Dental Hygienist Skills for your CV and job application

You will need to have a degree in oral health science. Foundation degree and DipHE courses usually take 2 years to complete.

The degree course usually takes 3 years full time. You will also need to have DBS to start working as a Dental Hygienist.

You’ll need following skills:

•     the ability to motivate clients to improve their dental hygiene
•     excellent communication skills to explain treatments to patients and put them at ease
•     good eyesight and steady hands for carrying out precision work
•     the ability to concentrate for long periods

Duties as a Dental Hygienist

You’ll encourage patients to look after their teeth and gums by:

•     demonstrating tooth brushing and flossing to individuals and groups
•     giving advice on diet

You’ll provide treatments and use dental instruments for:

•     removing plaque
•     cleaning and polishing teeth to help prevent gum disease
•     applying antibacterial treatments to reduce decay
•     giving local anaesthetic under the supervision of a dentist
•     applying temporary coatings and sealants to protect teeth
•     encouraging and demonstrating tooth brushing and flossing

You’ll also maintain sterile conditions and occasionally take x-rays. A dental nurse may support you for some procedures.

You could work in general dental practice, in the community dental service or in hospitals.