Dental Hygienist
しかえいせいし
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Medical, Nursing, and Health Occupations
- Middle : Medical Technicians
- Minor : Dental Hygienists
Summary
A medical professional who, under the instructions of a dentist, cleans teeth and the oral cavity, removes tartar, provides oral hygiene guidance, and supports preventive dentistry and health management.
Description
Dental hygienists, under the direction of dentists, perform preventive treatments such as tartar removal (scaling), tooth surface cleaning (PMTC), and fluoride application. They promote the maintenance and improvement of oral hygiene through brushing guidance, dietary advice, and more. They also handle a wide range of tasks including assisting with X-ray imaging, sterilizing and managing equipment, assisting in dental treatments, and organizing treatment records. As members of the dental medical team, they provide care while emphasizing communication with patients.
Future Outlook
With the declining birthrate and aging population, the importance of oral care is increasing, and demand for preventive dentistry is rising. Opportunities in visiting dentistry and home healthcare fields are also expanding, with stable job demand expected.
Personality Traits
Empathetic / Excellent communication skills / Hygiene-conscious / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Full-time Dentist / In-house Hygiene Management / Part-time Dentist / School Employment / Visiting Treatment
Career Path
Dental Hygienist → Chief Dental Hygienist → Clinic Manager → Visiting Dental Hygienist → Dental Hygienist Educator
Required Skills
Dental Equipment Sterilization Management / Dental Treatment Assistance / Oral Hygiene Guidance / PMTC / Scaling / X-ray Photography Assistance
Recommended Skills
Communication Skills (English) / Communication Skills (Patient Interaction) / Electronic Medical Record Operation / Preventive Dentistry Guidance
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Accuracy is needed to detect and treat minute dirt or lesions on tooth surfaces without missing them. |
| Communication Skills | High dialogue skills are required for building trust with patients and brushing guidance. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Physical stamina is required due to long hours of standing work and procedures in the same posture. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Numerical processing is minimal, and calculation tasks are limited. |
Related Qualifications
- Dental Hygienist
Aliases
- DH
- Dental Hygienist
Related Jobs
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Technician
- Dentist