Dental Hygienist

A pediatric dental hygienist plays a vital role in promoting oral hygiene and teaching proper dental care to children, adolescents, and young adult patients. Working with children presents unique challenges, particularly when they may be anxious about visiting the dentist. Your responsibilities may include calming nervous children, as well as examining patients for oral diseases, assessing their needs, and identifying signs of child abuse and neglect.

Dental Hygienist Job Duties:

- Prepare the treatment room by following prescribed procedures and protocols.

- Greet and comfort patients, ensuring they are seated and draped appropriately for dental hygiene treatment.

- Provide information and answer questions for both patients and staff.

- Maintain instruments for dental hygiene procedures by sharpening, sterilizing, and selecting the appropriate tools.

- Evaluate patients’ oral health to select materials and equipment for dental visits.

- Perform dental prophylaxis by cleaning deposits and stains from teeth and below gum margins.

- Conduct oral cancer screenings, visually examining gums and developing radiographic studies to detect disease.

- Apply fluoride and other cavity-preventing agents to halt dental decay.

- Fabricate temporary restorations, clean and polish removable appliances, and remove cement from crowns and bridges to maintain patients’ dental health.

- Assist the dentist in managing dental and medical emergencies by keeping current with CPR certification, maintaining an emergency drug and oxygen supply, and having a directory of emergency contacts.

- Educate patients on oral hygiene practices, plaque control, and postoperative care, including reminders for their next dental hygiene visit.

- Document dental hygiene services by recording vital signs and medical and dental histories, and charting in patient records.

- Uphold patient confidentiality to maintain trust and protect operations.

- Ensure a safe and clean working environment by adhering to established procedures, rules, and regulations.

- Follow infection-control policies and protocols to protect both patients and staff.

- Ensure the proper functioning of dental equipment by performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting issues, calling for repairs, and evaluating new equipment and techniques.

- Manage dental supplies inventory by checking stock levels, anticipating needs, placing orders, and verifying the receipt of supplies.

- Use equipment and supplies efficiently to conserve resources.

- Stay updated on professional knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing publications, establishing networks, and participating in professional organizations.

- Contribute to the team by achieving related results as needed.

- You may also administer anesthesia, such as Novocain and nitrous oxide, to children.