Dental Hygienist - Personal requirements
Kaiakuaku Niho
Skills & knowledge
Dental hygienists need to have:
- the ability to assess oral health
- knowledge of the structure and function of the teeth, jaw and mouth
- knowledge of the processes and stages of gum disease and oral health problems
- knowledge of how to treat gum disease and oral health problems
- knowledge of a range of oral health care procedures
- good people and communication skills to explain complex information to patients
- decision-making skills
- the ability to assess whether to refer a patient to a dentist or a periodontist
- problem-solving skills
- organisational skills.
Dental hygienists need to know about the structure of the mouth and teeth
Personal Qualities
Dental hygienists need to be:
- encouraging
- caring and sensitive of patients who are in pain or distress
- aware and understanding of the needs of people from other cultures and backgrounds
- positive and optimistic
- willing to listen.
Physical Requirements
Dental hygienists need to be reasonably fit and healthy. They should have good posture as they may have to work in the same position for long periods. Although wearing glasses is not a concern, some eye diseases that prevent proper focusing could present problems.
Updated
November 2008
