Dental Hygentist

Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.

Educational Requirements

for Dental Hygienists
The typical entry level education for this occupation is a associate’s degree. Those with a bachelor’s degree have a competitive advantage in the labor market.

Knowledge

Examples of the knowledge needed for success in this occupation is listed below, in order of importance.
  • Medicine and Dentistry: Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
  • Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Psychology: Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
  • Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Skills

Examples of the skills needed for success in this occupation are listed below, in order of importance.
  • Speaking: Talking to others.
  • Active Listening: Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
  • Critical Thinking: Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.

Abilities

Examples of the abilities needed for success in this occupation are listed below, in order of importance.
  • Near Vision: Seeing details up close.
  • Problem Sensitivity: Noticing when problems happen.
  • Oral Comprehension: Listening and understanding what people say.
  • Oral Expression: Communicating by speaking.
  • Finger Dexterity: Putting together small parts with your fingers.

Detailed Work Activities

Examples of the detailed work activities involved with this occupation are listed below, in order of importance.
  • Record patient medical histories.
  • Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
  • Process x-rays or other medical images.
  • Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
  • Sterilize medical equipment or instruments.