Dental Hygienist/Technician Intern

Dental Hygienist/Technician Intern

Overview:

This internship introduces high school students to the dental field, including the roles of dental hygienists and dental technicians. Interns will observe dental professionals as they care for patients, assist with procedures, and manage dental equipment. Experience provides exposure to oral healthcare, patient interaction, and professional practices in dentistry.

Responsibilities May Include:

· Shadow dental hygienists and technicians during patient appointments and lab work

· Observe how dental professionals perform cleaning, assist with treatments, and create dental appliances (observation only)

· Assist with non-clinical tasks such as organizing instruments, sterilizing equipment, and maintaining a clean workspace

· Learn about oral hygiene, patient care, and infection control protocols

· Observe professional communication with patients, dentists, and staff

· Gain exposure to dental office operations, scheduling, and patient management

· Completing assignments, reflection journals, or internship workbook entries as required by the program

Learning Outcomes:

· Understand the roles of dental hygienists and dental technicians in patient care

· Learn about oral health, preventive care, and dental procedures

· Gain awareness of safety, hygiene, and confidentiality in a dental setting

· Develop observation, organization, and communication skills

· Explore career and educational pathways in dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental technology

Preferred Skills/Interests:

· Interest in healthcare, dentistry, or patient care

· Attention to detail and respect for hygiene and safety procedures

· Good communication and interpersonal skills

· Professionalism and willingness to learn

Additional Information:

· Interns will primarily observe and assist with support tasks; they will not perform clinical procedures

· Compliance with dress code, safety guidelines, and confidentiality policies is required

· Some placements may require health screenings, immunizations, or background checks before starting

Notice on Internship Opportunities

Please note that internship opportunities will vary by host site and county.

· Not all career areas or placements will be available in every location.

· Host sites may have different requirements, schedules, responsibilities.

· Opportunities depend on local partnerships, availability, and community resources.

Students are encouraged to remain flexible and open to a variety of learning experiences. Each internship is designed to provide valuable workplace skills, career exploration, and professional growth - regardless of the specific placement.

THIS DESCRIPTION DOES NOT LIST ALL DUTIES. INTERN MAY BE ASKED TO PERFORM OTHER DUTIES BY THE STAFF OR SUPERVISOR. INTERN WILL BE EVALUATED ON PERFORMANCE OF THE PROJECTS LISTED AS WELL AS INTERACTION WITH EMPLOYEES AND CLIENTS. ON-SITE HOURS WILL BE NEGOTIATED WITH EACH CANDIDATE.

SAFETY EXPECTATIONS, INCLUDING HARASSMENT, SHOULD BE REVIEWED WITH THE HOST.

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