Dental Hygienist Jobs

Dental hygienists at Diamond Braces must bring a well-rounded skill set that combines clinical excellence with clear communication and a strong focus on patient care. These skills are essential not only for delivering exceptional hygiene services, but also for enhancing patient trust, supporting efficient team workflows, and elevating the overall care experience. Core Skills for Dental Hygienists include:

• Clinical: Perform thorough cleanings and assessments while identifying early signs of oral health concerns.
  
• Patient Education: Deliver easy-to-understand guidance on hygiene practices and appliance care.
  
• Collaboration: Work seamlessly with orthodontists and team members to align on treatment goals.
  
• Technology: Use digital scanners, imaging tools, and electronic health records to support modern dental care.
  
• Attention to Detail: Maintain accurate records and observe subtle clinical changes over time.
  
• Time Management: Balance efficiency with quality care across a high-volume patient schedule.
  
• Compassion: Create a welcoming, reassuring experience that puts patients of all ages at ease.

To become a dental hygienist, you must complete a structured educational program that includes both academic coursework and hands-on clinical training. While the pathway is distinct from that of dentists or orthodontists, licensure and certification are essential, ensuring hygienists meet the highest standards in patient care and safety. Graduating from an accredited dental hygiene program opens doors to licensure, career advancement, and long-term opportunities at practices like Diamond Braces. Education and Certification Pathway for Dental Hygienists:

• Complete a high school diploma or equivalent with a focus on science coursework.
  
• Graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program (associate or bachelor’s degree).
  
• Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).
  
• Obtain a state license to practice as a registered dental hygienist (RDH).
  
• Complete any required regional or clinical board exams, as applicable by state.
  
• Stay current through continuing education and certifications in new hygiene technologies and patient care techniques.

Choosing the right dental hygiene program is essential for building a rewarding and impactful career in oral healthcare. The most competitive programs offer a strong balance of academic coursework and hands-on clinical training, often in partnership with dental schools or healthcare institutions. Many also provide opportunities for community outreach, exposure to digital tools, and preparation for licensure exams. Top Dental Hygiene Programs in the Tri-State Area:

• New York University College of Dentistry (New York, NY)
  
• Farmingdale State College – SUNY (Farmingdale, NY)
  
• Hostos Community College – CUNY (Bronx, NY)
  
• Rutgers School of Health Professions (Newark, NJ)
  
• Univ. of PA School of Dental Medicine (Philadelphia, PA – Dental Hygiene Education Certificate Program)
  
• Bergen Community College (Paramus, NJ)
  
• Pennsylvania College of Technology (Williamsport, PA – accessible from Eastern PA)
  

When evaluating programs, prioritize CODA accreditation, pass rates for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), access to digital tools and technology, and career placement support. These factors will strongly impact your educational experience and future success as a dental hygienist.

Becoming a dental hygienist requires completion of an accredited academic program that integrates foundational coursework with hands-on clinical experience. These programs, typically lasting two to three years, emphasize oral anatomy, preventive care, periodontology, and patient communication. Students develop the clinical skills necessary to perform cleanings, screenings, and radiographic imaging while also learning to educate patients and support broader treatment goals in collaboration with dentists and orthodontists.

Core Areas Training:

• Oral Anatomy & Physiology: Study of teeth, gums, and supporting structures.
  
• Periodontology: Diagnosis and management of gum disease, including deep cleanings.
  
• Radiology: Safe and effective use of dental imaging tools for diagnostics and patient records.
  
• Preventive Dentistry: Application of sealants, fluoride treatments, and patient-specific home care guidance.
  
• Communication: Building trust and compliance through clear, empathetic education and care planning.
  
• Skills & Instrumentation: Hands-on training in scaling, polishing, and infection control techniques.
  
• Ethics & Professionalism: Understanding legal responsibilities, HIPAA compliance, and patient advocacy.
  
• Community Health & Outreach: Promoting oral health through public service and education initiatives.

The estimated average salary for a Dental Hygienist at Diamond Braces is $91,220 per year or approximately $44 per hour, with some professionals earning up to $109,850 annually (90th percentile). The typical pay range is between $76,300 (25th percentile) and $101,500 (75th percentile) annually. This data is based on 220 salary submissions by Diamond Braces dental hygiene professionals on Glassdoor, as of July 2025.

Dental hygienists at Diamond Braces typically work full-time schedules, generally between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday shifts available based on location and patient demand. Many hygienists rotate between two to three Diamond Braces offices, collaborating closely with orthodontists, dental assistants, and treatment coordinators.

The clinical setting is fast-paced and high-volume, with multiple hygiene chairs operating simultaneously and a strong emphasis on digital tools such as iTero scanning and electronic health records. Each location follows standardized hygiene protocols to ensure consistency in patient care, safety, and operational efficiency throughout the organization.