Dental Hygienist Jobs

A dental hygienist job must undertake a number of roles within a dental practice, carrying out a range of dental work and teaching patients how to look after their teeth and oral hygiene.

A hygienist's duties will cover scaling and polishing teeth, applying coatings and sealants to teeth to help prevent decay, taking x-rays, giving local anaesthetic and undertaking temporary fillings, replacing crowns with temporary cement in an emergency, taking impressions of teeth and gums for crowns, bridges and dentures.

A hygienist will also teach people how to take care of their teeth and gums by brushing and flossing. Due to their close contact with the patient and the knowledge that patients are sometimes anxious when attending the dentist for whatever reason it is important for a dental hygienist to enjoy working with people and be able to build a rapport with patients of all ages to make them feel relaxed and comfortable.

Dental hygienists will be good at science and have a particular interest in biology, a considered approach to their work is also advantageous as it is often detailed and uses delicate instruments. 

Fully qualified dental hygienists will have obtained the relevant Diploma in Dental Hygiene and are able to work at general dental practices, hospitals or can be self-employed and work at a number of practices.