Dental Hygienist

▪ Prepares treatment room for patient by adhering to prescribed procedures and protocols
▪ Prepares patient for dental hygiene treatment by welcoming, soothing, seating, and draping patient
▪ Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests
▪ Selects materials and equipment for dental hygiene visit by evaluating patients’ oral health
▪ Patient screening procedures; such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health
history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting and taking blood pressure
and pulse
▪ Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintain CPR certification, emergency
drugs and oxygen supply, and directory of emergency numbers
▪ Educate patients in appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth
brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling and postoperative instructions)
▪ Documents dental hygiene services by recording vital signs and medical and dental histories;
charting in patient records
▪ Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential
▪ Maintains a safe and clean environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations
▪ Protects patience and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols
▪ Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventative maintenance requirements;
following manufacturer’s instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintain
equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques
▪ Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating
needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies
▪ Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results
▪ Take and develop radiographs (x-rays)
▪ Remove calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth
▪ Apply preventative materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides)
▪ Make impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts (models of teeth used by dentists to evaluate
patient treatment needs)