Periodontal Dental Hygienist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern world, the role of periodontal dental hygienists has never been more important.

As advancements in dental health continue to evolve, so too does the demand for skilled professionals who can provide, improve, and maintain our periodontal care.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricate world of periodontal hygiene,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Periodontal Dental Hygienist Duties and Responsibilities

Periodontal Dental Hygienists are specialized oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating diseases of the gums.

They work closely with dentists to provide care tailored to each patient’s specific oral health needs.

The main duties and responsibilities of a Periodontal Dental Hygienist include:

• Performing periodontal examinations to assess the health of gums and detect signs of diseases or conditions
• Providing deep cleanings and scaling procedures to remove plaque and calculus from teeth and gums
• Administering local anesthesia prior to certain treatments
• Applying medicated agents for the treatment of gum diseases
• Educating patients about proper oral hygiene practices to prevent gum diseases
• Recording and updating patients’ periodontal histories
• Assisting the dentist in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases
• Performing periodontal maintenance procedures including cleaning and root planning
• Providing post-operative care instructions following periodontal treatments

 

Periodontal Dental Hygienist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Periodontal Dental Hygienist to join our team.

The Periodontal Dental Hygienist will be responsible for providing preventive and therapeutic oral care to patients with periodontal disease.

The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of oral health and periodontal diseases, can make recommendations for treatment and maintenance, and is capable of performing routine cleanings, root planning, scaling, and other periodontal procedures.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial patient screenings and periodontal exams
• Perform dental prophylaxis, root planning, and scaling procedures
• Apply fluoride treatments and sealants
• Educate patients about oral hygiene practices
• Document patient care and treatment plans
• Follow infection control guidelines to maintain a clean and safe working environment
• Collaborate with dentists to plan and execute treatment plans

 

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in Dental Hygiene
• Current state license to practice dental hygiene
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Dental Hygienist, with specific experience in periodontics
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of dental software and Microsoft Office
• Comfortable with using dental instruments and X-ray equipment

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental coverage
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education credits

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Periodontal Dental Hygienist
• Work Environment: Dental clinic setting. Protective gear is provided and required for all procedures.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Dentist or Practice Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $75,000 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 clinic. 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 Periodontal Dental Hygienist Do?

Periodontal Dental Hygienists are specialized professionals in the dental field who focus primarily on the prevention and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

They generally work in dental offices, clinics or healthcare institutions under the supervision of a licensed dentist.

Their work involves performing regular oral exams to assess the health of the patient’s gums, taking and interpreting dental x-rays, and providing appropriate treatments or interventions as needed.

One of their main roles is to perform professional teeth cleaning procedures, such as scaling and root planing, which help to prevent or treat periodontal disease.

They are also responsible for educating patients about proper oral hygiene techniques and the importance of routine dental care to prevent gum diseases.

Periodontal Dental Hygienists collaborate closely with dentists and other dental professionals to plan and provide comprehensive dental care for patients.

They also play a key role in the early detection of oral health issues such as gingivitis or periodontitis, which can prevent the progression of these diseases and save the patient’s teeth.

In addition to these clinical duties, Periodontal Dental Hygienists may also be involved in administrative tasks within the dental office, such as managing patient records, scheduling appointments, or coordinating patient referrals to specialist dentists.

 

Periodontal Dental Hygienist Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Periodontal Dental Hygienist should possess a set of skills and qualifications that will ensure effective and quality service to patients, including:

• A comprehensive understanding of oral hygiene and dental health to educate patients about appropriate oral hygiene strategies.
• Proficiency in using various dental tools and technologies to clean and polish teeth, take dental radiographs, and provide other preventive dental care.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships with patients, making them feel comfortable during treatments and procedures.
• Strong communication skills to effectively explain procedures, treatments and offer appropriate oral hygiene instructions to patients.
• Attention to detail to accurately record and update patient dental records, noting any observed abnormalities or changes in dental health.
• Manual dexterity and physical stamina to perform detailed work in a small area for long periods of time.
• Problem-solving skills to assess patient oral health, detect oral health issues, and plan appropriate treatments.
• Customer service skills to schedule appointments, manage patient queries, and ensure a positive patient experience.
• A valid license to practice as a dental hygienist and certification in CPR. Additional certification in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation can be advantageous.

 

Periodontal Dental Hygienist Experience Requirements

Periodontal Dental Hygienists typically need to have completed an accredited dental hygiene program and obtained their associate degree, which takes about 3 years.

This period of education provides practical and theoretical experience in periodontal procedures, dental health education, and patient care.

Upon graduation, entry-level dental hygienists are expected to have hands-on experience from their clinical rotations during their studies.

This might involve tasks such as scaling and root planing for periodontal patients, educating patients about oral hygiene, and working with dentists on treatment plans.

Those with 2 to 3 years of experience usually have had regular patient contact and have honed their skills in periodontal disease management.

They may also have expanded their scope of practice to include things like administering local anesthesia or nitrous oxide sedation.

Periodontal Dental Hygienists with more than 5 years of experience generally have an extensive patient care background and have developed specialty skills.

These might include advanced periodontal treatments or working with specific patient groups like the elderly or children.

Those with more than 7 years of experience in the field might have taken on supervisory or managerial roles, overseeing other hygienists, or even running their own dental hygiene clinics.

They may also have pursued further education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in dental hygiene, which could open doors to roles in research, teaching, or public health.

 

Periodontal Dental Hygienist Education and Training Requirements

To become a periodontal dental hygienist, one must first complete a high school diploma or equivalent.

Following this, they must undertake an associate degree in dental hygiene, which generally takes two years to complete.

The course must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Topics covered in the course include anatomy, periodontology, nutrition, radiography, and pharmacology.

Some courses may also provide business training for those who aspire to manage a dental practice in the future.

After completing the dental hygiene program, candidates must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and relevant state clinical exams to become licensed to practice.

License requirements vary by state.

Furthering education with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in dental hygiene can increase job prospects and lead to roles in research, teaching, or public health.

Specialized training in periodontology can be pursued through continuing education courses, which may include areas such as advanced periodontal instrumentation, local anesthesia, and nitrous oxide sedation.

Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is also typically required for periodontal dental hygienists.

Continuing education is important in this field to maintain licensure and stay updated with the latest advancements in dental hygiene and periodontal care.

 

Periodontal Dental Hygienist Salary Expectations

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

The actual compensation can change based on factors such as years of experience, level of education, geographic location, and the organization for which they work.

 

Periodontal Dental Hygienist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Periodontal Dental Hygienist need?

A Periodontal Dental Hygienist should have strong technical skills for cleaning and scaling teeth, applying sealants, and administering local anesthesia.

Additionally, they should have excellent interpersonal skills to interact with patients and explain procedures or oral health instructions.

Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to work under pressure are also necessary skills.

 

Do Periodontal Dental Hygienists need a degree?

Yes, Periodontal Dental Hygienists need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program.

They must also pass a written and clinical examination to be licensed to practice.

Some hygienists may choose to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in dental hygiene for more advanced roles.

 

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

A Periodontal Dental Hygienist’s resume should include their education and licensure details.

Also, look for experience in periodontal care and routine dental cleaning procedures.

The resume should highlight their patient communication skills and proficiency in using dental tools and technology.

Any additional certifications, such as in administering local anesthesia, would be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Periodontal Dental Hygienist?

A good Periodontal Dental Hygienist is patient and empathetic, as they often work with people who have dental anxieties or fears.

They must be detail-oriented to notice subtle changes in a patient’s oral health over time.

Excellent manual dexterity is also important, as procedures require precision and a steady hand.

They should also be committed to continuing education to stay updated on the latest dental health research and techniques.

 

What are the daily duties of a Periodontal Dental Hygienist?

A Periodontal Dental Hygienist’s daily duties include cleaning teeth, examining patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and providing preventive dental care.

They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health.

In addition, they may also take and develop dental radiographs (x-rays), apply fluoride or sealants, and make impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a periodontal dental 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 comprehensive periodontal dental hygienist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your secret weapon for creating precision-etched job listings or polishing your resume to gleaming perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a chance to make a difference.

Let’s create healthier smiles. Together.

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