There are several steps you need to take before applying for a job. A dental hygienist plays an important role in a dentist's office. They are responsible for educating patients on how to properly clean their teeth, and they clean the patient's teeth before the dentist sees them. However, a dental hygienist does more than clean the patient's teeth; they teach patients the importance of having good oral health, because a person's mouth plays an important role in their overall health.