Higienista dental

Horario de trabajo

Dental Hygienists can work either full-time or part-time in dental offices.

Tareas típicas

• Take and develop dental x-rays (e.g., bitewing, panoramic) to identify issues.
• Analyze X-rays for problems like impacted teeth, bone loss, and wisdom teeth.
• Assess and document patient oral health. Report findings to the dentist.
• Take patients’ blood pressure and pulse. Explain upcoming procedures to patients to help them understand what to expect.
• Perform periodontal scaling and root planing to treat gum disease.
• Clean and polish teeth, removing tartar, plaque, and stains.
  Use hand, power, and ultrasonic tools for thorough cleaning and stain removal.
• Apply polishing pastes for smooth, bright teeth.
• Apply fluoride treatments for enamel protection, especially for children.
• Place sealants on cavity-prone teeth, especially for young patients.
• Prepare and sterilize dental instruments and equipment. Set up treatment areas with necessary instruments and supplies.
• Assist dentists during procedures by passing instruments, suctioning, and maintaining patient comfort.
• Discuss treatment plans, including follow-up appointments and recommended dental work.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene techniques, like proper brushing and flossing.
• Advise on diet and oral care products (e.g., toothbrushes, floss).
• Educate on aftercare for scaling and root planing.

Additional Duties

• Manage inventory of dental supplies.
• Monitor and maintain equipment functionality.
• Take impressions of patients’ teeth for the creation of models and dental appliances.
• Create digital charts for patients.
• Support sedation or anesthesia administration by monitoring patient comfort and readiness.
• Assist with dental emergencies.
• Recognize signs of distress and act swiftly to provide appropriate first aid.
• Help front office staff with appointment scheduling, as needed.
• Document patient care and treatment plans for continuity.
• Maintain clean work uniforms (scrubs).
• Review patient charts for the day. 

Habilidades blandas

• Atención al detalle
• Comunicación
• Servicio de atención al cliente
• Empatía
• Enfoque
• Capacidad de organización
• Paciencia
• Resolución de problemas
• Trabajo en equipo

Habilidades técnicas

Dental Hygienists need hard skills related to the following:

• Dental equipment maintenance
• Dental hygiene procedures and protocols
• Dental impressions
• Dental software such as Dentrix
• Dental tools and instruments such as scalers, polishers, and x-ray equipment
• Dental x-ray machines
• Destreza
• Infection control standards and health regulations
• Medical record-keeping
• Patient confidentiality and compliance
• Programación
• Sterilization procedures 

"Este campo requiere persistencia y cuidado. Las personas importan mientras están en tu sillón tanto como el procedimiento que estás realizando; por lo tanto, un clínico debe estar dispuesto a leer la personalidad del paciente, lo que le hace sentirse cómodo y su lenguaje corporal. El campo de la odontología se basa en el cuidado personal y la compasión que nace del deseo de trabajar con personas de todo tipo y de cuidar a cada uno de los pacientes. La comunicación llevará a un RDH lejos y con más éxito en esta trayectoria profesional, la capacidad adecuada para explicar lo que se está llevando a cabo y el uso de ejemplos sólidos para que el paciente se relacione en otros aspectos también es clave. Para mantener una elección de carrera satisfactoria y la compostura en este campo uno debe realmente trabajar en un consultorio dental desde el principio para ver el alcance del campo en primer lugar, su limitación, y su peso en el cuerpo. La mayoría no sabe que lo más probable es que el higienista sea el primero en tratar al NUEVO paciente en la consulta, por lo que mucho depende de cómo vaya esa primera visita de tratamiento y cuidado personal para que el paciente vuelva." - Marjan Shafieyan, RDH

• Private dental practices
• Public health clinics
• Hospitales
• Residencias de ancianos
• Escuelas

Dental Hygienists play a vital role in delivering quality care while building positive relationships with patients. The job requires a strong focus on patient comfort and safety, along with the stamina for long hours of standing and bending. With multiple patients to see daily, good time management is essential, as is the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Following strict health and safety standards is a must, so Dental Hygienists should be well-versed in policies and health codes. Staying updated on new technologies and procedures is also important and helps them provide the best care possible.

The dental hygiene field is evolving with a focus on preventive care. Dental Hygienists play a key role in this shift, educating patients on oral health practices and promoting long-term wellness. Increasingly, hygienists are also involved in broader healthcare efforts, identifying signs of systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease that can manifest in the mouth.

Technological advancements are transforming the field, too! Digital tools like intraoral scanners and electronic health records are enhancing diagnostics and treatment planning, while specialized treatments like laser therapy for gum disease are becoming more common. Additionally, teledentistry enables hygienists to consult with patients remotely, expanding access to care.

Finally, sustainable practices are gaining importance, with many dental offices adopting eco-friendly products and waste-reduction strategies to support environmental health.

"The dental hygiene industry is always advancing with new technology and approaches to patient care. Lasers are becoming more common, and tailored home care plans now include innovative products and technology to better support individual needs. Hygienists are also trained to screen for systemic conditions, reinforcing the connection between oral health and overall wellness. In addition, smoking cessation and patient education are key focuses, emphasizing that oral health impacts the whole body, not just the mouth." Whitney DiFoggio, MA/RDH at Teeth Talk Girl

Dental hygienists often share an early interest in science, particularly biology and health. They may have enjoyed hands-on activities, such as crafts or hobbies requiring fine motor skills. 

"A typical “day in the life” of a dental hygienist is dynamic and ever-changing, largely depending on the variety of patients scheduled. No two days are ever the same, which keeps the work interesting and engaging. You might start the morning with a new patient coming in for a comprehensive exam, followed by routine cleanings, then perhaps a more involved appointment like scaling and root planing for a patient with periodontal disease. Later, you could see children for their cleanings, apply sealants to help protect their teeth, or take x-rays to monitor oral health or diagnose issues. This variety ensures that there’s never a dull moment in the day.

In a private practice, which is where I work, my day begins with setting up my room and making sure all my supplies are ready. Each appointment involves preparing for the patient, performing the cleaning or procedure, and cleaning up the room between patients. After each appointment, I take time to write progress notes and chart relevant information to ensure comprehensive records are maintained. This process repeats throughout the day, with a steady flow of patients who each bring unique needs and require different levels of care.

Working in a private practice differs significantly from working in a corporate office. Private practices may have a more personal touch, with familiar patients and a more close-knit team environment, while corporate offices might have a faster pace and standardized protocols across multiple locations. Regardless of the setting, each appointment as a dental hygienist offers an opportunity to connect with patients, educate them on proper dental care, and contribute to their overall health.

Also, oftentimes the day flies by! Between the variety of procedures, from routine cleanings to more complex treatments like scaling and root planings, there’s always something happening. The day’s pace, paired with the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a difference in people’s health and well-being, makes it a rewarding and fulfilling profession." - Whitney DiFoggio, MA/RDH at Teeth Talk Girl