Dental Hygienist

Working Schedule

Dental Hygienists can work either full-time or part-time in dental offices.

Typical Duties

• Take and develop dental x-rays (e.g., bitewing, panoramic) to identify issues.
• Analyze X-rays for problems like impacted teeth, bone loss, and wisdom teeth.
• Assess and document patient oral health. Report findings to the dentist.
• Take patients’ blood pressure and pulse. Explain upcoming procedures to patients to help them understand what to expect.
• Perform periodontal scaling and root planing to treat gum disease.
• Clean and polish teeth, removing tartar, plaque, and stains.
  Use hand, power, and ultrasonic tools for thorough cleaning and stain removal.
• Apply polishing pastes for smooth, bright teeth.
• Apply fluoride treatments for enamel protection, especially for children.
• Place sealants on cavity-prone teeth, especially for young patients.
• Prepare and sterilize dental instruments and equipment. Set up treatment areas with necessary instruments and supplies.
• Assist dentists during procedures by passing instruments, suctioning, and maintaining patient comfort.
• Discuss treatment plans, including follow-up appointments and recommended dental work.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene techniques, like proper brushing and flossing.
• Advise on diet and oral care products (e.g., toothbrushes, floss).
• Educate on aftercare for scaling and root planing.

Additional Duties

• Manage inventory of dental supplies.
• Monitor and maintain equipment functionality.
• Take impressions of patients’ teeth for the creation of models and dental appliances.
• Create digital charts for patients.
• Support sedation or anesthesia administration by monitoring patient comfort and readiness.
• Assist with dental emergencies.
• Recognize signs of distress and act swiftly to provide appropriate first aid.
• Help front office staff with appointment scheduling, as needed.
• Document patient care and treatment plans for continuity.
• Maintain clean work uniforms (scrubs).
• Review patient charts for the day. 

Soft Skills

• Attention to detail
• Communication
• Customer service
• Empathy
• Focus
• Organizational skills
• Patience
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork

Technical Skills

Dental Hygienists need hard skills related to the following:

• Dental equipment maintenance
• Dental hygiene procedures and protocols
• Dental impressions
• Dental software such as Dentrix
• Dental tools and instruments such as scalers, polishers, and x-ray equipment
• Dental x-ray machines
• Dexterity
• Infection control standards and health regulations
• Medical record-keeping
• Patient confidentiality and compliance
• Scheduling
• Sterilization procedures 

“This field requires persistence and care. People matter while they are in your chair as much as the procedure you are rendering; therefore, a clinician must be willing to read the personality of the patient, what keeps them comfortable, and body language. The dental field is all about personal care and compassion that comes from wanting to work with people of all kinds and to care for your patient, each one.  Communication will take a RDH far and most successful in this career path, proper ability to explain what is being taken place and using solid examples to have patient relate in other aspects is also key. To maintain a fulfilling career choice and composure in this field one should really work in a dental office early on to see the scope of the field first on, its limitation, and its weight on the body. Most don’t know that the hygienist is most likely the first to treat the NEW patient in the office, so much relies on how that first visit of treatment and personal care goes to have the patient return.” - Marjan Shafieyan, RDH

• Private dental practices
• Public health clinics
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Schools

Dental Hygienists play a vital role in delivering quality care while building positive relationships with patients. The job requires a strong focus on patient comfort and safety, along with the stamina for long hours of standing and bending. With multiple patients to see daily, good time management is essential, as is the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Following strict health and safety standards is a must, so Dental Hygienists should be well-versed in policies and health codes. Staying updated on new technologies and procedures is also important and helps them provide the best care possible.

The dental hygiene field is evolving with a focus on preventive care. Dental Hygienists play a key role in this shift, educating patients on oral health practices and promoting long-term wellness. Increasingly, hygienists are also involved in broader healthcare efforts, identifying signs of systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease that can manifest in the mouth.

Technological advancements are transforming the field, too! Digital tools like intraoral scanners and electronic health records are enhancing diagnostics and treatment planning, while specialized treatments like laser therapy for gum disease are becoming more common. Additionally, teledentistry enables hygienists to consult with patients remotely, expanding access to care.

Finally, sustainable practices are gaining importance, with many dental offices adopting eco-friendly products and waste-reduction strategies to support environmental health.

"The dental hygiene industry is always advancing with new technology and approaches to patient care. Lasers are becoming more common, and tailored home care plans now include innovative products and technology to better support individual needs. Hygienists are also trained to screen for systemic conditions, reinforcing the connection between oral health and overall wellness. In addition, smoking cessation and patient education are key focuses, emphasizing that oral health impacts the whole body, not just the mouth." Whitney DiFoggio, MA/RDH at Teeth Talk Girl

Dental hygienists often share an early interest in science, particularly biology and health. They may have enjoyed hands-on activities, such as crafts or hobbies requiring fine motor skills. 

"A typical “day in the life” of a dental hygienist is dynamic and ever-changing, largely depending on the variety of patients scheduled. No two days are ever the same, which keeps the work interesting and engaging. You might start the morning with a new patient coming in for a comprehensive exam, followed by routine cleanings, then perhaps a more involved appointment like scaling and root planing for a patient with periodontal disease. Later, you could see children for their cleanings, apply sealants to help protect their teeth, or take x-rays to monitor oral health or diagnose issues. This variety ensures that there’s never a dull moment in the day.

In a private practice, which is where I work, my day begins with setting up my room and making sure all my supplies are ready. Each appointment involves preparing for the patient, performing the cleaning or procedure, and cleaning up the room between patients. After each appointment, I take time to write progress notes and chart relevant information to ensure comprehensive records are maintained. This process repeats throughout the day, with a steady flow of patients who each bring unique needs and require different levels of care.

Working in a private practice differs significantly from working in a corporate office. Private practices may have a more personal touch, with familiar patients and a more close-knit team environment, while corporate offices might have a faster pace and standardized protocols across multiple locations. Regardless of the setting, each appointment as a dental hygienist offers an opportunity to connect with patients, educate them on proper dental care, and contribute to their overall health.

Also, oftentimes the day flies by! Between the variety of procedures, from routine cleanings to more complex treatments like scaling and root planings, there’s always something happening. The day’s pace, paired with the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a difference in people’s health and well-being, makes it a rewarding and fulfilling profession." - Whitney DiFoggio, MA/RDH at Teeth Talk Girl