Dental Hygienist

What is a dental hygienist?

A dental hygienist is someone who works in a dental practice and helps to keep patients' teeth and gums healthy. They work closely with dentists to provide preventative oral care.

What does a dental hygienist do?

Usually, a dental hygienist does the following:

• Cleaning and polishing patients' teeth
• Removing plaque and tartar buildup
• Applying fluoride treatments to help protect teeth
• Taking dental x-rays
• Providing oral hygiene education and advice to patients
• Assisting dentists during dental procedures

What does the day-to-day life of a dental hygienist look like?

A dental hygienist typically works between 9am and 5pm, although this can vary depending on the dental practice. Their day-to-day tasks may include:

• Cleaning patients' teeth and gums
• Examining patients' oral health and identifying any issues
• Educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques
• Assisting with dental procedures such as fillings or extractions
• Maintaining patient records and updating them as necessary

Where does a dental hygienist work?

Dental hygienists usually work in dental practices, either as part of a team or alongside dentists. They may also work in specialist clinics or hospitals. Some dental hygienists also offer home visits for patients who cannot travel to the dental practice.

What tools/instruments does a dental hygienist use?

A dental hygienist uses a variety of tools and instruments to perform their tasks, including:

• Dental scalers and curettes for cleaning teeth
• X-ray machines to capture dental images
• Dental mirrors for examining hard-to-reach areas
• Polishing tools and brushes for teeth cleaning
• Suction devices to remove excess saliva and water during procedures

What do I need to become a dental hygienist?

To become a dental hygienist, you have a few options:

• Higher Education: You can earn a Bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from a university. This typically takes around three years of full-time study.
• Dental Hygiene Diploma: You can complete a diploma program in dental hygiene, which usually takes around two years. These programs are offered by colleges and vocational schools.
• Apprenticeship: Some dental practices offer apprenticeship programs where you can learn on the job while studying for relevant qualifications.

What career paths are available for dental hygienists?

There are several career paths available for dental hygienists, including:

• Specialist Dental Hygienist: With further training and experience, you can specialize in areas such as pediatric dentistry, periodontics, or orthodontics.
• Dental Hygiene Educator: You can pursue a career in teaching dental hygiene at colleges or universities, helping to train future dental hygienists.
• Public Health Dental Hygienist: You can work in community healthcare settings, providing dental care and education to underserved populations.

What jobs are similar to a dental hygienist?

Jobs that are similar to a dental hygienist and may require similar skills include:

• Dental Assistant: Assisting dentists with chairside procedures and administrative tasks.
• Oral Health Educator: Providing oral hygiene education to individuals and community groups.
• Dental Therapist: Carrying out routine dental treatments under the prescription of a dentist.

What made you want to become a dental hygienist?

How did you get your first dental hygienist job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a dental hygienist?

Are you a dental hygienist? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to dental hygiene. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.