A dental hygienist is a licensed healthcare professional who works alongside dentists to provide preventative and therapeutic oral care to patients. In order to become a dental hygienist, there are certain qualifications and requirements that must be met.
First and foremost, a dental hygienist must have a degree or certification in dental hygiene. This can be obtained through a college or technical school program, which typically takes around two to three years to complete. These programs typically include a combination of classroom instruction and clinical experience, during which students learn about topics such as anatomy, microbiology, and dental materials.
Many states also require dental hygienists to be licensed. This process typically involves passing a written and clinical exam, which is administered by the state board of dentistry. The written exam covers topics such as infection control, dental materials, and dental anatomy, while the clinical exam assesses the candidate’s ability to perform basic dental hygiene procedures.
In addition to education and licensure, dental hygienists may also need to have CPR certification. This is because they may need to respond to emergency situations, such as a patient experiencing a cardiac event while in the dental office.
Another important qualification for dental hygienists is being up-to-date on vaccinations. This includes vaccinations such as the flu shot and the hepatitis B vaccine, which help protect both the hygienist and the patient from infectious diseases.
Some states may have additional requirements for dental hygienists. For example, some states may require hygienists to complete continuing education courses on a regular basis in order to maintain their license.
Hygienists also need to have good communication and interpersonal skills, because they will be interacting with patients of all ages and backgrounds. They need to be able to explain procedures and oral health education clearly, answer patient’s questions and be able to make the patient comfortable in the dental chair.
Finally, dental hygienists should be detail-oriented and have good manual dexterity. They will be performing procedures such as cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, and applying sealants, all of which require a steady hand and good attention to detail.
In summary, a dental hygienist typically needs a degree or certification in dental hygiene, a license, CPR certification, up-to-date vaccinations, good communication and interpersonal skills, and a good attention to detail and manual dexterity. Some states may have additional requirements.