Dental Hygienists - 29-2021.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop X-rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.

DOT Titles Included in this O*NET-SOC Code

  • Dental Hygienist

Sample of Occupations in this SOC Family

29-2011.00 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
29-2012.00 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
29-2021.00 Dental Hygienists
29-2031.00 Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
29-2032.00 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
29-2033.00 Nuclear Medicine Technologists
29-2034.00 Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
29-2034.01 Radiologic Technologists
29-2034.02 Radiologic Technicians
29-2041.00 Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
29-2051.00 Dietetic Technicians
29-2052.00 Pharmacy Technicians
29-2053.00 Psychiatric Technicians
29-2054.00 Respiratory Therapy Technicians
29-2055.00 Surgical Technologists
29-2056.00 Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
29-2061.00 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
29-2071.00 Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
29-2081.00 Opticians, Dispensing
29-2091.00 Orthotists and Prosthetists
29-2099.99 Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Administer local anesthetic agents.
  • Apply fluorides and other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
  • Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
  • Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
  • Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentist.
  • Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
  • Expose and develop x-ray film.
  • Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
  • Feel lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer.
  • Make impressions for study casts.
  • Place and remove rubber dams, matrices, and temporary restorations.
  • Place, carve, and finish amalgam restorations.
  • Provide clinical services and health education to improve and maintain oral health of school children.
  • Remove excess cement from coronal surfaces of teeth.
  • Remove sutures and dressings.

Detailed Work Activities

  • administer anesthetics
  • administer injections
  • administer medications or treatments
  • analyze dental data
  • analyze medical data
  • collect clinical data
  • collect dental laboratory diagnostic data
  • communicate technical information
  • follow clinical radiation safety procedures
  • follow dental or medical office procedures
  • follow dental or medical x-ray procedures
  • follow infectious materials procedures
  • follow patient observation procedures
  • identify body response variations
  • inventory medical supplies or instruments
  • maintain dental or medical records
  • make presentations on health or medical issues
  • observe patient condition
  • operate dental equipment
  • perform dental hygiene procedures
  • prepare patient for dental work
  • record medical history or data
  • set up dental equipment
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use clinical sterilizing technique
  • use darkroom procedures in radiology or medical or dental lab setting
  • use dental treatment procedures
  • use emergency medical procedures
  • use hazardous materials information
  • use interpersonal communication techniques
  • use knowledge of dental terminology
  • use knowledge of medical terminology
  • use quality assurance techniques
  • use sanitation practices in health care settings
  • work with persons with mental disabilities or illnesses