"I'm pretty chatty, and I've always loved meeting new people. Being a dental hygienist, I am so interested in learning about my patients! Of course, the work is very technical and you need to be detail-oriented, but you are also getting to help people feel great about their smile.

I work with everyone from children still collecting teeth for the tooth fairy to grandparents. It's so rewarding for me to still work with clients I've known since childhood. I've seen them grow up and helped them maintain the healthiest smile. It makes a huge difference in how people feel about themselves, and I like being a part of that."

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Job Description

SOC Code: 29-1292

Dental Hygienists administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or
needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention.
May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Dental hygiene treatment
• Dental patient screening
• Communicate with patients
• Counsel patients
• Educate patients

General Work Activities:

• Mental Processes
  • Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge
• Interacting With Others
  • Treat acute illnesses, infections, or injuries
  • Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers
  • Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain
  • Direct healthcare delivery programs
• Work Output
  • Record patient medical histories
  • Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment
  • Process x-rays or other medical images
  • Sterilize medical equipment or instruments
  • Adjust dental devices or appliances to ensure fit
  • Fabricate medical devices

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

Job Statistics

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

• Trident
• Midlands
• Greenville
• Catawba
• Waccamaw
• Pee Dee

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• Heartland Dental
• D4C Dental Brands
• Pacific Dental Services
• Aspen Dental 
• New Horizon Family Health Services, Inc.

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

• Dental Assistants 
• Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
• Medical Assistants
• Surgical Assistants
• Surgical Technologists
• Ophthalmic Medical Technicians 

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2024

Learn More With SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.