JOB DESCRIPTION

Perform dental prophylactic treatments and instruct groups and individuals in the care of the teeth and mouth. May specialize in providing clinical services and health education in program designed to improve and maintain oral health of school children.

SKILLS AND APTITUDES NEEDED

Good manual dexterity to use dental instruments in a patient’s mouth with little room for error Ability to work well with others Knowledge in biology, chemistry, mathematics

Dental hygienists work under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Duties may include cleaning and polishing teeth, taking X-rays, tending sutures, performing fluoride treatments, and administering pit and fissure sealant. Hygienists also instruct patients on proper oral health care and preventive dentistry. At times, the hygienist may be called upon to schedule appointments and to act as office manager.

Flexible scheduling is a distinctive feature of this job. Full-time, part-time, evening, and weekend work is widely available. Dentists frequently hire hygienists to work only 2 or 3 days a week, so hygienists may hold jobs in more than one dental office. Hygienists work in clean, well-lighted offices. Important health safeguards include strict adherence to proper radiological procedures, and use of appropriate protective devices when administering anesthetic gas. Hygienists also wear safety glasses, surgical masks, and gloves to protect themselves from infectious diseases.