Public Health Dental Hygienist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of public health, the focus on Public Health Dental Hygienists has never been more significant.

As the healthcare landscape evolves, the demand for skilled individuals who can promote, educate, and safeguard our oral health escalates.

But let’s delve into the details: What’s truly expected from a Public Health Dental Hygienist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply interested in the intricate dynamics of public health dental hygiene,

You’ve arrived at the right destination.

Today, we present a customizable Public Health Dental Hygienist job description template, designed for easy publishing on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Public Health Dental Hygienist Duties and Responsibilities

Public Health Dental Hygienists play a crucial role in promoting dental health by providing preventive dental care, education, and outreach services to the community.

They often work in public health settings like schools, community health centers, and underprivileged areas.

Their duties and responsibilities typically include:

• Performing oral health assessments, including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealant application
• Educating patients about proper oral hygiene techniques, such as the correct way to brush and floss
• Working with community members to develop and implement oral health programs
• Conducting dental screenings and providing referrals for additional dental treatment as needed
• Applying preventive materials, such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants, to the teeth
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive health services
• Keeping records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems to report and discuss with a supervising dentist
• Assisting in the management of medical or dental emergencies
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest research and developments in dental health

 

Public Health Dental Hygienist Job Description Template

Job Brief

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

Your role will be to provide preventive dental services and oral health education to the public, particularly to underserved communities.

Public Health Dental Hygienist responsibilities include conducting initial patient screenings, cleaning teeth (e.g. removing plaque) and advising patients on oral health and preventative care.

You’ll also help dentists decide treatments for teeth or mouth diseases and handle dental emergencies.

Our ideal candidate has a caring and compassionate demeanor, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently in a variety of community settings.

 

Responsibilities

• Administer local anesthesia (under the direct supervision of a dentist)
• Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentist
• Examine gums for sores and signs of disease
• Provide dental health education about tooth care and diet
• Remove sutures and dressings
• Clean and polish teeth using hand and powered tools and ultrasonic devices
• Apply fluoride and sealants to teeth
• Perform dental screening examinations
• Make impressions for study casts
• Maintain patient dental records
• Refer patients to appropriate dental specialists

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Dental Hygienist
• Registered Dental Hygienist license
• Experience in preparing and maintaining dental equipment
• 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
• CPR Certification

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Public Health Dental Hygienist
• Work Environment: This job may be based in a variety of community settings including health departments, schools, and mobile clinics. Travel is often required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Public Health Dentist or Program Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $62,000 minimum to $92,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time or part-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 Public Health Dental Hygienist Do?

A Public Health Dental Hygienist works primarily within community settings, serving the oral health needs of the general population, often focusing on underserved communities.

They are responsible for providing preventive dental care services, such as cleaning teeth, applying sealants and fluoride treatments, and teaching individuals about proper oral hygiene habits.

Public Health Dental Hygienists also conduct oral health assessments, identifying signs of oral diseases such as gum disease and oral cancer.

They then refer patients to dentists for further treatment if needed.

Additionally, these professionals often undertake public health education and advocacy activities.

They may lead community workshops and school programs to promote oral health awareness and advocate for policies that improve access to dental care.

Public Health Dental Hygienists also collaborate with other public health professionals to integrate oral health into overall health promotion and disease prevention strategies.

They may conduct research, collect data, and contribute to public health policy-making.

Overall, the Public Health Dental Hygienist plays a crucial role in improving oral health at the community level, focusing on prevention and education as much as treatment.

 

Public Health Dental Hygienist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Public Health Dental Hygienist should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Dental Hygiene expertise to provide preventive dental care, oral health education and treatment to various populations.
• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a diverse range of patients, understanding their needs and providing appropriate dental care.
• A high degree of manual dexterity and physical stamina to perform intricate procedures for extended periods of time.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively explain dental procedures, oral hygiene strategies, and the importance of regular dental check-ups to patients.
• Patient education skills to promote dental health by providing information regarding the impact of diet and personal habits on oral health.
• Detail-oriented to identify oral health issues during dental examinations and provide precise and effective treatment.
• Problem-solving skills to diagnose oral health issues and devise appropriate treatment plans.
• Strong organizational skills for maintaining accurate and detailed patient records.

 

Public Health Dental Hygienist Experience Requirements

Public Health Dental Hygienists typically obtain a minimum of an associate degree in dental hygiene which includes significant practical experience in a clinical setting.

During this program, students gain essential knowledge in dental science, public health concepts, and direct patient care.

In addition to the formal education, some states may require dental hygienists to gain 1 to 2 years of experience in a clinical setting before transitioning into a public health role.

This experience often comes through working in private dental practices, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have a solid foundation in dental hygiene practice and are often well-versed in public health principles.

This experience, coupled with continuing education courses or a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, can equip them with advanced skills for providing community-based preventive care, conducting oral health education programs, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals in community health initiatives.

Those with more than 5 years of experience, especially in public health settings, may be ready for leadership roles in public health dental hygiene.

They may have experience in designing and implementing oral health programs, advocating for community dental health resources, and influencing public health policies.

This experience is typically coupled with advanced certifications or master’s degree in public health or related fields.

 

Public Health Dental Hygienist Education and Training Requirements

To become a Public Health Dental Hygienist, one must first complete an accredited dental hygiene program, typically an associate degree, from a school recognized by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation.

This program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experiences.

After completing the dental hygiene program, individuals must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.

This examination includes both a written section and a clinical evaluation.

The next step is to acquire state licensure.

The requirements for licensure vary by state, but generally include passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a state or regional clinical examination.

Public Health Dental Hygienists often require additional education or training in public health, such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Health.

This training prepares them for community outreach and education, policy development, and other public health initiatives.

Continuing education is also important for Public Health Dental Hygienists to stay current with advances in dental hygiene and public health.

Many states require ongoing continuing education for license renewal.

Some Public Health Dental Hygienists may also choose to acquire certification in specialized areas such as pediatric dental hygiene or geriatric dental hygiene.

While not required, these additional certifications can enhance career prospects and provide opportunities for specialization.

 

Public Health Dental Hygienist Salary Expectations

A Public Health Dental Hygienist can expect to earn an average salary of $76,220 (USD) per year.

However, actual earnings may fluctuate depending on the individual’s level of experience, educational background, geographical location, and the organization they work for.

 

Public Health Dental Hygienist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Public Health Dental Hygienist need?

Public Health Dental Hygienists should possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients of all ages.

They need to be detail-oriented to detect any signs of oral diseases or abnormalities.

Strong hand-eye coordination and dexterity are essential for the precision required in cleaning and preventive treatments.

They must also have good physical stamina as they often need to be on their feet for long periods.

 

Do Public Health Dental Hygienists need a degree?

Yes, Public Health Dental Hygienists require an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited dental hygiene program.

Additionally, they must be licensed in the state in which they practice.

Some Public Health Dental Hygienists choose to further their education by obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree in dental hygiene.

 

What should you look for in a Public Health Dental Hygienist’s resume?

First and foremost, check for the necessary educational qualifications and licensure.

Work experience in public health settings or dental offices can also be a valuable asset.

Look for evidence of a commitment to ongoing education, as this indicates that the candidate is staying current with the latest practices and techniques in dental hygiene.

Any additional skills, such as proficiency in a second language or experience with special patient populations, can also be advantageous.

 

What qualities make a good Public Health Dental Hygienist?

A good Public Health Dental Hygienist is compassionate and has a genuine interest in promoting public oral health.

They should have excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with diverse patient groups.

Good problem-solving skills are also important as they must be able to assess oral health conditions and determine optimal treatment plans.

Additionally, they should be comfortable working independently and taking initiative in community outreach programs.

 

What are the working conditions of a Public Health Dental Hygienist?

Public Health Dental Hygienists may work in a variety of settings such as schools, community health centers, research institutions, and governmental health departments.

Their job may involve traveling to different locations to provide dental care.

They typically work regular office hours, but some positions may require weekend or evening shifts.

The work can be physically demanding as it often involves long periods of standing.

 

Conclusion

And there it is!

Today, we’ve delved deep into the rich and rewarding world of being a Public Health Dental Hygienist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about cleaning teeth.

It’s about enhancing community health, one smile at a time.

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

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your go-to for creating polished job listings or refining your resume to the finest detail.

Remember:

Every smile is a part of a healthier community.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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