What does a Dental Hygienist do?
A Dental Hygienist is an important support employee in a dental office. There are often several Dental Hygienists who work in one clinic and for different Dentists. Their main responsibility is to clean teeth, perform x-ray procedures, and provide support for clients and customers. In order for a Dental Hygienist to be successful, they must be diligent, have attention to detail, and be able to work collaboratively with others in the office.
Dental Hygienist skills and qualifications
A successful Dental Hygienist will have important skills and qualifications in order to perform their job safely and properly. Some of these may include:
- Excellent verbal communication skills for working directly with patients
- Written communication skills for documenting a patient’s medical history and oral health
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
- Experience taking digital x-rays and other imaging
Dental Hygienist experience requirements
Ideally, a Dental Hygienist will have some prior experience working in dental hygiene, but that may not always be necessary. Candidates with a history of interaction with children in their work may be sought after, depending on the practice. Experience using digital software and varying platforms for imaging, record-taking, and communication would also generally be considered an asset for the applicant.
Dental Hygienist education and training requirements
A good Dental Hygienist candidate will have received training from an accredited school or training program in dental hygiene. They should be registered with their respective provincial colleges, such as the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO). Any other medical training would be considered as an asset to the candidate. It would be an asset if a candidate has taken continuing education courses in dental hygiene to advance their skills.
Dental Hygienist salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Dental Hygienist is $39.61 per hour. This will depend on many factors, including where the dental office is located, the experience of the applicant, and the needs of the company.
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