Pediatric Dental Hygienist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the importance of pediatric dental hygienists is never more pronounced.

As children grow, their oral health needs evolve, and with each developmental stage, the demand for skilled professionals who can nurture, educate, and protect their dental health escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric dental hygienist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the core of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of pediatric dental hygiene,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric dental hygienist job description template, structured for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pediatric Dental Hygienist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Dental Hygienists focus on the oral health and hygiene of children, from infancy through adolescence.

They are responsible for providing preventative dental care, educating patients about good oral hygiene, and supporting the dentist during procedures.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conduct initial oral screenings and check-ups for signs of cavities or oral diseases
• Perform dental prophylaxis, which includes cleaning and polishing of teeth
• Apply preventative materials such as sealants and fluoride to the teeth
• Take and develop dental radiographs (X-rays)
• Teach children about the importance of oral hygiene and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques
• Provide care and treatment to patients with special needs
• Assist the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Document patient care and treatment plans in patient records
• Communicate with parents and guardians to discuss the oral health and development of their children

 

Pediatric Dental Hygienist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Pediatric Dental Hygienist to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing comprehensive dental care, oral health education, and treatment to pediatric patients.

They should be adept in managing patients with various health conditions and must possess a deep understanding of children’s dental health needs.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform dental hygiene services and procedures, including dental prophylaxis, scaling, fluoride treatment, and sealant application
• Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentist
• Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist
• Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients
• Use air turbine and hand instruments, dental appliances and surgical implements
• Provide clinical services and health education to improve and maintain oral health of school children
• Apply fluorides and other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay
• Assess and record oral conditions for evaluation and treatment by dentist

 

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited Dental Hygiene program
• Current state license to practice Dental Hygiene (RDH)
• Experience working with children in a dental setting
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in dental software, digital x-rays and equipment
• Patient and gentle with children

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Dental Hygienist
• Work Environment: Dental clinic setting. Physical dexterity required to operate dental tools. May involve some weekend work.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pediatric Dentist or Clinic Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $90,000 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 a Pediatric Dental Hygienist Do?

A Pediatric Dental Hygienist is a specialized oral health professional who primarily works with children and adolescents.

They often operate in dental practices, clinics, or hospitals, focusing on the oral health needs of young patients.

They may also work in schools or community health centers, providing dental care and education to children.

The main job of a Pediatric Dental Hygienist is to conduct initial patient screenings, clean and remove plaque from teeth, apply sealants and fluorides to protect teeth, and educate patients on good oral health habits.

They use special dental instruments for procedures, take dental X-rays, and maintain dental records.

They must be skilled in handling pediatric dental emergencies and managing children with special healthcare needs.

Pediatric Dental Hygienists play a critical role in making dental visits less stressful for children.

They use age-appropriate techniques to explain dental procedures and help children feel comfortable during treatments.

In addition, they often work with Pediatric Dentists to develop individualized preventive care plans for their young patients, ensuring optimal oral health as they grow and develop.

 

Pediatric Dental Hygienist Qualifications and Skills

A competent Pediatric Dental Hygienist should have a mix of technical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, which include:

• Strong knowledge in pediatric dental care, with the ability to operate dental equipment and use dental software for patient records.
• Excellent communication skills to explain dental procedures and oral care tips to children and their parents, ensuring they understand the importance of oral health.
• Patience and a friendly demeanor to make children feel comfortable during their dental visits, and the ability to deal with children of various temperaments.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build good relationships with patients and their parents, as well as work effectively as part of a dental team.
• Problem-solving skills to identify potential oral health issues in children, suggest appropriate treatments, and educate parents about preventive care.
• Good physical stamina as the role often requires standing for long periods and performing precise dental procedures.
• Excellent attention to detail for accurate examination, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health issues in children.

 

Pediatric Dental Hygienist Experience Requirements

Pediatric Dental Hygienists usually graduate from an accredited dental hygienist program, where they gain a substantial amount of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in dental hygiene and pediatric dental care.

After graduation, many hygienists choose to further their training by working in a general dentistry practice, where they can gain practical experience working with patients of all ages.

This provides them with the foundational skills necessary to meet the requirements of many pediatric dental hygienist positions.

Entry-level Pediatric Dental Hygienists may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through internships or part-time roles in dental clinics or hospitals.

These professionals may also gain valuable experience in roles such as Dental Assistant or Dental Technician.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience would have developed their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level Dental Hygienist roles or in general dentistry.

They would have also gained considerable experience working specifically with children and teenagers.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have acquired leadership experience in their background and may be ready for a supervisory or managerial role within a pediatric dental practice.

They are also likely to have gained specialized skills in pediatric dental care such as behavior management, dental trauma management, and preventive dental care for children.

Additional experience may be required for Pediatric Dental Hygienists wishing to work in specialized areas such as pediatric orthodontics, pediatric endodontics, or working with children with special healthcare needs.

 

Pediatric Dental Hygienist Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Dental Hygienists typically need to complete an associate’s degree or certificate program in dental hygiene from an accredited institution.

These programs typically take three years to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.

Subjects studied in these programs may include anatomy, periodontology, nutrition, radiography, and pediatric dentistry.

It is critical for Pediatric Dental Hygienists to have specialized training in dealing with children, including those with special needs, to ensure they can provide appropriate and compassionate care.

Upon completion of the educational program, all states require Pediatric Dental Hygienists to be licensed.

To obtain this license, candidates must pass written and clinical examinations.

In some states, Pediatric Dental Hygienists may need to complete additional training or certification to administer local anesthetics or perform other advanced procedures.

Continuing education is important in this field to keep up with the latest practices, equipment, and research.

Some Pediatric Dental Hygienists may choose to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in dental hygiene to further enhance their skills and knowledge.

Overall, Pediatric Dental Hygienists should have excellent interpersonal skills, as they will work closely with children and their parents, as well as a strong interest in healthcare and oral hygiene.

 

Pediatric Dental Hygienist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Dental Hygienist earns an average salary of $74,820 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary based on factors like years of experience, certifications, the geographical location, and the specific dental clinic or hospital they work for.

 

Pediatric Dental Hygienist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Dental Hygienist need?

Pediatric Dental Hygienists require a combination of technical and soft skills.

From a technical perspective, they need to be proficient in dental hygiene procedures, oral pathology, radiology, and periodontology.

Soft skills include strong communication to explain procedures to children and their parents, patience to deal with nervous or difficult patients, and a friendly demeanor to make the dental experience less intimidating for children.

 

What qualifications does a Pediatric Dental Hygienist need?

A Pediatric Dental Hygienist requires an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program and must be licensed by their state to practice.

Some positions may require a bachelor’s degree or higher.

They also need specific training or experience in pediatric dentistry.

Certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may also be required.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Dental Hygienist resume?

Look for proof of the necessary licensing and educational credentials, as well as practical experience in pediatric dentistry.

See if they’ve received any additional training related to children’s dental care or behavioral management.

Other beneficial elements to look for could include experience working with special needs children, proficiency in various dental software, or bilingual ability for multicultural environments.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Dental Hygienist?

A good Pediatric Dental Hygienist has an empathetic and comforting manner to help alleviate children’s fears or anxiety about dental procedures.

They should have excellent manual dexterity to perform precise procedures in a small space.

They must also have great interpersonal skills to establish rapport with children and their parents, and good observational skills to detect signs of oral health issues.

 

Is a career as a Pediatric Dental Hygienist demanding?

While rewarding, a career as a Pediatric Dental Hygienist can be demanding.

The role requires physical stamina, as hygienists spend a lot of time on their feet.

Additionally, working with children, especially those who are nervous or scared, can be emotionally challenging.

However, the satisfaction of improving a child’s oral health and instilling good dental habits can make this a fulfilling career choice.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a pediatric dental hygienist.

Surprise!

It’s not just about cleaning teeth.

It’s about fostering a foundation of dental health, one child at a time.

With our indispensable pediatric dental hygienist job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to step up.

But why halt here?

Take a further leap with our job description generator. It’s your next stage for creating spot-on job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every child you help is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Pediatric Dental Hygienist (Complete Guide)

Crazy Stressful: The Jobs That Redefine Workplace Pressure!

Crazy Career Choices: The Weirdest Jobs Ever

Lounge and Earn: Effortless Jobs That Deliver Serious Dough!

Surprising Salary Secrets: The Jobs with the Lowest Wages Revealed!