Dental Hygienist job description

A Dental Hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who specializes in preventive dental care, focusing on procedures such as teeth cleaning, patient education, and periodontal assessments. They play a critical role in maintaining patient oral health, reducing the risk of dental diseases, and supporting the overall efficiency and reputation of a dental practice by ensuring high standards of care and patient satisfaction.

Briefcase
Hiring for this role?
POST THIS JOB FOR FREE
Arrow
Folder Search
Find more suitable candidates for this role ?
TRY FOR FREE
Arrow

What is a Dental Hygienist?

A Dental Hygienist is a licensed healthcare professional who works alongside dentists to provide essential preventive oral care services. They are experts in cleaning teeth, examining patients for signs of oral diseases like gingivitis or cavities, and educating individuals on proper dental hygiene practices. In the United States, Dental Hygienists must complete an accredited educational program and pass national and state licensing exams to practice, ensuring they meet rigorous standards for patient safety and care.

What does a Dental Hygienist do?

Dental Hygienists perform a variety of clinical and educational duties to promote oral health. Their responsibilities include conducting teeth cleanings (prophylaxis) to remove plaque and tartar, taking and developing dental X-rays, applying preventive materials like sealants and fluoride, and screening patients for oral health issues such as gum disease or oral cancer. Additionally, they educate patients on effective brushing and flossing techniques, provide dietary advice related to dental health, and assist dentists during procedures by preparing tools and documenting patient records. By doing so, they help prevent dental problems, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to the efficient operation of dental practices.

Job Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Dental Hygienist to join our dental practice. The ideal candidate will provide exceptional patient care, perform dental hygiene procedures, and educate patients on oral health maintenance. This role requires strong clinical skills, excellent patient communication, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of dental hygiene practice in accordance with state regulations and professional standards.

Dental Hygienist responsibilities include:

1. Perform comprehensive dental prophylaxis including scaling, root planing, and polishing 2. Conduct thorough oral health assessments and charting 3. Take and develop dental radiographs (X-rays) 4. Administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation (as permitted by state law) 5. Provide periodontal therapy and maintenance care 6. Educate patients on oral hygiene techniques and preventive care 7. Screen for oral cancer and other pathological conditions 8. Apply preventive materials such as sealants and fluorides 9. Document patient care and maintain accurate electronic health records 10. Collaborate with dentists regarding patient treatment plans and follow-up care
Want to generate an attractive job description?

Must-Have Requirements

1. Active Dental Hygienist license in the state of practice 2. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited program 3. Current CPR/BLS certification 4. 2+ years of clinical experience in dental hygiene 5. Proficiency in digital radiography and intraoral photography 6. Strong knowledge of periodontal disease management 7. Excellent manual dexterity and clinical skills 8. Familiarity with dental software systems (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft) 9. Understanding of OSHA and infection control protocols 10. Ability to maintain detailed patient records

Preferred Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene 2. Experience with periodontal laser therapy 3. Knowledge of CAMBRA (Caries Management by Risk Assessment) 4. Experience in specialty practices (periodontics or prosthodontics) 5. Proficiency with electronic health records systems 6. Experience with patient education software 7. Local anesthesia certification (if required by state) 8. Nitrous oxide monitoring certification 9. Experience with dental implant maintenance 10. Previous experience in fast-paced dental practices

Bonus Skills

1. Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) certification 2. Public health dental hygiene experience 3. Bilingual skills (Spanish preferred) 4. Experience with soft tissue management programs 5. Knowledge of insurance coding and billing procedures 6. Experience training or mentoring dental assistants 7. Participation in community oral health programs 8. Familiarity with teledentistry platforms 9. Additional certifications in areas such as local anesthesia or nitrous oxide 10. Experience with advanced instrumentation techniques

Are you ready to innovate your recruitment process?

Join thousands of leading companies and experience the next generation of intelligent recruitment

No credit card required | 7-day full-featured trial | Dedicated customer support

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions, answered

Everything you need to know about TalentSeek and how itcan transform your hiring process.

What is TalentSeek

toggle

TalentSeek is an AI-powered global recruitment platform designed to make hiring talent worldwide faster, smarter, and more affordable. Powered by advanced AI Agents, TalentSeek helps companies effortlessly connect with top professionals across borders — breaking human network limits and reducing hiring costs. Start hiring globally with ease. One platform, endless talent.

Who can use TalentSeek ?

toggle

TalentSeek is built for recruiters. If you are searching for Global Talent or hard-to-find talent, TalentSeek is a fit for you. We work with companies ranging from Fortune 500 to boutique recruiting agencies — and hopefully, you too.

What distinguishes TalentSeek from other recruitment tools?

toggle

TalentSeek is an AI-driven global recruitment platform that enables real-time searching of over 900 million job seekers across more than 200 countries and regions. This platform empowers companies to effortlessly connect with top professionals beyond borders, breaking the limitations of personal networks and reducing hiring costs.

Does TalentSeek have access to global candidate data?

toggle

Yes. TalentSeek has 900 million profiles across the globe from dozens of data sources. Covers over 200 countries and regions worldwide.We continue to add region-specific sources to enhance global coverage.

Is there a free trial available for TalentSeek?

toggle

Yes. To get started, use the "Start for Free" button to open the platform. Then, sign up or log in to access your account.