Dental Hygienist Resume Examples

Dental Hygienists are present in dentistry offices and provide basic dental care services. Responsibilities listed on a Dental Hygienist resume sample are cleaning patient’s teeth, offering dental hygiene advice, identifying oral health issues, referring to the dentist when necessary, and sterilizing medical equipments and instruments. Those interested in a Dental Hygienist degree should demonstrate throughout their resumes basic dentistry expertise, dexterity, strong communication and interpersonal skills, attention to details, and teamwork. An Associate’s Degree and licensure are required to candidates for a Dental Hygienist role.

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Dental Hygienist Resume Samples

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0-5 years of experience

Completed dental prophylaxis on patients with the use of hand and ultrasonic instruments

• Completed Periodontal Therapy on patients in varying stages of the disease and recommended referral to Periodontist when needed.
• Exposed and developed diagnostic dental radiographs (FMX, BWS) using traditional radiographic technology
• Collected and recorded patient data on appropriate paper forms in the patient chart
• Assessed the need for pain control and administered appropriate topical/local anesthetic agents

0-5 years of experience

Perform dental prophies, SRP, administer local anesthetic, radiographs (digital) and co-diagnose with dentist

• Created a hygiene recall system
• Implemented an SRP program
• Grew Hygiene department from three in a half days to five full days and two days with double hygiene.

6-10 years of experience

• Provided dental health services and health education to clients in private dental practice.
• Formulated, implemented and maintained patient periodontal therapy and maintenance program.
• Performed dental periodontal and pathology assessment.
• Executed emergency dental procedures.
• Proficient in office tasks, sterilization, inventory control, scheduling, and treatment plan coordination.
• Extensive hands-on knowledge of consumer and dental health professional services and products.

0-5 years of experience

Performed a complete prophylaxis on patients of all ages

• Administered fluoride treatments and placed sealants
• Completed periodontal charting
• Performed full mouth debridement and scaling and root planing
• Instructed patients on oral hygiene to improve and maintain optimal oral health

10+ years of experience

Lead Hygienist for the fast paced, well known implant dental office.

• Maintained a full patient schedule and was the hygienist of choice for the practice
• Provided the highest levels of patient care ensuring quality and efficiency
• Performed x-rays and Zoom procedures in addition to main hygienist responsibilities
• Assisted at chair-side and aid patients in treatment plans
• Collaborated with Dr. Maresca regarding patient plan of care and dental strategies
• Business office responsibilities included: (list some here)

0-5 years of experience

Averaged eleven patients a day for eight hours

• Examined gums using probes to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gun disease
• Aided in the diagnosing of patients health by my ability to accurately read radiographs
• Accurately recorded and reviewed patients medical history, annotating the conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist
• Successfully used dental instruments to clean calculus and removed stain to allow the healing and health to patient
• Accurately designed and implemented individual treatment plans
• Provided clinical services and health education to help maintain and to continually improve the overall health of the patient
• Accurately sharpened instruments and carried out proper sterilization procedures including dry heat autoclaves
• Applied fluorides and successfully placed sealants

0-5 years of experience

Utilized patient screening procedures to include medical history review, dental charting and periocharting

• Cared for each patient with personal attention while performing prophylaxis/dental cleanings and routine oral exams
• Provided hygiene care and preventative instruction to all patients; Devised and implemented customized personal treatment plans, administered fluoride applications as needed
• Performed routine digital x-rays using Suni medical imaging

10+ years of experience

Determined and successfully implemented long-term patient care strategies.

• Provided patient care for up to 12 patients per day
• Scheduled patient appointments and coordinated treatment plans.
• Assessed patient status and notified doctors of medical changes.
• Interacted with multiple departments/practices regarding patient care.
• Educated patients/families on health care needs, conditions, options etc.
• Provided assistance and supervision of support staff.
• Independently maintained patient charts and confidential files.

0-5 years of experience

Performed procedures for patients with whitening zoom.

• Provided oral health care instructions
• Increased efficiency on dental computing program dentrix, dexis, easy dental.
• Performed polishing and scaling.
• Responsible for sterilization and maintenance of dental equipment.
• Prepared impressions, poured and trimmed for study models and zoom whitening trays.

10+ years of experience

Provide quality oral health care to eligible beneficiaries

• Perform complex root planning and scaling treatment
• Provide oral hygiene instruction and nutritional counseling
• Administered anesthesia to nearly 600 patients
• Directly contributed to a sustained 96 percent dental readiness for a population of 3,500 active and reserve personnel

0-5 years of experience

Cared for each patient with individualized attention, while performing prophylaxis/dental cleanings and routine oral exams

• Utilized intra-oral camera, radiographs, and dental videos to explain and educate patients on their current oral health status
• Instructed patients on the best methods for practicing oral hygiene
• Completed follow up calls to patients after treatment plan proposal and periodontal therapy

0-5 years of experience

• Performed oral prophylaxis to Veterans using the cavitron ultrasonic as well as hand scaling.
• Provided oral evaluations and reported findings to the registered Dental hygienist and Dentists.
• Educated vetrans using preventative tools which they could incorporate to improve their overall oral health.

0-5 years of experience

Providing clinical care to patients

• Communicated hygiene recommendations
• Acted as a liaison between multiple departments in the practice to provide the best patient care
• Managed computer software to input patient records and schedule future appointments
• Knowledge about various insurance types and their appropriate coverage

0-5 years of experience

Managed patients files and appointments

• Provided prophylaxis treatment, teeth cleaning and periodontal scaling
• Maintained sterile instruments and dental tools.
• Evaluated and Charted overall dental health and prescribe dental plan
• Took diagnostic traditional dental x-rays

6-10 years of experience

• Performed dental hygiene care and monitored patient progress at recare appointments
• Administered local anesthetic
• Took inventory of supplies and purchased as needed
• Assisted Planet DDS program application and staff training
• Performed receptionist work as needed, including answering phones, processing electronic insurance claims, scheduling appointments, and taking payments

0-5 years of experience

Part-time Hygienist treating up to 16 patients daily

• Skilled in patient assessment, performing dental hygiene/periodontal treatment
• Evaluated medical history, previous dental records and current clinical findings recorded
• Gave oral health education consistent with current common practices while utilizing Intra-Oral camera
• Took necessary radiographs utilizing digital radiography systems

10+ years of experience

• Cared for a minimum of eight patients per day.
• Instructed patients on the best methods for practicing Oral Hygiene Instruction.
• Devised and implemented customized personal treatment plans.
• Proficient with Dentrix software, Caesy
• Delivered fluoride applications.
• Examined patients and took Digital Radiography/X-Ray.
• Routine dental prophylaxis on children and adult.
• Gross debridement, Fine Scaling and root planning, Dental Charting, STM-Soft Tissue Management

0-5 years of experience

Reviewed and documented health history, noting any possible contraindications to dental treatment

• Conducted diagnostic digital dental radiographs
• Completed intra/extra oral exam and periodontal evaluations
• Performed oral prophylaxis, root planning and soft tissue management
• Utilized magnetostrictive and piezo ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments
• Administered local anesthesia and nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation
• Performed whitening procedures, including fabrication of custom whitening trays
• Applied cavity prevention agents such as fluoride and sealants
• Demonstrated oral hygiene techniques, specific for each patient to achieve optimal oral health
• Educated patients on risks of oral diseases and benefits of preventive care and set up re-care appointments

0-5 years of experience

Duties include providing prophylaxis and soft tissue management of the oral cavity Understanding and promoting sales of oral products

• Maintaining a 90% and above patient treatment acceptance rate
• Practice management participation, including practice consulting, marketing strategies, sales, patient coordinator and writing product reviews
• Diagnosis of dental conditions, exposing radiographs, calibration of equipment
• Preparing Excel sheets for monthly treatment production goals
• Infection control and disinfection procedures and sterilization

0-5 years of experience

Responsible for the complete oral care of patients of all ages.

• Completed scaling and root planing procedures with Arestin placement.
• Introduced prophylaxis with Oraqix needle free anesthesia for sensitive and needle-phobic patients.
• Implemented new infection control procedures and OSHA policies.
• Proficient in various administrative processes including insurance benefit verification, nightly bank

6-10 years of experience

Develop and implement individualized dental care plans for patients and how to practice good oral hygiene and provided preventive dental care.

• Deliver direct patient care to patients as assigned, using established procedures, such as cleaning, polishing, x-rays, applications of sealants and fluorides, and related procedures.
• Advanced skills in root planning and scaling of the root surfaces to remove plague and calculus from deep periodontal pockets to remove bacterial toxins. Besides taking bacteriological research and to administer local anesthesia.
• Taking care of the stock management.
• Responsible to manage and evaluate an intern.
• Participate in care providers meeting for professional development.

0-5 years of experience

Enhanced hygiene recall system leading to office growth and development

• Mailed reminder cards monthly and made phone calls to patients who were due for their preventative maintenance appointment
• Informed and educated a diverse group of patients of their oral health needs
• Managed patient records with EagleSoft computer software

0-5 years of experience

Scaled and polished teeth for a complete prophylaxis on patients of all ages.

• Administered fluoride treatments.
• Completed periodontal charting and performed full mouth debridement.
• Completed periodontal therapy of scaling and root planning with use of Oraqix.
• Instructed patients on oral hygiene to improve and maintain optimal oral health.
• Performed routine x-rays using digital radiography.
• Completed periodontal therapy of scaling and root planning.
• Scaled and polished teeth for a complete prophylaxis on patients of all ages.
• Updated patient medical history

0-5 years of experience

Patient advocate by explaining procedures and bringing patient concerns to doctor’s attention

• Took xrays using both traditional methods, Dexis, and Eaglesoft
• Anesthetized for procedures accordingly
• Assisted doctors in procedures including, but not limited to: composite restorations, root canals, crown prep and seat, denture fabrication and adjustment, occlusal guard fabrication, extractions, implant surgery and placement
• Worked with both oral and IV sedated patients
• Independent duties include: procedure set up and take down, sterilization of instruments, taking and pouring models, organizing/ordering stock, seating patients and reviewing medical histories, going over proposed treatment plans with patient, assisting office staff with paperwork
• Subbed for hygienists in the office as needed

6-10 years of experience

Facilitate scheduling for operative and making recalls for patients.

• Discuss home care and nutritional counseling specific to individual patients’ needs.
• Maintain and update patient’s dental and health charts.
• Furnish patients with oral hygiene instructions and literature at maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
• Provide advice as needed on systemic complications and oral health.
• Conduct medical histories and medication evaluations on every patient at every visit and update accordingly.
• Determine patients’ needs for 3, 4, or 6 month recalls.

6-10 years of experience

Provide dental hygiene therapy to patients which includes child/adult prophylaxis, periodontal
maintenance, scaling and root planning

• Provide periodontal laser therapy and place Arestin
• Application of fluoride varnish on children and adults
• Administer local anesthetic
• Take digital x-rays and intraoral pictures
• Co-diagnose with dentist to create treatments plans for periodontal disease and restorative dentistry
• Educate patients about periodontal disease and provide oral hygiene instructions

0-5 years of experience

Evaluate overall oral health, examining oral cavity for signs of periodontal disease or oral cancer

• Perform routine X-rays, FMX (digital imaging)
• Administration of local anesthetic agents
• Treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis with following perio maintenance
• Set up recall appointments using Eagle software
• Maintain detailed periodontal and restorative records on all patients

0-5 years of experience

• Created and implemented a periodontal program.
• Initiated a radiograph quality control program.
• Provided patient education.

0-5 years of experience

Full-time dental hygienist with over two years of experience

• Built a loyal patient following; frequently requested by patients to serve as their dental hygienist
• Maintain a clean, sterile, and positive environment enhancing patient comfort and safety
• Employee of the year in 2012 and 2013
• Oversaw pre-authorizations and pre-estimates for insurance companies for various procedures
• Managed patient recall cards for a large office
• Administer local anesthesia
• Expose and process dental X-rays; maintain patient records; assist office manager with patient scheduling; sterilize instruments; complete dental prophylaxis, and scaling and root planning; periodontal screening examinations; establish treatment plans in coordination with the dentist; and educate patients on oral health care and nutrition.

6-10 years of experience

Responsible for ordering and maintaining supplies

• Scheduled continuing care appointments
• Implemented periodontal therapy protocol
• Extensive patient education
• Provided services for community outreach dental programs
• Built strong relationships with numerous patients

10+ years of experience

Greeted and prepared patients for dental examinations

• Sterilized dental equipment and examinations rooms in accordance with infection control policies
• Effectively operated x-ray machines and developed x-rays
• Accurately collected & recorded patient medical and dental histories
• Educated patients about proper oral hygiene and prevention of dental diseases
• Charted periodontal conditions of disease to prepare for diagnosis and treatment by Dentist/ Periodontist
• Administered local anesthetics and nitrous oxide when needed
• Scaled, polished and applied sealants and fluorides
• Recommended products and devices for patient’s home care
• Implemented irrigation and desensitizing procedures or products as adjunctive to periodontal therapy

10+ years of experience

Performed oral examinations for signs of disease

• Conducted cleanings and maintenance for patients undergoing routine check ups
• Educated patients on good oral hygiene practices
• Took digital x-rays
• Delivered Fluoride application
• Sterilization and disinfection processes

0-5 years of experience

Remove tartar, stains, and plaque from teeth, Scaling and root planning, full mouth Debridement, Perio maintenance.

• Apply sealants and fluorides to help protect teeth
• Take and develop dental x rays
• Keep track of patient care and treatment plans
• Teach patients oral hygiene techniques, help patients develop and maintain good oral health.

0-5 years of experience

Performed routine Prophylaxis on adults and children, digital radiographs and paperless charting

• Zoom whitening system, intraoral camera, sealant application
• Applied Arestin, SC/RP and determine patients recall
• Review patient oral health, educate patient in oral health and nutrition and demonstrate proper technique.

0-5 years of experience

• Responsible for providing dental hygiene services for patients of all ages
• Provided appropriate oral hygiene instructions based on individual patient needs
• Provided assistance in pulling and filing patient dental records and answering phones
• Helped dental assistant in breaking down and setting up rooms and instrument sterilization
• Recommending and selling dental services

10+ years of experience

Worked for 42 years as a hygienist.

• Responsible for patient education, scheduling hygiene and operative appointments.
• Trained new hygienists.
• Experience with insurance claims and paperwork.
• Trained in X-ray exposure and development.
• Well versed in HIPPA Privacy Act.

6-10 years of experience

Perform intraoral and extraoral examination of the oral cavity, perform and review all routines X-rays, record periodontal charting including mobility, furcation grades, probing depths, and bone loss.

• Expose diagnostic digital and conventional dental radiographs.
• Perform oral prophylaxis, debridement, scaling and root planing, and soft tissue management.
• Utilize cavitron and piezo, ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments.
• Deliver appropriate treatment to children including prophylaxis, fluoride and sealants.
• Demonstrate oral hygiene techniques, specific for each patient to achieve optimal oral health.
• Educate patients on risks of oral diseases and benefits of preventive care.
• Administer local anesthesia.

0-5 years of experience

Assess, diagnose, and treatment plan individual patients.

• Treat patients with scaling/root planing and coronal polishing.
• Provide oral hygiene instructions per to patients, dental radiographs and nutritional counseling.
• Seamless ability to multi-task in a high stress, time sensitive environment without disruption of patient experience.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills when dealing with patients of all ages on a regular basis.
• Responsible for disinfecting patient area and sterilizing dental instruments to meet the highest of healthy standards.

10+ years of experience

Performing routine exams and prophylaxis, including digital x-rays and all inclusive aspects of patient care

• Responsible for maintaining recall system and mailing of recalls
• Responsible for filing all dental claims and pre-authorizations
• Responsible for billing of patients including collections
• Handled all insurance disputes
• Proficient with Eaglesoft dental software

0-5 years of experience

Promotes dental health by completing dental prophylaxis; providing oral cancer screening and radiographic studies

• Exposing diagnostic digital radiographs
• Updating the patient’s medical history
• Preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment
• Charting conditions of decay and disease
• Works with paperless charting in Eaglesoft

0-5 years of experience

Provide patient centered preventative dental care to special patient populations

• Administer local anesthesia
• Place arrestin and atridox
• Develop hygiene treatment plans
• Detects disease by completing oral cancer screening
• Educates patients by giving oral health and plaque control instructions and postoperative
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed

10+ years of experience

Perform prophylaxis procedures on patients of all ages including scale and root plane, administration of local anesthetic, radiographs, application of topical fluoride, patient education and oral screening.

• Set up protocols on periodontal treatment, medical history updates and hygiene recall.
• Devise and implement customized personal treatment plans.
• Lead hygienist responsible for ordering all supplies for hygiene department.
• Built a loyal patient following: frequently requested by patients to serve as their dental hygienist.

6-10 years of experience

Prophylaxis, radiographs, sealants, patient treatment planning and education

• Non-surgical periodontal therapy including use of Arestin
• Local anesthesia
• Implementing and maintenance of patient recall system
• Maintaining dental and office inventory
• Dental insurance- claims, eligibility, pre-determinations and appeals

0-5 years of experience

Fulfilled similar roles with the above two employers providing a diverse range of dental hygiene and patient support services, including assisting dentists with office procedures and treatments and building/maintaining strong relationships with staff and patients.

• Provide and promote the following services: basic cleaning/prophylaxis; periodontal & implant maintenance; scaling & root planing (deep cleaning); placement of antimicrobial agents; radiographs; in-office fluorides; and oral hygiene instructions and regimens.
• Educate and sell patients on the following services: restorative/cosmetic dentistry; whitening procedures; electronic toothbrushes; and take home fluorides.
• Discuss and answer patient questions regarding the use and application of various prescriptions and over the counter medications to treat periodontal disease and other dental problems.
• Participate in treatment planning that includes making preliminary diagnoses and discussing patient treatment options with the dentists.
• Conduct nutritional and dental-related hygiene counseling and also spend time educating patients on preventative care to ensure optimum dental wellness.
• Meet with Dental Sales Representatives to discuss new products and place orders for products, dental instruments, dental hand pieces and other specialty products.

0-5 years of experience

Provide exceptional oral hygiene care to a variety of patients. Provide nutritional and personal hygiene techniques to ensure optimal dental and personal well-being.

• Perform prophylaxis and routine oral exams
• Instruct patients on best methods for oral homecare
• Devise and implement treatment plans
• Deliver fluoride applications
• Examine patients and take intra-oral x-rays

6-10 years of experience

Perform all hygiene duties and responsibilities

• Maintain Crest/Oral B supplies stock for Salem, Peabody and Gloucester sites
• Maintain instrument sharpening / re-tipping services for Salem and Peabody sites
• Maintain current MassHealth Dental Office Manual
• Provided Public Health Dental Hygienist applicants observational requirements

0-5 years of experience

Prophylaxis, Perio Maintenance, RP/Scale, Full Mouth Debridement

• Extra/ Intraoral Complete Exams, Assess Patients Medical History for Comprehensive
• Sterilization Monitoring, Supply Ordering
• Staff Meeting Leader, Recall, Scheduling, Posting to Insurance, Payments, Presenting Treatment
• Implementing Caries Management Protocol

0-5 years of experience

Keep track of patient care and treatment plans.

• Expose and develop dental radiographs.
• Mix alginate and place in impression tray, and pour stone model.
• Remove calculus, stains, and plaque from teeth; apply sealants and fluorides to help protect teeth.
• Administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation, and application of Arestin.
• Maintain dental equipment and sharpen and sterilize dental instruments.
• Provide health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.

Dental Hygienist Duties and Responsibilities

Based on postings that we examined, dental hygienists share several core duties across practices:

Clean Patient Teeth and Gums The central responsibility of a dental hygienist is cleaning patient teeth and gums using a variety of tools and techniques. A dental hygienist may use a power brush to remove surface debris or use a scraper to remove built-up plaque and tartar. Additionally, the dental hygienist notes potential problem areas and ensures that the patient remains as comfortable as possible during the cleaning process.

Perform X-Rays and Take Casts Dental hygienists take X-rays to get a better sense of potential issues beneath the patient’s gums. This X-ray imagery also provides the hygienist and dentist with a clear image of the patient’s dental structures and can help identify wisdom teeth that have not yet descended. The hygienist also takes casts and makes models of a patient’s teeth to aid with preventive care and future procedures.

Maintain Patient Records Dental hygienists support their practice by maintaining and updating patient records. On a patient’s first visit, this process might involve gathering information about their oral health history, while on subsequent visits the dental hygienist may update existing records to reflect recent procedures and diagnoses. Additionally, the dental hygienist may work with office administrators to remind patients when it’s time for a routine cleaning visit.

Educate Patients Another of the dental hygienist’s main duties is educating patients on proper oral care techniques and practices. This can include demonstrating correct use of a toothbrush, showing a patient how to floss, and making recommendations about problem areas that the patient may be missing during daily brushing. The dental hygienist also provides patients with information on how to ensure correct oral hygiene between visits, such as making a recommendation for a new toothbrush.

Provide Dentists with Information Because dental hygienists do not make diagnoses, another important part of this role is providing dentists with information that supports diagnostic decision-making. If a hygienist notices an issue, such as a cavity or infected tooth, they provide the dentist with information about the location and severity of the problem. The dentist then checks the patient to confirm the hygienist’s information and provide a diagnosis.

Dental Hygienist Skills and Qualifications

Dental hygienists promote oral health and work directly with dental patients. Most dental hygienists have at least an associate’s degree and the following skills:

• Technical skills – dental hygienists use a variety of tools that range from scrapers and power brushes to X-ray machines, and should be able to successfully utilize this equipment during cleanings or examinations
• Manual dexterity – a high level of precision is required to successfully clean and examine a patient’s teeth and gums without causing pain, so manual dexterity is very important in this role
• Patient communication – dental hygienists interact with patients throughout the day and should be able to provide instruction and advice, answer patient questions, and explain diagnoses
• Attention to detail – a high level of attention to detail is essential in this role, both in cleaning and examining patients’ mouths and ensuring that these procedures follow proper guidelines
• Record keeping – dental hygienists also support their dental practices by maintaining and updating patient records, ensuring that patient information is up to date and reflects any new diagnoses

Dental Hygienist Education and Training

Generally, dental hygienists need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene, which tends to be a three-year program. Dental hygienists must also be licensed in their states, although the requirements for certification and licensure can vary from state to state. There are some opportunities for on-the-job training in this role as hygienists learn the expectations of the dentists they work for and improve their techniques and practices.

Dental Hygienist Salary and Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dental hygienists earn a median annual salary of $74,070. The highest-earning 10 percent of dental hygienists earn over $101,330 per year, while the lowest-paid 10 percent earn less than $51,180. The BLS also notes that roughly half of dental hygienists work part-time schedules, frequently for multiple dentists. The BLS expects employment of dental hygienists to grow at a very rapid pace of 20 percent through 2026, although increasing numbers of graduates from dental hygiene programs means competition for these positions will be strong.

Helpful Resources

We searched the web and found many resources for further reading if you’re interested in starting a career as a dental hygienist:

American Dental Hygienist Association – the ADHA is a professional organization that provides dental hygienists with continuing education opportunities, trade publications, and career guidance

DH Notes: Dental Hygienist’s Chairside Pocket Guide – this handy reference guide provides quick, easy-to-search access to information that dental hygienists need every day

American Dental Association – the ADA is a professional and advocacy organization advancing oral hygiene by educating professionals in the field and setting standards for care and treatment

Foundations of Periodontics for the Dental Hygienist – read this reference guide to learn about periodontal surgery and disease and discover best practices for dental hygienists working in clinical settings