As members of the dentist’s office, Dental hygienists play a critical role in the delivery of quality dental care to patients. With the proper training and experience, they can earn competitive wages, enjoy a high degree of job flexibility and job security, and provide life-changing care to patients of all ages. Dental hygienist skills, which range from hard skills such as dexterity with dental tools to soft skills such as empathy, help the dentists’ practices run smoothly.
A career as a dental hygienist is an excellent choice for individuals who are interested in a fast-paced, dynamic career in oral healthcare. Instead of committing to a lengthy and expensive four-year college degree program, students can prepare for an entry-level dental hygienist role by enrolling in an accredited dental hygienist training program that can be completed in about two academic years.
What Do Dental Hygienists Do?
Dental hygienists are skilled, state-licensed professionals who perform a wide range of clinical and administrative tasks in support of dentists. They help ensure that patients receive high-quality, compassionate dental care. Following are some of the primary tasks that a dental hygienist may carry out over the course of a day:
- Assessing patients’ oral health
- Explaining procedures to patients in a calm and supportive manner
- Cleaning and scaling teeth
- Taking and reading X-rays
- Counseling and educating patients on the importance of good oral health
- Recommending and administering preventive dental treatments
- Performing bookkeeping, documentation, scheduling, and other administrative tasks
7 Skills Dental Hygienists Should Have
Dental hygienists learn many of the skills they need to succeed in their roles during their training program, including skills in oral health, ethics, and radiology. Other impactful dental hygienist skills, such as interpersonal communication skills, empathy, and attention to detail, must be honed over time.
1. Interpersonal Communication
Dental hygienists need effective interpersonal communication skills to be able to explain dental procedures and conditions to patients in a way they can understand. These skills also help dental hygienists emphasize the importance of following dental care tips.
Being able to communicate well in emails, in phone calls, and face-to-face is vital for collaborating with other dental services providers, managing appointments, and keeping records organized as well.
2. Oral Anatomy and Health
Dental hygienists must have a solid understanding of the structures of the mouth, including the gums, teeth, and tongue. They should also know the signs and symptoms of various dental conditions, such as gum disease and tooth decay. This knowledge allows the hygienist to determine the best course of action alongside a dentist.
3. Ethics
Understanding and being able to uphold professional ethics is one of the most valuable dental hygienist skills of all. Dental hygienists work with many patients every day, and each one is entitled to privacy, dignity, and transparency. Only then will patients feel confident in their dental providers’ abilities and know they put safety and compassion first.
4. Fine Motor Skills
Dental hygienists need well-honed fine motor skills to be able to perform their duties effectively and avoid accidentally damaging their patients’ teeth and gums. Good manual dexterity is crucial when injecting an anesthetic prior to a procedure, applying a professional-grade whitening product, or simply cleaning teeth. Students practice procedures and processes frequently throughout their training, and they are also encouraged to strengthen their hand muscles through regular exercise.
5. Empathy and Compassion
Some patients may feel anxious during a visit to the dentist, while others may avoid dentist visits entirely out of fear. Dental hygienists who are able to express empathy and compassion can help ease patients’ minds and encourage them to seek the care they need when they need it.
6. Focus
Being skilled at remaining focused during a complex dental procedure helps hygienists ensure positive outcomes for their patients and their practice. Dental hygienists must be able to concentrate on the task at hand and leave previous or future appointment concerns at the exam room door. Focusing on the dentist’s processes during an in-depth procedure also allows the hygienist to provide better support.
7. Radiology
Understanding the basics of radiology and knowing how to take X-rays are some of the most valuable dental hygienist skills in any dental practice. X-ray images are important to patients’ health as they can sometimes help dentists find issues that are not visible at the surface level. Dental hygienists need to know how to prepare patients for their X-rays and how to operate the machinery to be able to deliver quality dental care.
Benefits of a Dental Hygiene Training Program
U.S. News and World Report ranked dental hygienist number 24 in its list of 100 best jobs in the country in 2024, based on factors such as wages, growth, unemployment rate, and employee satisfaction. Dental hygiene training programs are less time-consuming and more affordable than four-year college degree programs, and many graduates earn a median salary that is higher than the national average.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental hygienists will grow 7% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than the average growth projected for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by an increasing awareness of the links between dental health and overall physical health as well as efforts to make dental care more accessible to all. As such, individuals with quality training and excellent dental hygienist skills can enjoy above-average job security well into the future.
Gain Dental Hygienist Skills at Fortis
Dental hygienists support dentists and dental practices with their extensive clinical and administrative skills and knowledge. If you want to help people look better, feel better, and stay healthy, a career as a dental hygienist is an excellent choice.
The Dental Hygienist training program at Fortis can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to seek licensure and entry-level employment as a dental hygienist in as little as two years. Our combination of classroom, hands-on, and laboratory education can help prepare you for this in-demand role. Learn more about how you can get started on an exciting and fulfilling new career path.
Recommended Readings
What Will You Learn in a Dental Hygiene Program?
Dental Hygiene Jobs: What You Need to Know to Be Prepared
A Career in Dental Hygiene Offers Many Reasons to Smile