What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
A dental hygienist provides preventative oral healthcare services to patients, helping reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. Working under a dentist’s supervision, hygienists clean teeth, assess oral health, apply protective treatments, and take x-rays. They also play a key role in patient education, offering guidance on brushing, flossing, and other home care practices.
Dental hygienists combine clinical skills with compassionate communication. Their work supports early detection of dental problems and promotes long-term oral health. In many practices, they also document patient histories, monitor periodontal health, and in some states, administer local anesthesia. Whether in a private office or public clinic, hygienists are critical to comprehensive dental care.
Looking to Hire a Dental Hygienist?
Speak with one of our recruiting experts today.
Dental Hygienist Core Responsibilities
- Perform dental cleanings (prophylaxis), scaling, and root planing
- Conduct oral health assessments and review patient medical histories
- Take and develop dental radiographs (x-rays)
- Apply fluoride, sealants, and other protective treatments
- Educate patients on oral hygiene and post-treatment care
- Document findings in dental records and assist with treatment planning
- Follow infection control and sterilization protocols
- Collaborate with dentists to evaluate patient needs and provide continuity of care
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in periodontal charting, calculus removal, and oral hygiene assessment
- Skilled in radiography, fluoride application, and dental software usage
- Knowledge of dental anatomy, pharmacology, and sterilization practices
Soft skills
- Strong communication and patient education abilities
- Attention to detail and manual dexterity
- Compassion and professionalism during patient care
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program
Certifications
- State licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
- CPR/BLS certification
- Radiography certification (as required by state)
- Certification to administer local anesthesia recommended (where permitted by law)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in general, pediatric, or periodontal practices
- Familiarity with dental practice management software (e.g., Dentrix, Eaglesoft)
- Continuing education in pain management or advanced hygiene techniques
National Average Salary
Dental hygienist salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Dental Hygienist is:
$73,450
Sample Job Description Templates for Dental Hygienists
Pediatric Dental Hygienist
Position Overview
A pediatric dental hygienist provides oral healthcare services to infants, children, and adolescents. They support early prevention through cleanings, sealants, and education, while helping young patients feel comfortable in the dental chair.
Responsibilities
- Perform age-appropriate cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealant applications
- Take dental x-rays and assist with charting primary and permanent dentition
- Educate children and parents on oral hygiene, diet, and home care habits
- Use child-friendly communication and behavior management techniques
- Maintain pediatric-specific sterilization and infection control standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with pediatric prophylaxis and radiography
- Familiarity with child-sized instruments and pediatric dental protocols
Soft skills
- Patience and empathy with young or anxious patients
- Clear communication with parents and caregivers
- Ability to build rapport quickly
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene
Certifications
- RDH license
- Radiography certification
- CPR/BLS certification
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in a pediatric dental office
- Training in special needs dentistry
Periodontal Dental Hygienist
Position Overview
A periodontal dental hygienist supports dentists and periodontists in diagnosing and treating gum disease. They perform deep cleanings and educate patients on long-term periodontal maintenance and oral health strategies.
Responsibilities
- Conduct scaling and root planing (SRP) for periodontal patients
- Monitor pocket depths, bleeding points, and bone loss progression
- Apply antimicrobials or localized antibiotics as prescribed
- Reinforce oral hygiene techniques tailored to periodontal conditions
- Maintain detailed clinical notes and charting for recall programs
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in periodontal instrumentation and SRP procedures
- Familiarity with periodontal software modules and diagnostic tools
Soft skills
- Strong focus on patient compliance and follow-up care
- Ability to explain chronic disease management clearly
- Precise documentation and attention to clinical detail
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene
Certifications
- RDH license
- Radiography certification
- CPR/BLS certification
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a periodontal or specialty practice
- Certification in administering local anesthesia (if permitted by state)
Public Health Dental Hygienist
Position Overview
A public health dental hygienist delivers preventative oral care and education to underserved populations in community clinics, mobile programs, or outreach events. They often work with limited supervision under expanded practice regulations.
Responsibilities
- Provide cleanings, fluoride varnish, and sealants in community settings
- Conduct screenings and referrals for further dental care
- Deliver oral health education to schools, senior centers, or shelters
- Maintain patient records and report metrics for program impact
- Collaborate with nurses, caseworkers, and educators to reach at-risk groups
Requirements
Hard skills
- Ability to work in low-resource settings with portable dental equipment
- Familiarity with public health regulations and reporting tools
Soft skills
- Cultural competence and adaptability
- Strong community engagement and education skills
- Independent judgment in field-based environments
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene
Certifications
- RDH license
- Radiography certification
- CPR/BLS certification
Preferred Qualifications
- Public health dental hygiene certification (if required by state)
- Experience working in nonprofit or government-run oral health programs
School-Based Dental Hygienist
Position Overview
A school-based dental hygienist provides preventive oral care to students within elementary, middle, or high school settings. This role supports public health initiatives aimed at reducing childhood cavities and improving long-term oral health.
Responsibilities
- Perform dental screenings and basic cleanings in school clinics or mobile units
- Apply fluoride treatments and sealants under dentist’s supervision
- Record oral health findings and communicate results to families
- Educate children on daily hygiene and diet habits through in-class presentations
- Ensure program compliance with school and state health requirements
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with portable or mobile dental units
- Knowledge of school health protocols and reporting procedures
Soft skills
- Comfort working with children and educators
- Public speaking or teaching ability
- Organized and self-motivated in off-site settings
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene
Certifications
- RDH license
- Radiography certification
- CPR/BLS certification
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in school-based or pediatric public health programs
- Fluency in a second language or ASL (often a plus in diverse school districts)
Mobile Dental Hygienist
Position Overview
A mobile dental hygienist travels to patients in homes, assisted living facilities, schools, or rural areas using portable dental equipment. This role expands access to preventive care for underserved or mobility-limited populations.
Responsibilities
- Provide cleanings, fluoride treatments, and screenings in non-clinical settings
- Set up and break down portable dental chairs and instruments
- Document patient information and treatment records using mobile devices
- Educate patients on oral hygiene and care between visits
- Coordinate care plans with supervising dentists or community partners
Requirements
Hard skills
- Skilled in portable equipment use and field sterilization practices
- Competent in independently managing patient care off-site
Soft skills
- Excellent time management and flexibility
- Compassionate care for elderly or mobility-challenged patients
- Strong documentation and self-direction
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene
Certifications
- RDH license
- Radiography certification
- CPR/BLS certification
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in mobile dentistry or senior care environments
- Training in expanded practice or teledentistry tools