Dental Hygienist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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Your job description is the first contact between your company and your new recruit. With millions of people searching for jobs on Indeed each month, a great job description can help you attract the most qualified candidates to your open position. To get you started, here are some tips for creating an effective job description.

Dental Hygienist job title

An effective job title wiil typically include a general term, the level of experience and any special requirements. The general term will optimize your job title to show up in a general search for jobs of the same nature. The level of experience will help you attract the most qualified applicants by outlining the amount of responsibility and prior knowledge required. And if your position is specialized, consider including the specialization in the job title as well. But avoid using internal titles, abbreviations or acronyms to make sure people understand what your job posting is before clicking.

  • Dental Hygienist
  • Lead Dental Hygienist
  • Pediatric Dental Hygienist
  • Dental Hygienist (Part-Time)
  • Registered Dental Hygienist

Hire your next Dental Hygienist today.

Post a job

Hire your next Dental Hygienist today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

Dental Hygienist job summary

A good job description starts with an attention-grabbing summary of the position and its role within your company. Your summary should provide an overview of your company and expectations for the position. Outline the types of activities and responsibilities required for the job so job seekers can determine if they are qualified, or if the job is suitable for them.

Example of a Dental Hygienist job summary

Our growing dental practice needs a Dental Hygienist to join our close-knit team. We serve all demographics of the population, from preschoolers to the elderly, and we operate a busy office with high levels of traffic. In addition to preventive care appointments and scheduled procedures, we accept walk-ins and take emergency calls. If you don’t mind working late or on weekends occasionally, you might be a great fit for this position. The ideal candidate will have a calm, reassuring and friendly demeanor as well as the ability to multitask in a fast-paced atmosphere.

Dental Hygienist responsibilities and duties

The responsibilities and duties section is the most important part of the job description. Here you should outline the functions this position will perform on a regular basis, how the job functions within the organization and the title of the manager the person will report to.

  • Collect medical and dental histories from patients
  • Chart dental conditions based on dentist’s observations and evaluations
  • Create molds of patients’ teeth in preparation for dentures, bridges and other prostheses
  • Sterilize dental instruments and tools
  • Instruct patients of all ages on proper dental hygiene and care
  • Take X-rays of patients’ teeth and develop them for dentist’s use
  • Provide chair-side assistance during dental procedures

Dental Hygienist qualifications and skills

Next, outline the required and preferred skills for your position. This may include education, previous job experience, certifications and technical skills. You may also include soft skills and personality traits that you expect from a successful candidate. While it may be tempting to include a long list of skills and requirements, including too many could dissuade qualified candidates from applying. Keep your list of qualifications concise, but provide enough detail with relevant keywords and terms.

  • Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene required (Bachelor’s preferred)
  • Current state license required
  • 3+ years’ experience as a Dental Hygienist
  • 5+ years’ experience as a Dental Assistant also accepted
  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • Availability to work overtime, including weekends
  • Experience working with children preferred
  • Basic understanding and knowledge of HIPAA privacy rules
  • Current CPR certification required

Hire your next Dental Hygienist today.

Post a job

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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