentist in accordance with state regulations and law as well as Dental Department protocol and directives

    · Record patient-hygienist transactions in the patient’s dental record as they occur to assure the dental record accurately and completely reflects the nature of the contact, the condition of the patient, and the care or treatment provided

    · Provide oral health education and appropriate individual counseling for all center dental patients. Organize and perform preventive oral health presentations at on-site and off-site locations

    · Provide technical assistance and health education in the community as requested

    · Integrate appropriate patient dental hygiene care with other health care professionals involved in the patient’s health care management

    · Participate in the PI program of the Dental Department of the center

    · Assist in the maintenance of all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directive and policies as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues

    · Ensure the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directive and center policy as well as state and federal regulations(s). Assure compliance with the Health Center’s Exposure Control Plan

    · Assist with various clinical and administrative functions of the Health Center as appropriate and time permits

    · Perform other duties as required, including travel when necessary to meet operational needs

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Pay: $30.00 - $50.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Holidays
  • Monday to Friday

    COVID-19 considerations:
    Yes - all employees in clinic must have proper immunizations including Covid-19.

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Phoenix, AZ 85051: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    License/Certification:
  • Registered Dental Hygienist (Required)
  • Dental License Location: One location
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    What does a Dental Hygienist do?

    Dental Assistants work at dentist’s offices, orthodontic practices and dental surgery centers to help administer patient care during dental cleanings and oral surgery. Dental Assistants educate patients about procedures and dental maintenance, give instructions for oral care, order x-rays and other scans and reach out to patients about scheduling routine appointments. They set up dental exam tables, assist during cleanings and fillings and hold dental instruments like suction tubs and mirrors while the Dentist works. Dental Assistants also keep track of administrative duties like scheduling patients, stocking supplies and billing patients or insurance providers.

    Dental Hygienist skills and qualifications

    Aside from technical knowledge and skills, Dental Hygienists must have:

    • Verbal and written communication skills
    • Problem-solving skills
    • Interpersonal skills
    • The ability to convey complex health information in a simple way
    • The ability to interact with young and old patients
    • Excellent critical-thinking skills
    • Drive to stay up to date on latest dental tools and methods

    Dental Hygienist salary expectations

    A Dental Hygienist makes an average of $38.44 per hour. Pay rate may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location. 

    Dental Hygienist education and training requirements

    Dental Hygienists need at least an associate degree in dental hygiene, though some employers may require a bachelor’s degree. Associate programs last three years, and bachelor’s programs last four years. Each program contains a mix of classroom study and clinical training. These educational programs prepare students for a Dental Hygienist career as soon as they graduate. 

    Dental Hygienists also need to have a state license, and requirements vary by state. Usually, a Dental Hygienist needs to graduate from a dental hygiene program and pass an exam. They also need to complete continuing education to keep the license current. 

    Dental Hygienist experience requirements

    After meeting the necessary education and training requirements, a person can start working as a Dental Hygienist. So, even though a posting may ask for an entry-level candidate with no formal experience, applicants will have gained some real-world experience during their time as a student. Employers seeking a Dental Hygienist who can perform more detailed procedures, like placing temporary crowns, might ask for at least three years of experience.

    Job description samples for similar positions

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    Frequently asked questions about Dental Assistants

     

    What is the difference between a Dental Assistant and a Dental Hygienist?

    Dental Assistants are in charge of general patient care and administrative support while Dental Hygenists spend most of their time working one-on-one with patients during cleanings. Dental Hygenists undergo more rigorous training than Dental Assistants because they need to be able to recognize oral diseases, recommend treatment and use dental tools to scrub out stains, remove plaque and add sealants to teeth. Dental Assistants spend most of their time processing the logistics of a dental visit, offering assistance when needed and communicating with patients to answer questions and schedule future appointments.

     

    What makes a good Dental Assistant?

    A good Dental Assistant needs to have many technical skills and personal characteristics that allow them to focus on efficient administration and attentive patient care. Good Dental Assistants are highly focused and have a steady hand, allowing them to position dental tools correctly and hold them still throughout a procedure. They are also organized and friendly, able to act as a welcoming receptionist behind the front desk, clearly explain dental issues to patients and track patient records. Excellent Dental Assistants are careful and tidy and are able to consistently clean up during procedures to follow safety, health and sterilization standards.

     

    What are the daily duties of a Dental Assistant?

    One an average day, a Dental Assistant arranges the patient schedule, sends reminder texts to patients and briefs Dental Hygienists and Dentists on their list of procedures for the day. They help patients sign-in, process their insurance information, administer pre-appointment questionnaires. Before a visit, Dental Hygienists prepare exam rooms by wiping down surfaces and preparing medications. During a procedure, Dental Assistants can hand instruments to the Dentist and perform supervised cleaning activities. Afterwards, the Dental Assistant explains aftercare instructions, cleans the exam room and performs exit paperwork.

     

    What are the different types of Dental Assistant?

    There are several types of Dental Assistants that have different levels of responsibility based on their certifications and experience. Certified Dental Assistants, Registered Dental Assistants, Certified Orthodontic Assistants and Certified Functions Dental Assistants are some of the main certification titles available that allow Dental Assistants to specialize in a particular area of care.

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