Patient care: Cleaning teeth, removing stains and plaque, and applying sealants and fluorides
Oral health assessment: Taking x-rays, evaluating oral health, and documenting findings
Patient education: Teaching patients how to brush and floss, and counseling them on oral health
Treatment planning: Reporting findings to dentists and outlining treatment options
Patient communication: Informing patients of dental concerns and helping them feel comfortable
Associate degree or higher in dental hygiene from an accredited institution
Active dental hygiene license in the state of practice
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with patients of all ages and backgrounds