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What does a Dental do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A dental hygienist is a person who helps to clean teeth and gums.

Dental job duties include:

  • Cleaning teeth
  • Examining patients for oral diseases
  • Providing preventative care
  • Filling cavities
  • Extracting teeth
  • Making dental prosthetics
  • Performing root canals
  • Whitening teeth
  • Educating patients on oral hygiene

Dental Job Requirements

A career in dentistry offers many opportunities. Dentists can choose to work in a variety of settings, including private practices, clinics, hospitals, and public health organizations. They may also choose to specialize in a particular area of dentistry, such as orthodontics or oral surgery.

Most dentists complete a four-year dental program at an accredited dental school. After graduation, they must pass both a written and clinical examination to become licensed in their state. Some dentists may choose to complete a residency or fellowship program to further their training.

Dental Skills

  • Dental
  • Anatomy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Dental Materials
  • Occlusion
  • Removable Prosthodontics
  • Fixed Prosthodontics
  • Implantology
  • Endodontics
  • Pediatric Dentistry

Related: Top Dental Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Dental

There are many steps that one must take in order to become a dental hygienist. The first step is to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Next, you must complete an accredited dental hygiene program. After completing the accredited dental hygiene program, you must then pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and obtain a state license. Once you have met all of these requirements, you are then eligible to begin working as a dental hygienist.

The first step towards becoming a dental hygienist is to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many dental hygiene programs require that applicants have at least a 2.5 GPA in order to be considered for admission. In addition, most programs also require that applicants have completed certain prerequisite courses, such as biology and chemistry. If you have not already completed these courses, it is important to do so before applying to any dental hygiene programs.

Once you have met the basic requirements for admission into a dental hygiene program, the next step is to complete an accredited dental hygiene program. These programs typically last two years and lead to an Associate’s degree in Dental Hygiene. During your time in the program, you will take coursework in subjects such as oral anatomy, periodontology, radiography, and more. You will also gain clinical experience by working with patients in a variety of settings, such as private practices, public health clinics, and hospitals.

After successfully completing an accredited dental hygiene program, the next step is to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). This exam is administered by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation and is used to assess whether or not candidates are prepared for entry-level positions in the field of dental hygiene. To pass the NBDHE, candidates must demonstrate knowledge in a variety of subject areas, including infection control, oral anatomy, periodontology, and more.

The final step towards becoming a dental hygienist is to obtain a state license. Each state has different requirements for licensure, but most states require candidates to pass both the NBDHE and a state-specific examination. Once you have met all of the requirements for licensure in your state, you will be able to find employment as a dental hygienist.

Related: Dental Resume Example

Related: Dental Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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