Dental Hygienists
Overview
Dental hygienists work directly with patients to keep their teeth and gums healthy by cleaning teeth, removing plaque and tartar, and taking digital x-rays. They use modern dental technology and work closely with dentists to assess oral health and create treatment plans. This career involves teaching patients proper brushing and flossing techniques and applying protective treatments like sealants and fluoride. Most dental hygienists complete a 2-3 year associate degree program and enjoy flexible schedules in dental offices.
Did you know?
Dental hygienists must complete an accredited associate degree program and pass both national and state licensing examinations to practice legally in the United States.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$92,096.47 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Social Perceptiveness
Key Responsibilities
- Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
- Maintain dental equipment and sharpen and sterilize dental instruments.
- Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
- Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
- Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentist.
- Record and review patient medical histories.
- Apply fluorides or other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
- Remove excess cement from coronal surfaces of teeth.
- Expose and develop x-ray film.
- Maintain patient recall system.
- Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
- Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
- Make impressions for study casts.
- Feel lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer.
- Administer local anesthetic agents.
- Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
Career Considerations
Education and Licensing Requirements
Dental hygienists must complete an accredited associate degree program and pass both national and state licensing examinations to practice legally in the United States.
Strong Job Market Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average job growth for dental hygienists due to an aging population and increased focus on preventive dental care.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The profession requires prolonged periods of precise hand movements and working in small spaces, which can lead to repetitive strain injuries and requires good physical dexterity.