One of the best careers in the medical field is that of a dental hygienist. Not only is it an opportunity to work in the medical profession, but it is predicted that the need for hygienists will grow by 38% between 2010 and 2020 or much faster than average. (Occupational Outlook Handbook 2012-2013) Dental hygienist training can be completed with a 2-year associate degree that includes classroom study and clinical instruction.
What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
In order to determine if becoming a dental hygienist is the right career move for you, it’s necessary that you have a good explanation of the duties a hygienist performs on a daily basis. Your duties are generally determined by the state in which you live and the particular office you work in. However, most hygienists are involved in two different activities: educating patients about personal dental care and performing dental procedures.
A hygienist instructs patients in proper brushing, flossing, gum care and nutrition for good dental health. Procedures performed are removing plaque and tartar, cleaning and polishing teeth. Examining the mouth for potential problems and taking x-rays are also a part of daily duties. Depending on the state in which you practice, hygienists may also administer anesthetic to gums and teeth in preparation for dental work.
Most people choose to have dental work only when it’s absolutely necessary. A dental hygienist must possess the type of personality that can put most people at ease. Psychology classes during training are essential to study the behavior of people in times of stress and how to put them more at ease during dental procedures.
Educational Requirements
There are necessary prerequisites before entering a dental hygienist training program. The applicant must be at least 18 years old and have earned a high school diploma or GED. A minimum of a 2.0 grade point average, acceptable SAT or ACT scores and passing grades in mathematics, chemistry, English, psychology and biology in high school may also be required by some states. You may also need an interview, a written essay and a dexterity exam to test hand/eye coordination.
Keep in mind when choosing training that the institution you choose should be accredited by your state. Accreditation insures that the courses you take provide the best training possible and your earned credits are transferable to other accredited schools just in case you decide to continue your education later. An associate degree can be upgraded to a master degree in dental hygiene or you may want to become a dentist in the future.
Accredited colleges are usually eligible to receive government grants, loans and scholarships to help finance your education.
Schools offer a well-rounded education with core courses including speech, English and sociology. Legal aspects of dentistry are taught. Science courses are important such as dental anatomy, head and neck anatomy and pharmacology. Sterilization techniques of tools and equipment are also taught.
A hygienist may be asked to maintain medical records, sign in patients at the front desk or set up appointments. Some schools include medical office training for hygienists.
The entry-level hygienist earns an associate degree and passes a certification exam. You may choose to earn a bachelor degree and a master degree. Of course, the higher the degree the more salary you can expect.
Salary
The median pay for a dental hygienist is $68,250 per year, or $32.81 per hour according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median pay means half of all dental hygienists earn more than this amount and half earn less. Your pay will be determined by where you live and what degree you’ve earned.
Certification
Certification in most states requires that you pass a written test and clinical examination and have two years of experience in a dental office.
Similar Career Choices
Occupations that have many duties in common with the dental hygienist are:
- Dental Assistants
- Medical Assistants
- Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides
- Physician Assistants
- Radiation Therapists
- Registered Nurses
This information has supplied a general overview of the duties of the dental hygienists and the training you’ll need to enter this career field. As stated before, every state has its own requirements. Discovering your state’s requirements is a good place to begin to explore the possibilities of a career that is in-demand, fulfilling and provides a good income.
