Dental Hygienist

Job Summary

The Pediatric Dental Hygienist provides preventive oral health care and education to infants, children, and adolescents in a pediatric dental setting. This role focuses on promoting optimal oral health through clinical hygiene services, patient and caregiver education, and behavior management techniques tailored to pediatric patients. The hygienist works collaboratively with dentists and the dental care team to support comprehensive treatment plans while maintaining high standards of safety, infection control, and patient comfort. The position requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a compassionate approach to creating positive dental experiences for children and families.

Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited dental hygiene program
• Current state licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Knowledge

Possesses comprehensive knowledge of pediatric oral health principles, including growth and development of the dentition, preventive dental care, and age-appropriate treatment techniques for infants, children, and adolescents. Demonstrates expertise in dental prophylaxis, fluoride therapy, sealant application, radiographic procedures, and infection control specific to pediatric patients. Maintains a thorough understanding of behavior management strategies, child psychology, and communication techniques to promote positive dental experiences. Knowledgeable in recognizing early signs of oral disease, developmental anomalies, and risk factors for caries, while educating patients and caregivers on proper oral hygiene, nutrition, and preventive practices. Adheres to current evidence-based guidelines, safety standards, and regulatory requirements within pediatric dental care.

Skills

Demonstrates strong clinical skills in providing preventive dental care to pediatric patients, including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealant placement, and radiographic imaging. Effectively applies behavior management and communication techniques to reduce anxiety and foster cooperation in children of varying developmental stages. Skilled in educating patients and caregivers on oral hygiene practices, nutrition, and caries prevention using age-appropriate language and teaching methods. Exhibits proficiency in maintaining a safe, clean, and organized clinical environment through proper infection control and sterilization procedures. Collaborates effectively with dentists, dental assistants, and office staff to support comprehensive pediatric dental care, while maintaining accurate patient records and complying with clinical protocols and regulatory standards.

Work Context

Works in a clinical dental setting providing preventive and educational oral health services to infants, children, and adolescents. Performs duties in close physical proximity to patients while utilizing dental instruments, equipment, and radiographic technology in accordance with safety and infection control standards. Regularly interacts with children who may experience anxiety, fear, or limited cooperation, requiring patience, adaptability, and effective behavior management techniques. Communicates frequently with parents, caregivers, dentists, and dental team members to coordinate care and provide education. The work environment requires sustained attention to detail, adherence to regulatory and clinical protocols, and the ability to manage multiple patients within scheduled appointment times while maintaining a calm, child-friendly atmosphere.

Primary Job Duties

• Perform preventive dental hygiene procedures for pediatric patients, including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealant application, and radiographic imaging in accordance with clinical protocols.
• Assess oral health conditions by reviewing dental histories, conducting periodontal screenings, and identifying signs of caries, gingivitis, developmental abnormalities, or other oral health concerns.
• Utilize age-appropriate behavior management and communication techniques to reduce anxiety and encourage cooperation during dental visits.
• Educate children and parents or caregivers on proper oral hygiene practices, nutrition, and preventive care strategies to promote long-term oral health.
• Maintain accurate and complete patient records, including clinical findings, treatment provided, and patient education, in compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Ensure adherence to infection control, sterilization, and safety protocols to maintain a clean and safe clinical environment.
• Collaborate with dentists, dental assistants, and other team members to support comprehensive pediatric dental care and continuity of treatment.
• Prepare treatment rooms, maintain dental equipment, and manage supplies as needed to support efficient clinical operations.
• Support special needs and medically compromised pediatric patients by adapting techniques and care approaches as appropriate.

Activities

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.

Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Tools and Technology

• Dental hygiene instruments, including scalers, curettes, mirrors, explorers, and ultrasonic scaling devices
• Pediatric dental chairs, delivery units, and suction systems
• Radiographic equipment, including digital X-ray sensors, intraoral cameras, and protective lead shielding
• Preventive care materials such as fluoride varnishes, sealant materials, polishing agents, and applicators
• Sterilization and infection control equipment, including autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Dental software and electronic health record (EHR) systems for scheduling, charting, radiographs, and documentation
• Patient education tools, including visual aids, models, instructional materials, and age-appropriate educational resources
• Basic office technology such as computers, tablets, printers, and communication systems used for clinical and administrative tasks

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to