Dental Hygienist

 

Dental Hygienist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualification

A Dental Hygienist job description provides support services for patients who visit a dental office. Their duties include cleaning teeth and gums, treating gum disease and tooth decay and providing oral health information to patients.

Dental Hygienist duties and responsibilities

A Dental Hygienist is the first point of contact when patients visit a dental clinic. Their duties include screening patients, educating them about their diet and how it impacts their oral health and counselling them during and after treatment. Dental Hygienists can also perform minor dental procedures such as cleaning the teeth and gums, removing plaque and fixing dentures. Other responsibilities include:

• Counselling patients and keeping them calm during examination and treatment
• Screening patients, including conducting mouth and neck examinations and reviewing oral health history
• Educating patients on proper teeth and gum care and the importance of diet on oral health
• Taking X-rays and developing dental impressions and radiographs of teeth
• Sterilising dental instruments and equipment
• Removing plaque, cleaning teeth and helping to prevent gum disease
• Supporting the Dentist on all aspects of dental care
• Staying current with the latest developments in dentistry
• Collecting medical and dental histories from patients
• Charting dental conditions based on observations and evaluations

15 Dental Hygienist Interview Questions and Answers

What credentials do you have that make you a good dental hygienist?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's academic background and experience to determine if they meet the role's requirements. What to look for in an answer:

• Completion of an approved dental hygienist programme
• National Dental Hygiene Certification (not required in Quebec)
• Registered with your province or territory

Example:

"I completed a three-year dental hygiene programme at George Brown College. George Brown has their own dental clinic, which allowed me to get on-the-job training and practise dental hygiene on patients under direct supervision. At the end of my programme, I passed the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board exam, allowing me to register with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario."

How do you handle scared or anxious patients?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's communication and interpersonal skills. What to look for in an answer:

• Strategies to make patients feel at ease
• Stronginterpersonal and communication skills
• Emotional intelligence and compassion

Example:

"If a patient is scared, I give them an option. I can either explain what I'm going to do beforehand so they know what to expect, or I can distract them. I let them know we can stop at any time if they're uncomfortable and tell them I'll do my best to minimize the pain. I'm always as gentle as possible during the procedure and make them feel as comfortable as I can."

How do you teach patients about proper oral care?

The aim of this question is to test the candidate's technical knowledge and communication skills. What to look for in an answer:

• In-depth knowledge of proper oral care
• Ability to motivate patients to maintain a dental hygiene routine
• Ability to adapt their communication to patients of different ages and needs

Example:

"I teach patients about oral care by demonstrating. I use a 3D model and show them how to brush their teeth properly. I also show flossing techniques on the model and their own teeth. Then, I let the patient practise the new methods and supervise to ensure they can do it correctly at home."

Do you have experience with x-rays and other diagnostic tests?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's technical skills and experience to determine if they require further training. What to look for in an answer:

• Practical knowledge
• Hands-on experience
• Interest in professional development opportunities

Example:

"I have experience with taking and developing x-rays, examining teeth for damage, and completing a preliminary exam on new patients. I have experience doing this for patients of various age groups. I'd be happy to learn how to perform other diagnostic tests you prefer as well."

Has a patient ever gotten angry or upset at you? What did you do?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's communication skills and ability to calm patients down. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to stay calm and respectful of patients
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to de-escalate situations

Example:

"One patient didn't react well when I asked them if they floss regularly. I said their teeth were bleeding a lot, which indicates a need to floss more often. The patient got defensive and yelled at me. I apologised and asked the dentist to come in and finish their evaluation. I realised afterwards that I may have sounded accusatory. Now, I approach these types of questions differently and use it as a teaching opportunity to promote proper oral hygiene."

How can you tell if a patient has gingivitis?

The aim of this question is to test the candidate's technical knowledge and ability to diagnose common conditions, such as gingivitis. What to look for in an answer:

• In-depth industry knowledge
• Experience treating gingivitis
• Ability to diagnose common dental conditions

Example:

"You can tell a patient has gingivitis if they have swollen gums or redness around their teeth. Healthy gums should be pale pink and firm around the teeth. Swollen gums may be sensitive and bleed when the patient brushes or flosses. Gingivitis comes from poor oral hygiene, so I'd recommend patients start brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing once daily."

If a patient asked you to recommend water flossing or string flossing, what would you say?

The aim of this question is to test the candidate's technical knowledge related to different flossing techniques. What to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge of the pros and cons of water flossing and string flossing
• Ability to provide recommendations based on a patient's specific needs
• Up-to-date with home oral hygiene options for patients

Example:

"String flossing is better at removing plaque due to the scraping motion of the floss, so I'd generally recommend it over water flossing. But, there are benefits to both types of flossing, so I would base my recommendation on the patient. For example, someone with sensitive gums, dexterity issues or braces will find water flossing easier."

Do you prefer to work independently or as a team?

The aim of this question is to determine whether the candidate is a team player. Dental hygienists need to work closely with other professionals as part of a team. What to look for in an answer:

• Desire to work as a team
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience working closely with other dental hygienists and dentists

Example:

"I can work independently, but I much prefer working as a team. Working with other people allows me to learn from them and improve my own knowledge. It gives me the opportunity to consult them on cases I'm struggling with and makes work more enjoyable as well."

What skills do you have that make you a good dental hygienist?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's skill set and determine if they have the skills you're looking for. What to look for in an answer:

• Compassion, dexterity, and communication skills
• Dedication to educating patients about oral health
• Confidence in their abilities and greatest strengths

Example:

"My greatest strengths as a dental hygienist are my communication skills and my compassion. I use my communication skills to teach patients about oral hygiene and provide the best care possible. This coupleaded with my compassion allows me to comfort patients that are scared or nervous, which is especially helpful at a pediatric dentist clinic such as yours."

Why do you want to work at this dental office over others in the city?

The aim of this question is to test the candidate's knowledge of your dental office and motivation for working with you. What to look for in an answer:

• Research about the dental office prior to the interview
• Passion for their career in dental hygiene
• Interest in career development opportunities

Example:

"My family has been coming to this dental office for five years now. Your staff have always treated us all with respect and provided the best dental care. I want to work at an office that always puts its patients first and strives to do their best work as I believe your team does. I also see an opportunity for me to develop my career here, and can see myself working with the practise long term."

Do you see yourself in this career in five years?

The aim of this question is to determine whether the candidate would be a good long-term fit for your office. What to look for in an answer:

• Ambition and long-term goals
• Willingness to work with one dental office long-term
• Understanding of the role and its potential career path

Example:

"I absolutely see myself on the same career path in five years. I've been a dental hygienist for three years and really enjoy the work. I love helping patients look and feel good, and I get to meet so many interesting people. I'd like to work for your clinic long-term becauseI believe it's the best way to grow and improve my knowledge. I'm also interested in working with an established team of professionals who I have a lot to learn from."

What equipment and tools do you use during routine teeth cleaning?

The aim of this question is to test the candidate's technical knowledge and ability to perform routine cleaning. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience with routine teeth cleaning
• Ability to name specific dental hygiene tools
• Meticulous with attention to detail

Example:

"During routine teeth cleanings, I use a mirror to see the patient's teeth at different angles. I use a probe to check gum health and other oral health issues. I use a scaler and curette to scrape away plaque and tartar. At the end of the session, I use a polisher to make teeth shiny and remove surface-level stains. Throughout the cleaning, I use a suction tool to remove saliva from the mouth."

Are you comfortable working with patients of any age?

The aim of this question is to assess the candidate's experience working with patients of different age groups or the specific age group your clinic serves. What to look for in an answer:

• Comfortable working with relevant patient demographics
• Experience working with various age groups
• Ability to build rapport and trust with patients quickly

Example:

"I have the most experience working with children under 10, as I used to work at a pediatric dentist's office. However, I also have experience working with teenagers and adults as I did so during my dental programme. So, I'm happy working with patients of any age."

What causes plaque and how can patients prevent it from building up on their teeth?

The aim of this question is to test the candidate's technical knowledge regarding plaque and prevention methods. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience with dental hygiene practises
• Knowledge of what causes plaque and ways to prevent it
• Ability to educate patients about dental hygiene

Example:

"When bacteria and certain types of food such as sugar or starch mix, it causes plaque to build up. Patients with a fuzzy feeling on their teeth have plaque, which can lead to bad breath, swollen gums, cavities, tooth decay, and more. So, to prevent plaque from building up, patients need to brush their teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and cut back on sugary or starchy foods, such as milk, citrus, bread, and pasta."

Which tooth is tooth number 11?

The aim of this question is to test the candidate's technical knowledge of the Canadian tooth numbering system. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience working with the Canadian tooth numbering system
• Knowledge that tooth number 11 is the right central incisor
• Familiarity with industry terminology

Example:

"Tooth number 11 refers to the patient's central right incisor, also known as the front tooth. The number comes from the Canadian tooth numbering system, which divides a person's set of teeth into four quadrants. Numbering the teeth makes it easier for the dentist and dental hygienist to communicate issues on specific teeth, such as a cavity."

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