A dental hygienist or oral hygienist is a licensed dental professional, registered with a dental association or regulatory body within their country of practice.
WikipediaMedian pay (annual): 72,330 USD (2015)
Median pay (hourly): 34.77 USD (2015)
Entry level education: Associate’s degree
Projected 10-year growth: 19% (2014)
Number of jobs: 200,500 (2014)
Similar professions: Dentist, Dental assistant, Registered nurse, Physician assistant, Medical assistant, Radiation oncologistPeople also search for: Dentist, Dental assistant, MORE
Linda Pulgar
administrator
EXPERIENCE
Tutor of| Dentist Study Group – Orlando, FL (2016–Present)
Prepare international dentists for U.S. boards (NBDHE, ADEX)
Speaker and clinical instructor for CE courses
Registered Dental Hygienist | Sage Dental – Orlando, FL (2021–Present)
Dental Hygiene Skills
⦁ Comprehensive patient assessments and periodontal charting
⦁ Periodontal therapy: scaling and root planing (SRP), full-mouth debridement
⦁ Proficient in radiographic techniques (FMX, BWX, panoramic, Ceph)
⦁ Fluoride applications (varnish, gel), sealants, and desensitizing agents
⦁ Application of localized antimicrobials (Arestin, Atridox)
⦁ Oral hygiene instruction tailored to individual patient needs
⦁ Management of recall systems and re-evaluation protocols
⦁ Soft tissue management, gingival assessments, BOP interpretation
⦁ Infection control, sterilization protocols, OSHA/HIPAA compliance
⦁ Patient education in caries prevention and nutritional counseling
Orthodontic Assistant | Multiple Practices – FL (2013–2021)
⦁ Initial orthodontic records: panoramic/cephalometric X-rays, intraoral/extraoral photos, impressions, digital scans
⦁ Bracket placement, band fitting, and bonding assistance
⦁ Archwire changes, ligature tie-ins, elastic and power chain application
⦁ IPR (interproximal reduction) and enamel polishing
⦁ Delivery and adjustment of removable appliances and clear aligners
⦁ Retainer fabrication: Essix, Hawley, and fixed retainers
⦁ Invisalign and iTero scan proficiency
⦁ Orthodontic charting, treatment progress notes, and recall scheduling
⦁ Patient education on appliance care, oral hygiene, and compliance
⦁ Sterilization, inventory management, and operatory setup
⦁ Support during debonding, final impressions, and retainer delivery
General & Cosmetic Dentist – Venezuela (2001–2010)
Dental Treatments for Oral Rehabilitation in Medically Compromised Patients
Patients with systemic conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome), or hematologic disorders require an interdisciplinary and medically informed dental approach. Treatment must be tailored to their immunologic, pharmacologic, and systemic health status.
⦁ Comprehensive pre-treatment evaluation in coordination with the medical team.
⦁ Antibiotic prophylaxis when medically indicated.
⦁ Non-surgical periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing.
⦁ Topical fluoride applications for patients undergoing cancer therapy or experiencing xerostomia.
⦁ Minimally invasive restorative treatments to preserve tooth structure and reduce trauma.
⦁ Use of biocompatible and metal-free materials when sensitivities are present.
⦁ Removable or fixed prostheses adapted for fragile oral mucosa or dry mouth conditions.
⦁ Intensive oral hygiene education and frequent preventive maintenance visits.
⦁ Monitoring of oral side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, or immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., mucositis, osteonecrosis, candidiasis).
⦁ Pain management and comfort-focused care during all procedures.
Speaker & Trainer
⦁ Dentist Study group - Dental national board course prep Bilingual
⦁ Dentist study group - Hygienist Uptoday
⦁ Dentist Study group - Medical emergency at dental chair course
⦁ Dentist Study group - Private tutoring for Dental student and Dental hygienist ( Gross anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology,Oral medicine,Periodontics,Radiology)
⦁ Solidaridad Sin Fronteras – Foreign-trained dentist speaker
⦁ Dental Training for you – Ortho Assistant Instructor - Dental assistant Instructor
⦁ Aligner Plus International Speaker
EDUCATION
Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
⦁ Doctor of Dental Surgery, 2001
⦁ Orthodontic Seminar (1 year), 2004
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Graduate Studies & Continuing Education:
⦁ Reconstructive & Cosmetic Dentistry – UCV Caracas, 2002–2003
⦁ San Juan de Dios Hospital Internship – Caracas, 2004–2005
⦁ Orthodontics Seminars
⦁ Invisalign (iTero) Training – Miami, FL
⦁ Implant & Digital Impressions, Rx Certification – Miami, FL
⦁ Aligner Plus – CE & International Training
⦁ ACP, OSHA, HIPAA, and Human Trafficking CE
⦁ INBDE Preparation
⦁ NBDHE Certification
⦁ Ongoing Dental Hygienist CE (Online Courses)
Additional Clinical Training:
⦁ Curondont Therapy
⦁ Perio Protect Protocol
⦁ Oral Cancer Screening Techniques
⦁ Periodontal Stromal Therapy

