8 Key Personality Traits That Make A Great Dental Hygienist
As a professional dental hygienist technical skills are undeniably important, but they’re only part of what makes a dental hygienist truly effective.
In this article, I’ll discuss the 8 key personality traits that make a great dental hygienist. From empathy to professionalism, these traits make a world of difference in how dental hygienists engage with both patients and colleagues.
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Key Personality Traits That Make a Great Dental Hygienist
Working as a professional dental hygienist requires more than just technical proficiency and education.
While having a steady hand and a solid understanding of dental procedures is essential, the personality traits of a dental hygienist also play a significant role in career success and patient satisfaction.
Here are 8 key personality traits that make a great dental hygienist:
Empathy and Compassion
In my opinion, empathy and compassion are essential personality traits for any great dental hygienist. Dental procedures, even simple cleanings, can trigger anxiety for many patients.
Having the ability to empathize with patients helps to provide a level of comfort that can alleviate some of this anxiety. For instance, an empathetic dental hygienist can reassure a nervous patient through a procedure like scaling, making the experience more tolerable.
Communication Skills
Working with dentists, who focus more on diagnosis and treatment planning, means dental hygienists spend a lot of time educating patients about oral hygiene. Effective communication skills are crucial for explaining complex dental issues in a manner that is easily understood.
For example, illustrating the importance of flossing by comparing it to cleaning between the keys of a keyboard can make a lasting impression.
Attention to Detail
The nitty-gritty of dental hygiene work demands a high level of attention to detail. You’re not just cleaning teeth, you’re also looking for early signs of issues like gingivitis or cavities. Missing the smallest detail can lead to bigger problems for the patient down the line.
In this sense, attention to detail doesn’t just mean performing a procedure correctly. It means doing so with a level of thoroughness that ensures nothing is overlooked. You have to stay focused.
Dexterity and Coordination
A dentist may be able to perform complex procedures like root canals, but that doesn’t mean a dental hygienist doesn’t need a high level of dexterity and hand-eye coordination as well.
The mouth is a small space to work in, and procedures like scaling and root planing require precise movements. As a dental hygienist, your hands are your most valuable tool, and having excellent motor skills can make a difference in the quality of care you provide.
Patience
Patients come in all ages and temperaments. Children and adults with dental phobias or medical issues require a level of patience that goes above and beyond the norm.
This is where patience becomes a virtue. Spending an extra few minutes to help a patient get comfortable in the chair can go a long way in building trust and ensuring a smoother procedure.
Having worked in a pediatric clinic myself for the past 8 years, I can personally speak to the importance of having patience. Many of the kids I work with are scared and need a bit more time and comfort to become ready for a cleaning.
Adaptability
Dentists often have a set routine for their procedures, and while they must adapt to different cases, they are generally in control of the process.
Dental hygienists, on the other hand, have to adapt not only to the different needs and behaviors of patients but also to the preferences and guidelines set by different dentists.
A dental office can be a hectic workplace. Being flexible and adaptable is an important trait for a dental hygienist.
Team Player Mentality
Dental hygienists are just one important part of a larger dental healthcare team. A good dental hygienist understands the value of teamwork and is willing to collaborate with dental assistants, office staff, and of course, the dentists themselves.
This trait is vital for a seamless and efficient workflow in a dental practice. Having a dental team that’s in sync can make everyone’s jobs easier.
Professionalism
Last but not least, professionalism is sort of a general idea that helps to enhance all the traits mentioned above. It includes adhering to ethical guidelines, maintaining patient confidentiality, and continually pursuing professional development.
As dental hygienists, we are trusted with not only the oral health but also the overall well-being of our patients. Maintaining a high level of professionalism ensures that trust is never broken.
Personality Traits That Make A Great Dental Hygienist
Dental hygiene is a great career option that can be very rewarding. By providing the best care possible, we improve patients’ overall health and expand access to dental care. Embodying these 8 personality traits that make a great dental hygienist can help support your patients and fellow team members.
For more tips to improve your career as a dental hygienist, check out our articles below.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile Store for educational products and printables to help with oral hygiene in patients and improve your daily workflow. Some products even come with a customizable feature to support your dental office.
