Oral Surgery Hygienist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare industry, the demand for Oral Surgery Hygienists is continually on the rise.

As oral health becomes more prominent in overall health discussions, the need for skilled professionals who can maintain, improve, and safeguard our oral health framework strengthens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Oral Surgery Hygienist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the field of oral health and hygiene,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Oral Surgery Hygienist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Oral Surgery Hygienist Duties and Responsibilities

Oral Surgery Hygienists are dental professionals who assist oral surgeons during procedures and take care of the patient’s oral health.

They have a combination of technical, administrative, and patient-focused responsibilities.

The following are the duties and responsibilities of an Oral Surgery Hygienist:

• Prepare patients for oral surgery by explaining the procedure and answering questions
• Assist oral surgeons during surgical procedures by handing instruments, suctioning, and other tasks as needed
• Take and develop dental radiographs (x-rays)
• Assess oral health of patients and report findings to oral surgeons
• Administer local anesthetic under the direction of the oral surgeon
• Carry out infection control protocols, cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment
• Maintain patient records by documenting treatment plans and procedures
• Provide post-operative instructions prescribed by the oral surgeon
• Monitor patients’ recovery after surgery and report any abnormal findings to the oral surgeon
• Communicate with dental labs to coordinate the fabrication of oral appliances

 

Oral Surgery Hygienist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled Oral Surgery Hygienist to provide high-quality dental care to our patients.

The responsibilities of an Oral Surgery Hygienist include performing oral examinations, providing preventive treatment, and educating patients on oral hygiene.

The ideal candidate has a caring attitude, excellent patient care skills, and a thorough understanding of dental procedures and protocols.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform oral examinations and treatments
• Assist oral surgeons during dental procedures
• Apply preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides)
• Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health
• Take dental radiographs (x-rays)
• Make impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts (models of teeth used by dentists)
• Document treatment plans and care performed on patients
• Ensure all dental instruments are cleaned and sterilized properly
• Stay up-to-date with advancements in the field of dentistry

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a dental hygienist or similar role
• Ability to prepare dental equipment and instruments
• Excellent working knowledge of overall dentistry and dental hygiene procedures, dental patient screening, and medical history documentation
• Dexterity to operate dental tools
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations in dentistry
• Outstanding communication skills
• A patient and friendly personality
• Attention to detail
• Stamina to meet the physical demands of the job
• Diploma in Dental Hygiene; Master’s is a plus
• Valid license to practice

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Oral Surgery Hygienist
• Work Environment: Dental office. Protective equipment provided to ensure safety.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head Dentist or Practice Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• 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 Oral Surgery Hygienist Do?

Oral Surgery Hygienists are dental professionals who work closely with Oral Surgeons in surgical settings, often in dental clinics or hospitals.

Their main responsibilities include providing oral care to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.

This can involve tasks such as cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments, preparing patients for surgery, taking x-rays, and conducting preliminary examinations.

During surgical procedures, they assist the Oral Surgeon by handing over the required instruments, managing suction and irrigation devices, and ensuring patient comfort.

Post-surgery, they guide patients on oral hygiene practices to aid in healing and prevent infection.

They may also be involved in removing sutures, cleaning surgical sites, and monitoring patient recovery.

In addition, Oral Surgery Hygienists may perform administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and managing billing.

They are an integral part of the dental team, providing critical support to Oral Surgeons and ensuring patients receive comprehensive oral surgical care.

 

Oral Surgery Hygienist Qualifications and Skills

Oral Surgery Hygienists play a critical role in oral surgical procedures and patient care.

The skills and qualifications necessary for this role include:

• Technical knowledge and skills in oral hygiene practices and dental procedures to ensure effective patient care and support to the Oral Surgeon.
• Strong attention to detail to adhere to specific surgical protocols, maintain sterilization standards and assist with complicated surgical procedures.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively explain pre and post-operative instructions to patients, discuss treatment plans and answer any questions the patient may have.
• Interpersonal skills to establish rapport with patients, providing a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for those who may be anxious or nervous.
• Manual dexterity and physical stamina, as this role involves precise work in a small area and may require standing for extended periods.
• Problem-solving skills to assist in identifying potential oral health issues and to support the Oral Surgeon during complex surgical procedures.
• Customer service skills to manage appointments, follow-up with patients, and manage patient records efficiently.

 

Oral Surgery Hygienist Experience Requirements

To become an Oral Surgery Hygienist, candidates need to complete an accredited dental hygiene program, which can take from two to four years.

These programs provide both theoretical and practical training, giving students a solid foundation in dental hygiene and surgery.

Upon graduating, hygienists are usually required to gain a license to practice, which often involves passing practical and written exams.

As such, they gain a significant amount of experience through their education and licensure process.

Entry-level Oral Surgery Hygienists might have up to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in dental clinics or hospitals.

They are usually proficient in basic dental hygiene practices and have some experience in assisting with oral surgeries.

Professionals with more than 3 years of experience may have further honed their surgical skills and may have experience in more complex oral surgical procedures.

They may also have gained some administrative experience, such as managing patient records or coordinating with dental insurance companies.

Oral Surgery Hygienists with more than 5 years of experience often have an in-depth understanding of oral surgical procedures and may have supervisory or managerial experience.

They might be equipped to lead a team of hygienists, train new staff, or manage a dental hygiene department.

 

Oral Surgery Hygienist Education and Training Requirements

The role of an Oral Surgery Hygienist typically requires an associate degree in dental hygiene.

These programs, accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, entail both classroom and clinical instruction.

Courses that are common in dental hygiene programs include anatomy, medical ethics, periodontics, radiography, and dental pharmacology.

Additionally, dental hygienists need to learn about and gain practical experience in areas like oral pathology, pain management, and oral surgery procedures.

Licensing is mandatory for all dental hygienists.

The specific requirements vary by state, but generally, to obtain licensure, dental hygienists must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program, pass a written exam, and pass a clinical exam.

After receiving their initial licensure, dental hygienists usually need to maintain their license by completing continuing education requirements.

For those aiming to specialize in oral surgery, further training and certification may be required.

This additional education may cover topics like surgical procedures, anesthesia administration, and emergency management.

Ultimately, the combination of a strong educational foundation, clinical experience, and specialized training equips Oral Surgery Hygienists to provide high-quality care in their demanding role.

 

Oral Surgery Hygienist Salary Expectations

An Oral Surgery Hygienist earns an average salary of $72,930 (USD) per year.

This salary may vary based on factors such as the level of experience, the size and location of the employing dental clinic or hospital, and additional specializations or certifications.

 

Oral Surgery Hygienist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Oral Surgery Hygienist need?

Oral Surgery Hygienists should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients, explaining procedures and providing post-operative care instructions.

They should have keen attention to detail to ensure a clean and sterile environment.

Technical skills are also crucial, including the ability to use specialized dental equipment.

Knowledge of dental health and hygiene is a must, along with the ability to handle patient concerns with empathy and professionalism.

 

Do Oral Surgery Hygienists need a degree?

Yes, Oral Surgery Hygienists typically need an associate degree in dental hygiene, which includes courses in anatomy, oral hygiene, radiography, and periodontology.

After obtaining the degree, they must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and get a state license to practice dental hygiene.

 

What should you look for in an Oral Surgery Hygienist resume?

Firstly, verify that the Oral Surgery Hygienist has the appropriate licensure for your state.

Look for a degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program and successful completion of the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.

Experience in an oral surgery setting would be a significant advantage.

Additional certifications or training in areas like sedation, radiology or CPR can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Oral Surgery Hygienist?

A good Oral Surgery Hygienist is patient and empathetic, able to handle patients who may be anxious or in discomfort.

They must be detail-oriented to ensure the cleanliness and sterility of the surgical environment.

They must also be knowledgeable and capable of educating patients about oral hygiene and post-surgical care.

Good hand-eye coordination and physical stamina are also important as the job involves precise work and long periods of standing.

 

Is it difficult to hire Oral Surgery Hygienists?

The difficulty in hiring Oral Surgery Hygienists can depend on the location and specific requirements of the role.

There may be fewer applicants with specific experience in oral surgery as compared to general dental hygiene.

Competitive compensation, continuing education opportunities, and a positive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of what it means to be an oral surgery hygienist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about cleaning teeth.

It’s about shaping the future of oral health, one patient at a time.

With our ready-to-use oral surgery hygienist job description template and real-world examples, you’re poised to leap forward in your career.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction contributes to the larger framework of oral health.

Let’s sculpt that future. Together.

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