Dental Talent – Top Qualities and Traits You Need to Become an Effective Dental Hygienist

Often dubbed as unsung heroes in dental clinics, the dental hygienist is typically the first person you see when you visit your dentist. Their job is similar to nurses in hospitals, making it a career that is open for new graduates, part-time gigs, freelancers, and more.

From patient screening procedures, developing dental radiographs, to something more hands-on like removing plaque,  becoming a dental hygienist is no easy feat. Acing your first job is always tricky for many, but the simple tips below should help you get started in the right direction in your new venture as a dental hygienist:

Tip #1: Preparation Is Key

Preparation

Just like any job, taking the extra step to do your homework on the day-to-day workflow will give you a better understanding of your responsibilities. Simple efforts like identifying where the clinic stores the dental aids or supplies can give you a heads start, allowing you to complete your tasks with a speedier and smoother approach.

Arriving 30 minutes early can also give you an advantage, especially during the first day as it gives you more time to get to know the staff, the layout, and ask crucial questions from other dental hygienists or assistants in the clinic.

Tip #2: Do Your Homework On Your Tasks And Other Responsibilities

Homework

If you want to take your preparation to the next level, you can improve your first day by asking ahead of time some key questions. This includes determining how the scheduling works after treatment, who does the billing, and if you are responsible for sterilizing your own equipment.

Some clinics require the hygienist to take it upon themselves, while others hire a sterilization assistant to streamline the tasks. It also helps to know if you will need to handle the periodontal charting yourself, or if you will have an assistant to guide you.

Tip #3: Take Frequent Breaks

Being a dental hygienist is a laborious and time-consuming work, so you’d be surprised how easy it is to lose track of time and forget to take breaks in between. Don’t let yourself rush through the hours without slowing down or you’ll run the risk of burning out.

Taking your lunch break, using the bathroom, or taking at least ten to fifteen minutes to de-stress from all the action that takes place in the clinic will do wonders in keeping your energy and morale high throughout the day.

The Bottom Line: Achieving Temping Success In Dental Hygiene

Dental hygienists may not be the one’s patients often turn to for treatment, they play a pivotal role in ensuring patients receive the best oral health care they need. Seeing as they handle half the battle in clinics, it’s no surprise that there is a wide range of challenges along the way. Fortunately, the tips above should help you kickstart your first day as smoothly as possible.

Looking to launch your dream dentist practice? You need the right team to move your practice forward, so get in touch with our recruitment platform for dental practitioners in the UK to connect with the best talent in the industry. We offer practice manager jobs to associate dentist jobs, so contact us today to see how we can help you run your business smoothly!