Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the constantly evolving healthcare sector, the role of advanced clinical dental hygienists has become increasingly important.

As dental health becomes more integral to overall health, the demand for proficient professionals who can enhance, maintain, and ensure our oral health is growing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an advanced clinical dental hygienist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the ins and outs of advanced dental hygiene,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable advanced clinical dental hygienist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist Duties and Responsibilities

Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienists perform a variety of tasks related to dental care and oral health.

They not only clean teeth but also examine patients for signs of oral diseases, provide preventive care, and educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health.

The duties and responsibilities of an Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist include:

• Conducting initial dental assessments and consult with dentists on patient care
• Removing plaque and tartar from patients’ teeth through cleanings
• Applying sealants and fluorides to help protect teeth
• Taking dental radiographs (x-rays)
• Assessing patients’ oral health and reporting findings to dentists
• Documenting patient care and treatment plans
• Educating patients about oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health, such as toothbrushing, flossing, and nutritional guidance
• Screening patients for oral health conditions, such as gingivitis, and provide oral cancer screenings
• Assisting dentists with complex and specialized procedures
• Keeping track of dental supplies and ordering new stock as required

 

Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist to join our dental team.

The chosen candidate will be responsible for providing preventative oral care, educating patients on oral hygiene, and working closely with dentists to provide comprehensive dental care.

The ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of oral hygiene procedures, dental health, and disease prevention.

They should be patient, able to handle dental tools with precision, and possess excellent communication skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Performing oral health assessments, including oral cancer screenings, and recording and reviewing patients’ medical history
• Providing preventative dental care and oral hygiene education for patients
• Taking dental radiographs (X-rays) and interpreting them
• Applying therapeutic, sealant, fluorides or other cavity preventing agents
• Developing dental hygiene treatment plans and maintaining patient dental records
• Working with dentists to ensure optimal patient care
• Adhering to regulations regarding consent, confidentiality, data protection and clinical governance

 

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in Dental Hygiene
• Current state license to practice dental hygiene and certification from an accredited dental hygiene school
• Experience in preparing and maintaining dental equipment
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• A patient and friendly personality
• Attention to detail and a dedication to maintaining high standards
• Stamina to meet the physical demands of the job

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education credits

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist
• Work Environment: Dental office setting. Protective clothing, mask, gloves and eyewear are required while working.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Dentist or Dental Office Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist Do?

Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienists perform crucial roles in dental offices, clinics, and hospitals.

They primarily work alongside dentists and other dental professionals to provide oral healthcare services to patients.

Their tasks often involve assessing patients’ oral health conditions, providing preventive care, and carrying out specific dental treatments.

This includes cleaning teeth, applying preventive materials such as fluoride and sealants, and conducting screening procedures for oral diseases.

Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienists also educate patients about oral hygiene strategies, such as tooth brushing and flossing techniques, to maintain and improve oral health.

In some cases, they may be involved in more complex procedures under the supervision of a dentist, like root planing or scaling, which are treatments for gum diseases.

They also take and develop dental radiographs (x-rays) and perform other diagnostic procedures.

They may also administer local anesthetics and nitrous oxide analgesia.

In some jurisdictions, Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienists are authorized to administer other medications and perform restorative procedures, like filling cavities, depending on their scope of practice.

As an Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist, they may also carry out administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and billing.

Their work plays a significant role in preventive healthcare, helping patients avoid serious dental issues by providing regular care and education on good oral health practices.

 

Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist Qualifications and Skills

An advanced clinical dental hygienist should possess a combination of technical skills, interpersonal abilities, and industry knowledge.

These include:

• Comprehensive knowledge of oral healthcare and hygiene practices, along with the ability to perform complex dental procedures.
• Excellent manual dexterity to handle dental instruments effectively and conduct procedures with precision.
• Interpersonal skills to build rapport with patients, ensuring they feel comfortable and informed about their dental care and procedures.
• Strong communication skills to explain dental procedures, hygiene practices and oral healthcare advice to patients clearly and effectively.
• Patience and empathy to understand and cater to the needs of patients, especially those who may be anxious or nervous.
• Demonstrated ability to use dental technology and equipment, including dental imaging software and tools for various dental procedures.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to diagnose oral health issues and strategize appropriate treatment plans.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to maintaining accurate patient records and adhering to compliance standards.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of dental professionals, including dentists and dental assistants.

 

Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of an Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist should have at least 3 to 5 years of experience in a clinical setting.

This experience often comes from working full-time in dental practices, clinics, or hospitals.

In these roles, dental hygienists gain hands-on experience in performing duties such as teeth cleaning, taking and developing X-rays, providing oral health education to patients, and assisting dentists during procedures.

Candidates who have completed an internship or residency program at a dental clinic during their studies can also count this as part of their experience.

Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienists are expected to have additional skills and experience in specialized areas such as pediatric dentistry, periodontics, or orthodontics.

They may also need experience with advanced dental technology and software.

Those with more than 5 years of clinical experience may have taken on additional responsibilities such as team leadership, patient relationship management, or clinic administration.

This level of experience is often necessary for Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist roles, as they may be expected to manage other staff, oversee operations, and make decisions regarding patient care.

Additional qualifications, such as certification in local anesthetic administration or sedation, may also be required.

These qualifications often require additional training and experience to obtain.

 

Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist Education and Training Requirements

To become an Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist, individuals typically need to have an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited dental hygiene program, which usually takes about 3 years to complete.

These programs involve a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and supervised clinical experience.

They cover subjects such as anatomy, oral health, nutrition, radiology, periodontology, and other related topics.

After completing their associate degree, dental hygienists need to obtain a state license to practice.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but generally include successful completion of an accredited dental hygiene program, passing written and practical examinations, and meeting certain age and education requirements.

To advance to the level of a clinical dental hygienist, further training and experience are needed.

Many dental hygienists choose to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in dental hygiene, which offers more in-depth study and can lead to opportunities in research, teaching, or corporate sales.

In addition, dental hygienists often take part in continuing education courses to keep their skills current and meet state requirements.

Subjects can include advanced periodontics, pharmacology, dental materials, and more.

Lastly, acquiring specialized certifications can further enhance a dental hygienist’s credentials.

These certifications can be in areas like pediatric dental hygiene, geriatric dental hygiene, or special needs dental hygiene.

They demonstrate a commitment to ongoing education and expertise in a specific area of dental hygiene.

 

Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist Salary Expectations

An Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist earns an average salary of $74,820 (USD) per year.

The actual income can differ depending on factors such as professional experience, specialization, geographical location, and the specific policies of the employing dental practice.

 

Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist need?

Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienists need to have strong interpersonal skills to interact with patients of all ages and backgrounds.

They should also have excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to perform intricate procedures.

Other key skills include attention to detail, understanding of dental and medical regulations and guidelines, and the ability to communicate complex dental information in an easy-to-understand manner.

 

Do Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienists need a degree?

Yes, Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienists typically require a bachelor’s or an associate’s degree in dental hygiene from an accredited institution.

They also require state licensure, which involves passing a practical and written exam.

Some states may have additional requirements.

 

What should you look for in an Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist’s resume?

Firstly, ensure they have the necessary qualifications and licensure.

Practical experience in a dental setting is also crucial, and special attention should be given to experience in specialized procedures.

Membership in professional dental organizations can also be a good sign of ongoing professional development.

 

What qualities make a good Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist?

A good Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist should be patient and have excellent communication skills, as they need to explain procedures and educate patients on oral health.

They should also be physically fit as the job often involves long periods of standing.

A good dental hygienist should also be compassionate and have the ability to ease patient fears.

 

What are the typical duties of an Advanced Clinical Dental Hygienist?

Daily duties include conducting initial patient screenings, cleaning teeth (e.g., remove plaque or apply fluoride), counseling patients about good nutrition and oral care, and working closely with dentists to ensure proper patient care.

They may also take dental radiographs (x-rays) and perform other diagnostic procedures.

In some cases, they may assist in more advanced procedures or provide specialized treatments as required.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we have thoroughly examined what it really means to be an advanced clinical dental hygienist.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about cleaning teeth.

It’s about sculpting the future of oral health, one smile at a time.

With our comprehensive advanced clinical dental hygienist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop at readiness?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every tooth you clean, every piece of advice you give, contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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