
Registered Dental Hygienist
Resume Skills Examples & Samples
Overview of Registered Dental Hygienist
A Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is a licensed dental professional who specializes in preventive oral health, typically focusing on techniques in oral hygiene. They work under the supervision of a licensed dentist, but are responsible for a wide range of duties, including cleaning teeth, providing patient education on oral hygiene, and taking and developing dental x-rays. The role of an RDH is crucial in maintaining the overall health of patients, as oral health is closely linked to general health.
An RDH's responsibilities also include assessing patients' oral health by examining teeth and gums, recording the presence of diseases or abnormalities, and charting conditions for the dentist. They may also administer local anesthesia and apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. RDHs often work in dental offices, clinics, and hospitals, and may also engage in research, teaching, or sales and service of dental products.
About Registered Dental Hygienist Resume
A Registered Dental Hygienist resume should effectively communicate the candidate's professional qualifications, skills, and experience to potential employers. It should highlight the individual's educational background, including any degrees or certifications earned, as well as any relevant work experience. The resume should also include any professional affiliations or memberships, as these can demonstrate a commitment to the field and staying current with industry developments.
In addition to the standard resume sections, such as education and experience, an RDH resume should also include a section for professional skills. These skills might include proficiency in dental software, experience with specific types of dental equipment, or knowledge of various dental procedures. The resume should be tailored to the specific job being applied for, with a focus on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position.
Introduction to Registered Dental Hygienist Resume Skills
The skills section of a Registered Dental Hygienist resume is crucial for demonstrating the candidate's qualifications and suitability for the job. This section should include both hard and soft skills that are relevant to the role. Hard skills might include proficiency in dental software, knowledge of dental procedures, or experience with specific types of dental equipment. Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and patient care, are also important for an RDH, as they often work closely with patients and other healthcare professionals.
When crafting the skills section of a Registered Dental Hygienist resume, it's important to be specific and detailed. Rather than simply listing skills, the candidate should provide examples of how they have used these skills in previous roles. This can help to demonstrate the candidate's experience and expertise, and make the resume more compelling to potential employers.
Examples & Samples of Registered Dental Hygienist Resume Skills
Patient Retention
Skilled in building strong patient relationships and promoting patient retention through exceptional care and follow-up.
Cultural Competence
Skilled in providing culturally sensitive care and addressing the unique needs of diverse patient populations.
Dental Materials
Knowledgeable in the use and application of various dental materials, including sealants and desensitizing agents.
Continuing Education
Committed to ongoing professional development and staying current with the latest advancements in dental hygiene.
Communication
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, enabling effective interaction with patients, dentists, and other healthcare professionals.
Patient Assessment
Proficient in conducting comprehensive patient assessments, including oral cancer screenings and periodontal evaluations.
Team Collaboration
Experienced in working collaboratively with dental teams to deliver comprehensive patient care and achieve practice goals.
Health Promotion
Experienced in promoting overall health and wellness through oral health education and preventive care.
Documentation
Proficient in maintaining accurate and detailed patient records, including treatment notes and progress reports.
Practice Management
Experienced in supporting practice management tasks, including scheduling, billing, and inventory management.
Adaptability
Capable of adapting to new technologies and procedures, and maintaining flexibility in a dynamic clinical environment.
Infection Control
Knowledgeable in infection control protocols, including sterilization and disinfection procedures, to ensure a safe dental environment.
Patient Advocacy
Experienced in advocating for patient rights and ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care.
Time Management
Effective in managing time to ensure efficient patient flow and timely completion of all clinical duties.
Patient Care
Skilled in educating patients on oral hygiene practices, including proper brushing and flossing techniques. Adept at assessing patient needs and providing tailored care plans.
Pain Management
Skilled in administering local anesthetics and managing patient pain during dental procedures.
Patient Education
Experienced in educating patients on the importance of oral health and providing guidance on preventive care measures.
Patient Comfort
Skilled in creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for patients, including managing anxiety and providing reassurance.
Clinical Skills
Proficient in performing oral prophylaxis, scaling, root planing, and applying fluoride treatments. Experienced in taking and interpreting dental radiographs.
Problem-Solving
Skilled in identifying and resolving patient care issues, including managing dental emergencies and addressing patient concerns.

