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What Is in the Dental Hygienist Job Description?
Dental hygienist is one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. However, what exactly is in a dental hygienist job description? This may not be a simple question since an oral hygienist’s job description can vary according to the state in which he or she practices. Still, there are several functions common to all hygienists regardless of where they work.
The oral hygienist’s primary function is to prevent serious dental health issues and disease in patients. He or she must explain proper oral hygiene to patients from brushing and flossing to recommendations of bi-annual cleanings. They also explain the connection between nutrition and dental hygiene to promote healthy eating habits. Hygienists also clean and polish the teeth with various instruments. They examine the teeth to check for disease and other problems. They make casts of the mouth and teeth for crowns and prosthetics. They also take x-rays, apply fluorides and sealants to prevent cavities and remove sutures.
Hygienists must keep records of medical histories of their patients to help them detect diseases and other serious issues. However, some hygienists have additional duties that some states may not license for others. Many oral hygienists are permitted to administer local anesthesia to their patients. Many states are even expanding duties previously reserved for dentists to oral hygienists since the demand for dental health is increasing. Older patients are retaining their teeth longer and awareness is growing among the general public of the importance of dental health on the overall health, so hygienists are now accommodating those needs.
Most dental hygienists take a similar route on the way to the field. Prospective hygienists must have a high school diploma or GED before they can get into an accredited program. They are required to pass a two-year program before they can take exams to receive their licenses to practice. The state may issue its own clinical exam, but each one also typically uses the written exam administered by the American Dental Association. Many states are also now requiring that dental hygienists pass a legal exam before they can practice.