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If you love working with people and enjoy a job that provides flexible scheduling or part-time work, becoming a dental hygienist might be the perfect professional fit for your needs.
What is a Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist helps dental patients learn about and maintain their oral health. They examine a patient's teeth and gums, make note of any abnormalities and take x-rays of the patient's mouth. They thoroughly clean patients' teeth, and while doing so, they instruct patients on the proper technique for cleaning. Dental hygienists might also apply sealants, fluoride and other treatments to the teeth.
Other responsibilities vary from state to state. Some states allow dental hygienists to remove sutures, administer anesthetics, place temporary fillings, polish metal restorations and more.
Dental Hygienist Requirements: Prerequisites
A strong background in biology, chemistry and mathematics is a good place to start. Many dental hygiene programs require at least one year of college education before applying. At the very least, a high school diploma and college entrance test scores are required to begin a dental hygiene program.
Dental Hygienist Education Requirements: Classes and Coursework
Dental hygienist education includes both classroom and clinical instruction. Coursework often includes the following subjects:
Expect classes that will educate you on a variety of dental materials used, as well as instruction in social and behavioral sciences.
Required Degrees for Dental Hygienists
The Commission on Dental Accreditation approves dental hygienist degree programs. Most programs award an associate's degree. However, some award a certificate. A certificate or associate's degree is the minimum requirement for work in a dental office.
Some programs offer a bachelor's or master's degree for dental hygienists. These advanced degrees might be necessary for those who want to enter into research positions, teaching or clinical positions in public health programs, including schools.
Additional Requirements for Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists must be licensed in their state in order to work in a dentist's office. Exams are administered by the American Dental Association's (ADA) Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations and the results are accepted in all states and the District of Columbia. Dental hygienist requirements include completing an accredited dental hygiene program, passing a written exam, passing a clinical test and, in some states, passing an exam on the legal aspects of dental hygiene practice.
In addition to the educational component, working as a dental hygienist requires excellent manual dexterity and the ability to work precisely with a variety of small tools. Dental hygienists must also be good communicators who enjoy working with people.
Salary and Job Outlook
Dentists often hire dental hygienists to work two or three days per week, providing the opportunity for a part-time and flexible schedule. In fact, flexible scheduling is one of the hallmarks of the job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about half of all dental hygienists worked less than 35 hours per week in 2008. About 96 percent of dental hygienists worked in a dentist's office.
The job outlook for dental hygienists is among one of the most favorable. Employment is expected to grow by 36 percent from 2008 to 2018, making dental hygiene one of the fastest growing professions. A growing emphasis on preventative dental care, an aging population and simple population growth are all reasons for the surge in demand for dental hygienists.
BLS also states that the median salary for dental hygienists in 2009 was $67,340. Those in the 10th percentile made $44,900, while those in the 90th percentile brought home $92,860 per year.
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| School | Locations | Degrees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argosy University | MN | Associate | |
| Carrington College | AZ, ID, OR | Associate | |
| Fortis College | MD, PA, UT | Coursework, Diploma | |
| Missouri College | MO | Associate | |
| Sanford Brown Institute | FL | Associate | |
| West Coast University | CA | Bachelor |
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