Dental Hygienist

One of the fastest growing careers is in the field of Dental Hygiene. The projected growth in this field makes it one of the fastest growing occupational fields today. As the field of dentistry has improved, more older people are keeping their teeth as they age. This has created a need for training dentists and dental hygienists.

Dental hygienists are responsible for taking x-rays of patients mouths, teaching patients good oral hygiene, and cleaning the teeth of patients. Dental hygienists must know how to get along well with others, be able to follow instructions, and be competent with dental tools. In some states, dental hygienists are permitted to deliver local anesthesia, remove sutures, and polish metal restorations. Dental hygienists work with the patient by explaining proper brushing of teeth, and correct care of dental accessories, such as braces. Dental hygienists also work closely with the dentist. They are beside the dentist as the dentist performs procedures, and assist during small surgeries, such as the pulling of teeth.

Dental hygienists enjoy benefits of their jobs which include flexible hours, working in a clean, well-lit environment, and being considered a professional with high demand skills. Dental hygienists are required to hold a high school diploma and to enter an accredited school of dental hygiene. Persons wishing to explore a career in dental hygiene should research the requirements of each school. Some require at least one year of college; others have programs offered through community colleges. Those persons interested in working independently in a school or clinical practice may be required to either obtain a bachelor or master’s degree.

Persons entering dental hygiene school can expect to take courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, pharmacology, periodontology, and clinical dental hygiene, among others. After obtaining either a degree or certification from a licensed dental hygiene program, students must then take and pass their state licensing boards. All states require a license in order to work in the dental hygiene field. The licensing exam consists of two parts, a written exam and a practical exam.

A Dental hygienist does not only receive competitive wages, they generally enjoy full dental benefits from their employer, in addition to benefit packages that often include full medical benefits, payment of professional dues, paid vacation and sick leave, and often times, paid tuition for advancement of learning additional job skills. Salary is commensurate with experience and depends on geography, job duties and location.