Master 25 Dental Hygienist interview questions covering patient care, clinical protocols, and infection control.
Question 5 of 25
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When answering this question, think about your daily responsibilities. You want to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable and competent by directly addressing the qualities required to achieve better patient outcomes. If you are new to the profession, think about what you can anticipate based on your observation and training. What type of personality does it take to be a successful dental hygienist, and which of your strengths make you most effective at your job?
"Dental hygienists should be warm and welcoming in order to help patients feel at ease in the dental chair. They should be effective communicators, understanding how to best communicate with patients in order to provide high-quality education and obtain informed consent for treatment. They should be compassionate, empathetic, and thorough in providing treatment, demonstrating the same level of care and concern that they would provide a friend or loved one."
"Some important qualities of a good dental hygienist include:
- Enthusiastic
- Detail-oriented
- Patient
- Energetic
- Attentive
- Friendly
- Knowledgeable
- Professional"
"Great dental hygienists should be clinically competent and knowledgeable about oral health. They should be skilled at managing disease diagnosed by the dentist, and efficient in a wide range of treatment options. These qualities will help patients feel confident in the hygienist's ability to provide high-quality care."
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Anonymous Answer
I believe the most important qualities that a good hygienist should have are great people skills, organization and being attentive to your patients' needs.

Rachelle's Feedback
Try to dig a bit deeper as most candidates, regardless of industry, choose to answer with these qualities. I have added an answer below that will better position you against other candidates.
"A great dental hygienist will be empathetic and understanding, as many patients are nervous at the dentist. It's also important to be careful and detail oriented, as the mouth is a small space to work. Being positive, confident, and professional are other important qualities that I hold as well."
Anonymous Answer
Being empathetic, friendly, and attentive to patient's needs. When patients feel comfortable, they would like to come back and refer their relatives and friends to come.

Rachelle's Feedback
These are very important qualities, indeed. It may be nice to express the ways in which you display these qualities yourself in the workplace.
Prepare for clinical scenarios and patient interaction questions that dental practices prioritize.
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Written by Travis King
25 Questions & Answers • Dental Hygienist
By Travis
By Travis