"I completed a three-year dental hygiene program at George Brown College. George Brown has their own dental clinic, which allowed me to get on-the-job training and practice dental hygiene on patients under direct supervision. At the end of my program, I passed the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board exam, allowing me to register with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario."

"If a patient is scared, I give them an option. I can either explain what I'm going to do beforehand so they know what to expect, or I can distract them. I let them know we can stop at any time if they're uncomfortable and tell them I'll do my best to minimize the pain. I'm always as gentle as possible during the procedure and make them feel as comfortable as I can."

"I teach patients about oral care by demonstrating. I use a 3D model and show them how to brush their teeth properly. I also show flossing techniques on the model and their own teeth. Then, I let the patient practice the new methods and supervise to ensure they can do it correctly at home."

"I have experience with taking and developing x-rays, examining teeth for damage, and completing a preliminary exam on new patients. I have experience doing this for patients of various age groups. I'd be happy to learn how to perform other diagnostic tests you prefer as well."

"One patient didn't react well when I asked them if they floss regularly. I said their teeth were bleeding a lot, which indicates a need to floss more often. The patient got defensive and yelled at me. I apologized and asked the dentist to come in and finish their evaluation. I realized afterwards that I may have sounded accusatory. Now, I approach these types of questions differently and use it as a teaching opportunity to promote proper oral hygiene."

"You can tell a patient has gingivitis if they have swollen gums or redness around their teeth. Healthy gums should be pale pink and firm around the teeth. Swollen gums may be sensitive and bleed when the patient brushes or flosses. Gingivitis comes from poor oral hygiene, so I'd recommend patients start brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing once daily."

"String flossing is better at removing plaque due to the scraping motion of the floss, so I'd generally recommend it over water flossing. But, there are benefits to both types of flossing, so I would base my recommendation on the patient. For example, someone with sensitive gums, dexterity issues or braces will find water flossing easier."

"I can work independently, but I much prefer working as a team. Working with other people allows me to learn from them and improve my own knowledge. It gives me the opportunity to consult them on cases I'm struggling with and makes work more enjoyable as well."

"My greatest strengths as a dental hygienist are my communication skills and my compassion. I use my communication skills to teach patients about oral hygiene and provide the best care possible. This coupled with my compassion allows me to comfort patients that are scared or nervous, which is especially helpful at a pediatric dentist clinic such as yours."

"My family has been coming to this dental office for five years now. Your staff have always treated us all with respect and provided the best dental care. I want to work at an office that always puts its patients first and strives to do their best work as I believe your team does. I also see an opportunity for me to develop my career here, and can see myself working with the practice long term."

"I absolutely see myself on the same career path in five years. I've been a dental hygienist for three years and really enjoy the work. I love helping patients look and feel good, and I get to meet so many interesting people. I'd like to work for your clinic long-term becauseI believe it's the best way to grow and improve my knowledge. I'm also interested in working with an established team of professionals who I have a lot to learn from."

"During routine teeth cleanings, I use a mirror to see the patient's teeth at different angles. I use a probe to check gum health and other oral health issues. I use a scaler and curette to scrape away plaque and tartar. At the end of the session, I use a polisher to make teeth shiny and remove surface-level stains. Throughout the cleaning, I use a suction tool to remove saliva from the mouth."

"I have the most experience working with children under 10, as I used to work at a pediatric dentist's office. However, I also have experience working with teenagers and adults as I did so during my dental program. So, I'm happy working with patients of any age."

"When bacteria and certain types of food such as sugar or starch mix, it causes plaque to build up. Patients with a fuzzy feeling on their teeth have plaque, which can lead to bad breath, swollen gums, cavities, tooth decay, and more. So, to prevent plaque from building up, patients need to brush their teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and cut back on sugary or starchy foods, such as milk, citrus, bread, and pasta."

"Tooth number 11 refers to the patient's central right incisor, also known as the front tooth. The number comes from the Canadian tooth numbering system, which divides a person's set of teeth into four quadrants. Numbering the teeth makes it easier for the dentist and dental hygienist to communicate issues on specific teeth, such as a cavity."