Dental Hygienists

Provide patients with dental hygiene instruction. Determine any issues or requirements a patient may have with their dental hygiene and keep notes.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT DENTAL HYGIENIST CAREERS

Dental hygienists provide dental care that promotes good oral health and aids in the prevention or repair of dental issues in patients. Examining patients' teeth and gums for cavities and disease, cleaning and polishing teeth, and teaching them basic brushing and flossing procedures are all part of a regular day. Hygienists wear gloves, safety glasses, and surgical masks at all times and adhere to strict safety standards. Most dentists take x-rays of their patients' teeth. You must be detail-oriented and able to work well with your hands to be successful in this field. You can anticipate to interact with folks from various walks of life on a daily basis. While nearly all dental hygienists work in dentist offices, around half work part-time. Because dentists sometimes engage hygienists for a few days each week, several hygienists work for multiple dentists to achieve full-time hours in the field. This job requires an associate's degree in dental hygiene, which typically takes three years to finish. Dental hygienists must also be licenced in all states. In this line of work, you have your patient's back... or rather, their teeth!

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Characteristics

Physical demands
Exposure to job hazards
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Comfort of the work setting
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Communication with others
Competition for this position
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Level of responsibilities
Critical decision making
Leadership
Dealing and handling conflicts

Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others Know More
Documenting/Recording Information Know More
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Know More
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Know More
Getting Information Know More
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Know More
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Know More
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Know More

Areas of Study

Biology Know More
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Education and Training Know More
English Language Know More
Medicine and Dentistry Know More
Psychology Know More
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Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Judgment and Decision Making Know More
Monitoring Know More
Service Orientation Know More
Social Perceptiveness Know More
Speaking Know More
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