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You passed your exams! 

You're now qualified to provide dental hygiene services.

 It's time to put your dental hygiene knowledge to use. It's time to put your hard work to the test now that you're a natural, full-fledged dental hygienist about to start your first job. 

In this guide, we've got steps to assist you in finding your first dental job as a hygienist and tips for when you land your first job. 

Let's get started. . . 

Step 1: Discovering the Ideal Hygienist Job and Position for You

Hygienists are in high demand, and you have some say over where you work, even if you are just out of hygiene school.

Consider the following factors before deciding which first hygienist position to accept:

• Envision: Where do you envision yourself in the future? Location. Location. Location. That is the keyword here. 
• Analyze: Analyze the benefits offered. Salary is not the only aspect of a compensation package. Finding the proper fit also requires carefully examining the benefits package.
• Office Culture: When choosing your first dental job and career as a hygienist, getting a sense of the office culture is crucial. It's always a good idea to look for supportive workplace cultures that encourage teamwork, gratitude, and a happy workplace atmosphere.

Step 2: Deciding What Type of Position?

As a new graduate as a hygienist with an active license, you have a few choices for the type of positions you may want to consider. 

The four types of positions you may want to consider are: 

1. Permanent and full time 
2. Permanent and part-time 
3. Temporary work 
4. A permanent position where you temp on your off days to earn extra cash 

No matter the type of position you are looking for as your first hygienist position Princess Dental Staffing can help connect you with hygienist positions that match your skills and experience. 

Finding your first dream job as a hygienist has never been easier! 

Step 3: Land Interviews! Secure Position! 

The next step in finding your first hygiene position is to land interviews! 

You can do this by:

• Creating: Creating your resume 
• Writing: Writing a cover letter 
• Presenting: Presenting your skills and talent in interviews and potentially do a  working interview
• Showing: Showing gratitude through thank you letters after a job interview for a hygienist
• Securing: Securing your dream position as a dental hygienist

Up next? 

Tips for after you have landed your first position as a dental hygienist. . . 

5 Tips for Hygienists: After Being Hired!  

When getting ready for your first day or want to know what to expect, keep the following advice and five tips in mind: 

1. Be Confident

It's understandable if you're feeling a little reserved at first. However, you must be confident in your actions, or others will be able to know. Understanding office workflow is one of the most important things to feel confident about, including:

• How does the front desk communicate that the patient is ready to return?
• Understanding any information that you are in charge of gathering.
• Being knowledgeable about the tools you're using.

Ask the dentist and front desk about these topics before the appointment because every office is unique. You'll be able to operate more productively when you start working. Perhaps you should schedule a brief meeting with the dentist or office manager.

2. Ask About Preferences 

When and how to ask the dentist to undertake a patient exam are crucial things to understand on your first day as a hygienist. 

Among the most critical are the minor aspects of an office culture you may not consider asking. For example: 

1. What is the dentist's preferred method of communication? 
2. When a dental assistant is needed, are you expected to walk by and signal to the assistant or call them out loud? 
3. What would you do if you had a new patient benefitting from a deep cleaning? What is the protocol at the office for informing not only the patient but also the dentist? 

One preference to not overlook is: How are exams expected to be performed in the office? 

Exams vary from dentist to dentist and from dental office to dental office. 

Some doctors like to jump in when they have a moment, while others prefer to wait until you've finished everything on your end as the hygienist before performing an exam. 

To understand how the process often unfolds for exams at an office, simply coordinate ahead of time and pay attention to what is happening in other hygiene operatories and procedures. 

3. Shadowing and Know Where Things Are 

If you are replacing someone who has put in a two-week notice, or there is a second hygienist on staff, ask about shadowing one of the hygienists before your first day. 

This can help understand and gain knowledge of the dentist and office preferences. 

This can also help you know where to look for something and where things go in the office. 

And this will be a key component of being confident on your first day as a dental hygienist.

For example, your numerous supplies for your patients, your masks, gloves, or particular dental and hygiene tools.  

4. What do you need?

Perhaps you require a tool or equipment that the office does not have. 

Without the proper equipment, it's simple to fall behind or deal with ergonomic-related injuries. 

Please feel free to request this as soon as possible or consider bringing your own (depending on what it is).

Asking about essential pieces of equipment during the actual job interview or initial office tour is a good idea.

If they don't currently provide one and you learn that you'll be working without one, it could be challenging to persuade the office to make such a significant purchase on your first day.

5. Treat the Other Employees with Respect

Always remember that assisting other team members, even assistants is preferable so they'll be willing to help you if you need anything. 

Respect is a two-way street; it goes a long way when working with fellow dental professionals in a dental office. 

Never be afraid to step up and volunteer to assist in cleaning up a mess or sterilizing tools. 

A thriving office environment depends on happy, cooperative coworkers.

Whether you are a seasoned hygienist or straight out of school, the first few months at a new office are an exciting time.

You'll get to know your coworkers better and perhaps make some new pals. There will inevitably be some ups and downs, but taking a deliberate approach to your first few days will help set you up for success. Try the five things listed above and thrive at your new office!

 

 

 

 

 

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