Top 12 Dental Hygienist Skills to Put on Your Resume
Landing a role as a dental hygienist requires showcasing a blend of technical proficiency and soft skills that highlight your capability to excel in patient care and dental practices. A well-crafted resume featuring the top skills in the field can significantly elevate your chances of grabbing the attention of potential employers and setting yourself apart from the competition.
Dental Hygienist Skills
- Periodontal Care
- Radiography
- Patient Education
- Infection Control
- Dental Software (e.g., Dentrix)
- Scaling
- Root Planing
- Digital X-rays
- Oral Cancer Screening
- Sealant Application
- Fluoride Treatments
- Ultrasonic Instrumentation
1. Periodontal Care
Periodontal care, regarding a dental hygienist's role, involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases through cleaning the teeth and gums, providing patient education on proper oral hygiene, and assisting in maintaining the health of the periodontium (the structures supporting the teeth).
Why It's Important
Periodontal care is crucial because it prevents and treats gum disease, safeguarding oral health, preventing tooth loss, and reducing the risk of systemic health issues linked to periodontal disease. For a dental hygienist, it involves educating patients, performing regular cleanings, and monitoring the health of the gums to maintain overall oral wellness.
How to Improve Periodontal Care Skills
Improving periodontal care as a Dental Hygienist involves a combination of patient education, precise clinical techniques, and ongoing professional development. Here’s a brief guide:
Educate Patients: Clearly explain the importance of good oral hygiene and its impact on periodontal health. Utilize visual aids and reliable online resources to enhance understanding.
Perform Thorough Cleanings: Use proper scaling and root planing techniques to effectively remove plaque and tartar. Stay updated with the latest tools and technologies in periodontal care.
Recommend Interdental Cleaning: Stress the importance of flossing and the use of interdental brushes. Provide demonstrations and recommend products that are easy to use and effective.
Implement Risk Assessment Tools: Use risk assessment protocols to identify patients at higher risk of periodontal diseases for targeted interventions.
Encourage Regular Check-ups: Emphasize the need for regular dental visits for early detection and management of periodontal issues.
Pursue Continuing Education: Stay informed about advances in periodontal care by engaging in continuing education courses and reading relevant journals.
By adopting these strategies, Dental Hygienists can significantly enhance the level of periodontal care they provide, leading to better patient outcomes.
How to Display Periodontal Care Skills on Your Resume
2. Radiography
Radiography, in the context of a Dental Hygienist, refers to the use of X-ray technology to create images of a patient's teeth and jawbone, aiding in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning of dental conditions.
Why It's Important
Radiography is crucial for a dental hygienist because it allows for the detailed visualization of dental structures, tissues, and diseases not visible to the naked eye, enabling accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and ongoing monitoring of oral health conditions.
How to Improve Radiography Skills
Improving radiography in dental hygiene involves enhancing image quality, reducing patient exposure to radiation, and ensuring accurate diagnostics. Here are concise strategies:
Stay Updated with Technology: Continuously update your knowledge and equipment to the latest digital radiography advancements. Digital X-rays offer superior image quality with lower radiation doses. American Dental Association provides resources on the latest in dental technology.
Optimize Your Technique: Ensure proper positioning and angle alignment to avoid retakes. Following the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology guidelines can help refine techniques.
Use Protective Measures: Apply lead aprons and thyroid collars to minimize patient exposure to radiation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers safety tips.
Regular Equipment Maintenance: Ensure your radiographic equipment is regularly serviced and calibrated to maintain optimal performance and safety. The Food and Drug Administration provides guidelines on equipment maintenance.
Continuing Education: Engage in lifelong learning through continuing education courses focused on radiography. The American Dental Hygienists' Association offers courses and resources for professional development.
By implementing these strategies, dental hygienists can improve their radiographic practices, contributing to better patient care and outcomes.
How to Display Radiography Skills on Your Resume
3. Patient Education
Patient education, in the context of a Dental Hygienist, involves informing and instructing patients on maintaining optimal oral health, including proper brushing and flossing techniques, the importance of regular dental check-ups, and the impacts of diet and lifestyle on dental health.
Why It's Important
Patient education is crucial for dental hygienists as it empowers patients to take an active role in their oral health, promoting better dental hygiene practices, reducing the risk of dental diseases, and enhancing overall treatment outcomes.
How to Improve Patient Education Skills
Improving patient education as a Dental Hygienist involves clear communication, utilizing visual aids, and leveraging technology to enhance understanding and engagement. Follow these concise steps:
Use Simple Language: Speak in plain, non-medical language to ensure patients understand dental conditions and procedures. Mayo Clinic's guide to clear communication offers valuable tips.
Visual Aids: Incorporate diagrams, models, and digital animations to explain dental issues and procedures. Visual aids can significantly improve comprehension. Colgate's Dental Visual Aids section provides examples.
Interactive Technology: Use apps and interactive software to demonstrate dental hygiene practices and simulate outcomes. Oral-B's dental education app is a great tool for engaging patients.
Follow-Up Materials: Provide take-home brochures or links to reputable dental health websites for further reading. The American Dental Association's MouthHealthy offers patient-friendly information on various topics.
Encourage Questions: Create a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions. This interaction can reveal misunderstandings and provide the opportunity for clarification.
Feedback and Personalization: Ask for feedback to tailor your approach to each patient's preferences and learning style, enhancing the educational experience.
By focusing on these strategies, Dental Hygienists can significantly improve patient education, leading to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
How to Display Patient Education Skills on Your Resume
4. Infection Control
Infection control in a dental hygiene context refers to the comprehensive set of practices and procedures implemented to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases within the dental setting, safeguarding both patients and dental professionals. These practices include proper sterilization of instruments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to hygiene protocols.
Why It's Important
Infection control is crucial for a Dental Hygienist to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases to patients, staff, and themselves, ensuring a safe and sterile environment for dental procedures.
How to Improve Infection Control Skills
Improving infection control as a dental hygienist involves adhering to strict protocols to prevent the spread of infections within the dental office. Here are concise steps to enhance infection control:
Hand Hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially before and after treating each patient. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when handwashing is not possible. CDC Guidelines on Hand Hygiene
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE such as gloves, masks, goggles, and gowns to protect against exposure to infectious agents. Change gloves and masks between patients. OSHA PPE Standards
Instrument Sterilization: Use autoclaves to sterilize all dental instruments between patients. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper sterilization techniques. CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings
Surface Disinfection: Clean and disinfect all surfaces that may come into contact with infectious materials, including dental chairs, countertops, and dental equipment, using EPA-registered disinfectants. EPA List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Safe Injection Practices: Use disposable needles and syringes for injections and dispose of them in puncture-resistant sharps containers immediately after use. Never reuse needles or syringes. CDC Injection Safety
Patient Screening and Scheduling: Screen patients for signs of infectious diseases and schedule patients with known infectious diseases during times that minimize their contact with other patients. ADA Interim Guidance for Minimizing Risk of COVID-19 Transmission
Education and Training: Stay informed about the latest infection control guidelines and participate in regular training sessions. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
By implementing these practices, dental hygienists can significantly reduce the risk of infection transmission in the dental office, ensuring a safer environment for both patients and staff.
How to Display Infection Control Skills on Your Resume
5. Dental Software (e.g., Dentrix)
Dental software, like Dentrix, is a digital tool designed to manage dental practice operations, including scheduling, patient records, billing, and treatment planning, helping dental hygienists and other dental professionals streamline workflows and enhance patient care.
Why It's Important
Dental software like Dentrix is crucial for dental hygienists as it streamlines patient management, from scheduling and charting to treatment planning and billing, enhancing efficiency and patient care quality.
How to Improve Dental Software (e.g., Dentrix) Skills
Improving dental software like Dentrix for dental hygienists involves enhancing user experience, streamlining workflow, and integrating advanced features. Here are concise strategies:
User-Friendly Interface: Simplify the interface to make navigation intuitive for dental hygienists. User Interface Guidelines
Automated Patient Communication: Integrate SMS and email reminders for appointments directly within the software to reduce no-shows. Effective Patient Communication
Customizable Templates: Allow hygienists to create and save custom templates for clinical notes and patient education materials. Template Customization
Enhanced Charting Tools: Implement intuitive periodontal charting that allows for fast, accurate input and visual representation of patient data. Periodontal Charting Guide
Mobile Access: Provide a secure mobile app version of the software for on-the-go access to patient records and scheduling. Mobile Health Security Best Practices
Interoperability: Ensure seamless integration with other dental and medical software systems for comprehensive patient care. Interoperability in Healthcare
Real-time Data Analytics: Include tools for tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to hygiene department productivity and patient outcomes. Healthcare Analytics
By focusing on these areas, dental software can become more efficient, user-friendly, and supportive of the critical work dental hygienists do.
How to Display Dental Software (e.g., Dentrix) Skills on Your Resume
6. Scaling
Scaling is a dental procedure performed by dental hygienists to remove plaque and tartar from teeth surfaces, both above and below the gum line, to prevent or treat periodontal disease.
Why It's Important
Scaling is important for a dental hygienist as it removes plaque and tartar buildup from teeth and below the gumline, preventing gum disease, cavities, and bad breath, thereby maintaining oral health and hygiene.
How to Improve Scaling Skills
To improve scaling techniques as a Dental Hygienist, focus on:
Enhancing Ergonomics: Use lightweight, ergonomic instruments to reduce hand fatigue and improve precision. American Dental Association offers resources on ergonomic tools.
Sharpening Skills: Regularly sharpen your scaling tools to ensure efficient plaque and tartar removal. The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) provides guidelines on instrument maintenance.
Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest scaling techniques and tools through continuing education courses. Dentalcare.com offers a variety of courses for dental professionals.
Practice and Feedback: Engage in hands-on practice sessions and seek feedback from experienced colleagues to refine your technique.
Patient Comfort: Use patient management techniques to enhance comfort, reducing patient movement and allowing for more effective scaling. Tips on patient management can be found on Colgate Professional.
Improving scaling techniques not only enhances patient care but also contributes to a dental hygienist's professional growth.
How to Display Scaling Skills on Your Resume
7. Root Planing
Root planing is a deep cleaning procedure performed by a dental hygienist to remove tartar and bacteria from the roots of teeth, smoothing the root surfaces to prevent further gum disease and promote healing of inflamed gum tissue.
Why It's Important
Root planing is crucial because it removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, smoothing the roots to promote healing and prevent further periodontal disease, aiding in maintaining oral health.
How to Improve Root Planing Skills
Improving root planing involves enhancing technique, patient comfort, and treatment outcomes. Here are concise tips for a dental hygienist:
Sharpen Instruments Regularly: Ensure that your scaling and root planing instruments are sharp to improve efficiency and reduce discomfort. American Dental Association provides guidelines on instrument sharpening.
Use Ultrasonic Scalers: Incorporate ultrasonic scalers for efficient calculus removal and reduced manual labor. The Journal of Dental Hygiene has studies supporting their effectiveness.
Apply Local Anesthesia: Improve patient comfort by proficiently applying local anesthesia. Dentalcare.com offers courses and techniques on local anesthesia for dental hygienists.
Educate Patients: Inform patients about the procedure and post-care to enhance cooperation and outcomes. The Colgate Oral Care Center provides patient-friendly resources.
Stay Updated with Continuing Education: Engage in continuous learning to stay abreast of the latest techniques and technologies in periodontal care. ADHA offers various continuing education courses for dental hygienists.
By focusing on these areas, dental hygienists can enhance their root planing skills, improving patient experience and treatment success.
How to Display Root Planing Skills on Your Resume
8. Digital X-rays
Digital X-rays are a form of digital imaging technology used by dental hygienists to capture detailed images of a patient's teeth and gums, facilitating the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning of dental conditions with reduced radiation exposure compared to traditional film x-rays.
Why It's Important
Digital X-rays are crucial for Dental Hygienists because they provide instant, detailed images of a patient's oral structure, allowing for accurate diagnosis, efficient treatment planning, and ongoing monitoring of dental health with minimal radiation exposure.
How to Improve Digital X-rays Skills
Improving digital X-rays in a dental setting involves both technical enhancements and operational practices to ensure optimal image quality and patient safety. Here are concise ways to achieve this:
Regular Calibration: Ensure that digital X-ray equipment is regularly calibrated and maintained to achieve consistent image quality. American Dental Association provides guidelines on equipment maintenance.
Image Resolution: Use the highest possible resolution settings that your digital X-ray system allows, without unnecessarily increasing exposure times. This improves diagnostic detail.
Patient Positioning: Proper patient positioning is crucial. Use positioning aids and ensure the patient remains still during exposure to reduce blurs and retakes. Colgate Professional offers tips on effective patient positioning.
Radiation Protection: Implement radiation protection measures such as using lead aprons and thyroid collars. Also, adhere to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) to minimize exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides guidelines on radiation safety.
Education and Training: Continuous education and training for dental hygienists on the latest digital X-ray technologies and best practices can significantly improve image quality and patient care. American Dental Hygienists' Association offers resources and courses for ongoing professional development.
Software Utilization: Utilize image enhancement software features such as contrast adjustment, filtering, and zooming to improve diagnostic capabilities of digital radiographs.
Digital Sensor Care: Handle digital sensors carefully and follow manufacturer recommendations for cleaning and storage to maintain image quality and sensor longevity.
By focusing on these key areas, dental hygienists can significantly improve the quality and diagnostic value of digital X-rays, enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes.
How to Display Digital X-rays Skills on Your Resume
9. Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is a preventive procedure performed by dental hygienists to examine the mouth for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions, aiming to identify oral cancer at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be successful. This involves visually and physically inspecting the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat for abnormalities such as sores, white or red patches, and lumps.
Why It's Important
Oral cancer screening is crucial for early detection and treatment of oral cancers, significantly improving patient outcomes. Dental hygienists play a key role in identifying abnormal tissues or signs that may indicate oral cancer, thereby facilitating timely intervention and management.
How to Improve Oral Cancer Screening Skills
Improving oral cancer screening in a dental hygienist's practice involves a combination of techniques, continuous education, and patient communication. Here are concise steps to enhance the effectiveness of screenings:
Stay Updated with Continuing Education: Regularly participate in continuing education courses focusing on the latest advancements in oral cancer detection and screening technologies. The American Dental Association offers resources and courses on the latest in oral health, including cancer screening.
Use Advanced Screening Technologies: Incorporate adjunctive screening technologies, such as VELscope or Identafi, alongside conventional examinations to improve the detection of abnormalities. VELscope and Identafi provide detailed information on their respective technologies.
Perform Thorough Examinations: Conduct a systematic examination of all oral tissues, including the tongue, floor of the mouth, and oropharyngeal regions, using both visual inspection and palpation. The Oral Cancer Foundation offers guidelines on conducting thorough examinations.
Educate Patients: Educate your patients about the risk factors of oral cancer, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV, and encourage them to maintain regular screening appointments. Providing educational materials or links to reputable sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be helpful.
Document Findings and Follow Up: Carefully document your findings and, if necessary, refer patients to specialists for further evaluation. Establish a follow-up protocol to ensure patients receive the necessary care and monitoring.
Improving oral cancer screening is a continuous process that involves staying informed, employing the latest technologies, and maintaining open communication with patients.
How to Display Oral Cancer Screening Skills on Your Resume
10. Sealant Application
Sealant application, in dental hygiene, involves applying a protective plastic coating to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent tooth decay by sealing the grooves and depressions that are prone to accumulating plaque and bacteria.
Why It's Important
Sealant application is important for dental hygiene as it provides a protective barrier on the chewing surfaces of teeth, preventing decay and cavities by sealing out plaque and food particles.
How to Improve Sealant Application Skills
Improving sealant application in a dental setting involves meticulous technique and up-to-date knowledge. Here are concise steps for dental hygienists aiming to enhance their sealant application process:
Preparation: Ensure the tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Use a dental air-water syringe to remove debris and moisture.
Isolation: Apply dental dams or cotton rolls to isolate the tooth and prevent moisture contamination, which is crucial for sealant adherence.
Acid Etching: Apply an acid etch to the enamel surface for 15-20 seconds to create micro-porosities that enhance bonding. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Acid Etching Technique
Application: Apply the sealant material carefully to the prepared enamel surface, ensuring it flows into the pits and fissures. Use a dental curing light to harden the sealant according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Evaluation: Check the sealant for coverage and integrity. Use a dental explorer with care to avoid dislodging the sealant. Adjust as necessary.
Education: Educate patients on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices to prolong the life of the sealants. Discuss the role of sealants in preventing tooth decay.
For more detailed information and techniques, consider consulting resources provided by professional dental organizations and continuing education opportunities, such as those offered by the American Dental Association and the American Dental Hygienists' Association. Continuous learning and practice are key to improving sealant application techniques.
How to Display Sealant Application Skills on Your Resume
11. Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are professional dental procedures performed by a dental hygienist to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. They involve applying a high concentration of fluoride, in gel, foam, or varnish form, directly to the teeth for a short period to enhance dental health.
Why It's Important
Fluoride treatments are important because they strengthen tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay, thereby reducing the risk of cavities and promoting overall oral health. For a dental hygienist, they are a crucial preventive measure to help maintain patients' dental health.
How to Improve Fluoride Treatments Skills
Improving fluoride treatments involves using the most effective fluoride varnish concentration, customizing treatment plans based on individual risk assessment, and staying updated with the latest research and techniques. For dental hygienists, it’s crucial to:
Select the Right Concentration: Choose a fluoride varnish with an optimal concentration for the patient’s age and caries risk. The American Dental Association (ADA) provides guidelines on appropriate fluoride applications.
Customize Treatment Plans: Assess each patient’s caries risk and customize the fluoride treatment accordingly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers resources for dental professionals on applying fluoride treatments effectively.
Educate Patients: Inform patients about the benefits of fluoride and how it works to prevent tooth decay. Effective communication can improve compliance and outcomes. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research provides patient education materials.
Stay Informed and Trained: Regularly update your knowledge and skills through continuing education courses and professional development opportunities. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) offers resources and courses on the latest in fluoride treatment and preventive care.
Use Evidence-Based Practices: Follow the latest research and evidence-based guidelines to inform treatment strategies. The Cochrane Oral Health reviews provide evidence on the effectiveness of fluoride treatments.
By focusing on these elements, dental hygienists can enhance the efficacy of fluoride treatments, contributing to better oral health outcomes for their patients.
How to Display Fluoride Treatments Skills on Your Resume
12. Ultrasonic Instrumentation
Ultrasonic instrumentation in dental hygiene refers to the use of devices that emit high-frequency sound waves to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth surfaces and beneath the gumline. These instruments facilitate efficient cleaning and scaling by vibrating at ultrasonic speeds, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of dental cleaning procedures.
Why It's Important
Ultrasonic instrumentation is crucial for a Dental Hygienist as it efficiently removes tartar and plaque, reduces manual labor, improves patient comfort, and accesses difficult-to-reach areas, enhancing overall oral health care.
How to Improve Ultrasonic Instrumentation Skills
Improving ultrasonic instrumentation in dental hygiene involves enhancing technique, equipment maintenance, and continuous education:
Technique Improvement: Focus on mastering the correct angulation (0 to 15 degrees) and adapting the tip's lateral surface to the tooth for effective calculus removal and minimal discomfort. American Dental Association
Equipment Maintenance: Regularly check and replace worn ultrasonic tips, as efficiency decreases with wear. Ensure the ultrasonic unit is functioning correctly for optimal performance. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines
Continuous Education: Stay updated with the latest advancements in ultrasonic technology and techniques through continuing education courses and professional development opportunities. American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Continuing Education
By focusing on these areas, dental hygienists can enhance their ultrasonic instrumentation skills, contributing to more effective patient care and treatment outcomes.
How to Display Ultrasonic Instrumentation Skills on Your Resume
