Dental hygienist
Also known as: oral health therapist, oral health specialist, orthodontic therapist, trainee dental hygienist, oral health practitioner, qualified dental hygienist
About this occupation
Dental hygienists work in cleaning and polishing teeth, supra- and sub-gingival scaling of the teeth, application of prophylactic materials to the teeth, collecting data, administering comprehensive advice on oral hygiene and the care of the mouth, according to patients` needs under the supervision of dental practitioners following her/his directions.
Essential skills and knowledge
- promote health and safety policies in health services
- evaluate clinical outcomes of dental hygiene interventions
- provide health education
- manage infection control in the facility
- apply context specific clinical competences
- interact with healthcare users
- use e-health and mobile health technologies
- apply organisational techniques
- listen actively
- remove calculus, plaque and stains
- apply health sciences
- communicate effectively in healthcare
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Dental Hygienists (O*NET 29-1292.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Record and review patient medical histories.
- Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
- Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
- Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
- Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
- Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
- Typical education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Realistic, Investigative
Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Writing, Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness
US median pay: US$98,100 a year (2025), 222,740 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Dental Assistants
- Surgical Assistants
- Medical Assistants
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
- Surgical Technologists
- Registered Nurses
- Respiratory Therapists
- Acute Care Nurses
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.