A dental hygienist is a trained professional who provides oral health services and usually works under the supervision and guidance of a dentist. This career mainly involves promoting dental hygiene and preventive care and advising patients on maintaining healthy dental habits for a lifetime.
Dental hygienists perform a variety of tasks to assist with maintaining the health of teeth and gums including:
- Performing routine teeth cleanings applying sealants and coatings
- Checking the inner area of the mouth and gums for disease and infection
- Assisting the dentist with dental examinations, procedures and surgeries
- Conducting diagnostic testing and x-rays
- Patient education on dental hygiene, brushing, flossing and oral health
Education, Training and Certification
- High School Diploma. There are some basic requirements to enter dental hygienist education. The minimum eligibility requirements for admission to these programs are a high school diploma and good test scores on college entrance programs. Subjects in which you will be required to be proficient at the time of admission are biology, math and chemistry.
- Certificate and/or Degree. There are several accredited dental hygiene programs available across the country, the accreditation is provided by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). At the end of a dental hygiene education program, candidates can expect to receive a diploma, certificate or associate’s degree, depending upon the program and the institution. An associate’s degree or diploma is sufficient for careers in private practice, whereas large healthcare facilities, public health services, research or teaching careers usually require a bachelor’s degree or more.
Your course of studies will include practical, theoretical and clinical instructions in subjects such as anatomy, chemistry, histology, periodontology, pathology, physiology, dental equipment and materials, related pharmaceuticals, nutrition and hygiene. - State License. In order to practice as a dental hygienist, you will need to obtain a state license, which is issued once you have completed the mandated formalities. These include passing an accredited dental hygiene state board examination. The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, which operates under The American Dental Association (ADA), conducts the written examination. Except for Alabama, which runs a separate education and certification program, all states accept the written ADA exam as a standard for issuing licenses. The clinical examination is administered by state or regional level testing agencies. Applicants for licenses are also required to complete a written test on legal implications and procedures with respect to running a dental practice.
Salary and Job Growth
The demand for dental hygienists has greatly increased and the trend is expected to grow 36% over the next six years. Compensation in your dental hygienist job is also very attractive, with average earnings of $62,144 to over $100,000 depending on qualifications and work experience. In addition to the benefits of your dental hygienist salary, many dental hygienists work on a flexible schedule and may be employed with more than one dentist within a specific geographical area.
These guidelines should help you plan and prepare for a career as a dental hygienist. If you have an interest in helping people maintain good oral health and hygiene, good people skills and the ability to work closely with others, then a career as a dental hygienist may just be the right one for you.