How to Be a Good Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists are health care professionals who clean patients' teeth and teach them preventative dental care. While in the office, they must wear goggles, masks and gloves to protect themselves from infectious diseases. Employment of dental hygienists is projected to increase 36 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median annual wages of dental hygienists at the time of publication were $66,570, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A good dental hygienist must have strong attention to detail and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Instructions

• 1

  Complete a two-year associate degree program or four-year bachelor's degree program in dental hygiene through a program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Gain an understanding of concepts including periodontology -- the study of gum diseases -- as well as dental anatomy, physiology and pathology. In addition, master your manual dexterity skills when you work on patients during the clinical practice portion of your program.

• 2

  Pass a written exam administered by the ADA's Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. Also, complete the clinical exam through your state or regional testing agency to get your state license in dental hygiene. Maintain your dental hygiene license by completing state continuing education requirements every two years.

• 3

  Master the use of scalers for removing tartar -- the hardened form of plaque, which is a soft, sticky substance that adheres to teeth when a person eats food. Practice using scalers above the gum line as well using curets to remove tartar below the gum line and to smooth rough root surfaces. In addition, learn how to use an ultrasonic device with a hand piece and tip to remove tartar more rapidly and prevent hand fatigue.

• 4

  Hone your skill of polishing teeth using rotary instruments to remove plaque and stains. Also, improve your skill of taking dental radiographs of patients' teeth, and master developing X-ray film as well as practicing radiology safety by using lead aprons on patients. Know how to administer anesthetics as well.

• 5

  Practice working well with other people, including dentists, dental assistants and patients. In addition, master your oral communication skills so you can clearly use models of teeth to explain to patients how to improve their oral hygiene.

• 6

  Be flexible. Be prepared to work only two or three days a week at a dental office, which is less than 35 hours a week.