Dental Hygiene
Dental Hygiene is a key part of preventive dental care that focuses on keeping patients' teeth and gums healthy. It involves cleaning teeth, examining patients for signs of oral diseases, and educating patients about proper oral care. Think of it as the maintenance and prevention side of dental care, similar to how regular car maintenance prevents bigger problems. When you see this term in resumes, it typically refers to both the practice of cleaning teeth and gums, as well as the broader field of preventive oral healthcare.
Examples in Resumes
Performed Dental Hygiene procedures for 15-20 patients daily
Implemented new Dental Hygiene protocols that improved patient satisfaction by 30%
Conducted Dental Hygiene education sessions for elementary school students
Typical job title: "Dental Hygienists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Dental Hygienists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle training and mentoring new dental hygienists while maintaining your own patient load?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate leadership skills, time management, and ability to balance clinical work with teaching responsibilities. They should mention creating training schedules, documenting procedures, and ensuring quality care isn't compromised.
Q: Tell me about a time you implemented a new procedure or protocol in your dental practice.
Expected Answer: Strong answers should show experience in improving workplace efficiency, ability to train others, and understanding of how changes impact the entire dental office workflow.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you handle difficult patients who are resistant to treatment recommendations?
Expected Answer: Look for answers showing patient education skills, communication abilities, and experience in handling challenging situations professionally.
Q: What steps do you take to ensure proper infection control in your practice?
Expected Answer: Candidate should demonstrate thorough knowledge of sterilization procedures, safety protocols, and current health guidelines.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What tools and equipment are you familiar with using in dental hygiene procedures?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list basic dental hygiene instruments and explain their proper use in cleaning and examining teeth.
Q: How do you educate patients about proper oral hygiene?
Expected Answer: Look for answers showing ability to explain dental care concepts in simple terms and adapt explanations based on patient age and understanding.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic teeth cleaning procedures
- Taking dental x-rays
- Patient education
- Recording patient information
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced cleaning techniques
- Handling complex cases
- Treatment planning
- Working independently
Senior (5+ years)
- Team leadership
- Training new staff
- Complex case management
- Practice management skills
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of current license or certification
- No mention of sterilization or safety protocols
- Poor communication skills
- No experience with modern dental equipment
- Gaps in work history without explanation
Related Terms
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