What does a Hygienist do?
Published 3 min read
A hygienist is a healthcare professional who specializes in preventing and treating oral disease. They are often the first line of defense against dental problems, and they work closely with dentists to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. Hygienists typically clean teeth, remove tartar and plaque, and provide education on proper oral hygiene.
Hygienist job duties include:
- Remove calculus, tartar, and plaque from teeth
- Apply fluoride and sealants to teeth
- Take dental x-rays
- Assess patients for risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease
- Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques
- Make impressions of teeth for dental appliances
- Select and fit patients with dentures, braces, or other appliances
- Remove sutures
- Place temporary fillings
Hygienist Job Requirements
A hygienist is a dental professional who specializes in preventive oral health. They are responsible for providing patients with information and instruction on how to maintain good oral hygiene. They also remove plaque and tartar from teeth, and may apply sealants or fluoride treatments. In order to become a hygienist, one must complete an accredited dental hygiene program and pass a national board examination. Some states also require licensure. Prior to beginning their career, most hygienists gain experience by working as dental assistants.
Hygienist Skills
- Patient interaction
- Sterilization
- Infection control
- Charting
- Dental procedures
- Exposure to x-ray
- Taking dental impressions
- Teeth cleaning
- Polishing teeth
- Fluoride treatments
- Sealants
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How to become a Hygienist
A dental hygienist is a vital part of every dentist’s office. They are the ones who clean teeth, take X-rays, and provide preventative care to patients. Dental hygienists must have excellent communication skills, be detail oriented, and have good hand-eye coordination. If you have these qualities and are interested in a career in dentistry, then becoming a dental hygienist may be the perfect fit for you!
There are a few steps you will need to take in order to become a dental hygienist. First, you will need to obtain an associate’s degree in dental hygiene from an accredited school. Once you have completed your degree, you will then need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). After passing the NBDHE, you will be eligible to apply for licensure in your state. Once you are licensed, you will be able to find employment at a dentist’s office or other healthcare facility.
If you are interested in becoming a dental hygienist, start by researching accredited dental hygiene programs near you. Once you have been accepted into a program, work hard to complete your degree and prepare for the NBDHE. With dedication and hard work, you can become a licensed dental hygienist and begin working in this rewarding career!
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