DENTAL HYGIENIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Jun 20, 2025 - The Dental Hygienist possesses a current license as a Registered Dental Hygienist with proven experience in biofilm and plaque removal using modern instruments and techniques. This role requires strong communication skills, adherence to HIPAA standards, and commitment to maintaining a safe and sterile clinical environment. The hygienist also actively engages in professional development through continuing education and ensures compliance with infection-control protocols.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Dental Hygienist Resume
  • Oral Examination
  • Condition Recording
  • Treatment Documentation
  • Instrument Maintenance
  • Instrument Sterilization
  • Digital X-rays
  • Radiograph Processing
  • Dental Charting
  • Local Anesthesia
  • Calculus Removal
  • Patient Referral
  • Hygiene Instruction
  • Patient Comfort
  • Team Cooperation
  • Oral Health Education
  • Nutrition Counseling
  • Emergency Assistance
  • Program Support
  • Regular Attendance
  • Client Partnership

Summary of Dental Hygienist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Dental Science with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience as a dental hygienist, including soft tissue management
  • Current License and CPR Certification
  • Experience using state-of-the-art equipment (or willingness to learn)
  • Understanding of the Oral Systemic Connection and integrating education into patient care
  • Experience with in-office whitening procedures and fabrication of trays
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills
  • An ability to provide the highest levels of personal integrity and ethical behaviour
  • Friendly, kind, detail-oriented, and a team player.

2. BS in Allied Health with 1 year of Experience

  • Must be a current Texas-licensed dental Hygienist.
  • Experience working with Dentures and Partials.
  • Desire to work in a fast-paced, focused environment while providing excellent customer service.
  • Must be someone who practices exemplary dentistry
  • A team player with excellent and professional communication skills
  • Compassionate and caring demeanor
  • Be committed to providing an unprecedented level of care to patients
  • Ability to build rapport with patients

3. BS in Dental Technology with 4 years of Experience

  • Recent experience with Licensed by the State of California Dental Board
  • Proficiency with computers/dental software, scheduling, and treatment planning
  • Ability to perform clinical hygiene functions thoroughly, such as processing/evaluating diagnostic X-rays, recording blood pressure, and completing tooth and periodontal charting
  • Working knowledge of adult and child prophylaxis and non-surgical periodontal therapy
  • Experience with intraoral camera use
  • An ability to provide five-star patient care and customer service
  • Positive, team player with a winning personality and professionalism
  • Warm chair-side manner and hospitality

4. BS in Dental Hygiene with 5 years of Experience

  • Valid Dental Hygienist license in the state, and CPR Certification
  • Excellent working knowledge of overall dentistry and dental hygiene procedures, dental patient screening, and medical history documentation
  • Ability to prepare dental equipment and instruments
  • Dentrix computer experience
  • Experience using Vizilite, Velscope, and/or Diagnodent
  • Experience using electronic medical records
  • Leadership skills with strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Exceptional customer service skills
  • Goal-driven individual who possesses high energy, a positive and friendly attitude
  • Must be a self-starter, with better-than-average clinical skills and the ability to teach large and small groups preventive dental health practices.

5. BS in Oral Health Sciences with 6 years of Experience

  • Registered Dental Hygienist in the State of Ohio with CPR certification.
  • Ability to analyze medical records and prescribed protocols to formulate effective treatment plans.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services.
  • Ability to independently assess the nature and extent of dental disease and associated conditions and pathology in dental patients.
  • Ability to perform a full range of established dental hygienist protocols and procedures.
  • Ability to independently perform emergency dental procedures.
  • Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC, and ADA standards.

6. BS in Dental Assisting with 2 years of Experience

  • Current Texas State Board RDH Licensure
  • An ability to maintain annual OSHA, HIPAA, and Infection Control training as required by law 
  • Basic understanding and knowledge of HIPAA privacy rules 
  • Must have high ethical standards and value patient care above all else
  • Must be a service-oriented, team player who maintains a positive attitude
  • Excellent communication, customer service, and attention to detail
  • An ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced work environment

7. BS in Dental Technology with 4 years of Experience

  • Completion of an accredited dental hygiene program
  • Experience working as a Dental Hygienist or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • Current registration with the CDHBC
  • Current CPR certification for Healthcare Professionals, including AED  
  • Current X-ray license.
  • Ability to effectively present information to the supporting Dentist.
  • Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
  • An ability to work independently
  • Knowledge of fundamental math, adding machine, calculator, and Microsoft Office.

8. BS in Dental Public Health with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience as a dental hygienist, preferably in a community or public health setting.
  • Ability to educate patients on their unique oral health needs and desires.
  • Experience performing all hygiene clinical procedures to include prophy, periodontal maintenance, scaling and root planing, sealants, fluoride, and intra-oral camera
  • Able to communicate with the doctor as to the patient's possible areas for restorative, periodontal, and other needs
  • An ability to partner with the whole team to assist in whatever is required for an excellent patient experience
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to educate patients
  • Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Portuguese, or other language identified by the Department
  • An interest in growing and developing skills
  • A desire to embrace patient-centered care

9. BS in Health Science with 3 years of Experience

  • Current California license as Registered Dental Hygienist
  • Experience as a registered dental hygienist
  • Excellent understanding of current recommended dental hygiene procedures, and use of related instruments and equipment, for excellent biofilm and plaque removal
  • Experience performing recommended cleaning, maintenance, and sharpening of instruments
  • Excellent communication skills with patients, team members, and referring offices
  • An ability to maintain patient confidence and keep information confidential, for HIPAA compliance
  • An ability to maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations
  • Able to protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols
  • Continual self-development through continuing education
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