Discover the essential requirements, duties, responsibilities, and skills needed for a Dental Hygienist job description.
What does a Dental Hygienist do?
A dental hygienist is a healthcare professional who works in a dental office and helps to keep patients' teeth and gums healthy. They perform tasks such as cleaning teeth, checking for oral diseases, and educating patients on how to improve their oral health.
Job Description
We are looking for a dental hygienist to join our growing dental practice. In this role, you will assist the dentist in various procedures and operate x-ray machines. To be successful, you should have a current state hygiene license, up-to-date vaccinations, and previous experience as a dental hygienist.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Cleaning teeth and removing stains and deposits using dental instruments
- Checking for signs of oral cancer by feeling lymph nodes under the patient's chin
- Reviewing the patient's medical history
- Examining gums for signs of gum disease
- Recording dental decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by the dentist
- Maintaining and operating dental equipment and x-ray machines
- Identifying and addressing any dental health issues
- Taking x-rays and developing them for the dentist to review
- Sterilizing and sharpening dental instruments
- Promoting preventative dental care to patients
- Applying fluoride and other decay prevention agents
- Collaborating with dentists and dental assistants
- Creating and maintaining a dental hygiene program for patients
Requirements and Qualifications
- Associate's degree from an accredited dental hygiene program
- State hygiene license
- Current CPR certificate
- Up-to-date Hepatitis B vaccination
- Ability to administer local anesthetic
- Experience operating x-ray machines
- Excellent communication skills
- Comfortable using computers
- Knowledgeable about oral hygiene and dental health
Dental Hygienist Salary
The earning potential of a Dental Hygienist can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, industry, professional experience, educational background, and the specific employer. On average, the annual salary for an Dental Hygienist in the United States is approximately $84006.
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