Dental Hygienist Job Description:
Dental hygienists provide preventative dental care and teach patients how to maintain good oral health. They generally work under the supervision of a dentist.
Employment Facts for Dental Hygienists:
Dental hygienists held about 174,000 jobs in 2008. Since many were multiple jobholders, there were fewer hygienists than jobs.
Educational Requirements for Dental Hygienists:
To work as a dental hygienist one must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school with either an associate degree (most common), a certificate, a bachelor's degree or a master's degree.
Other Requirements for Dental Hygienists:
A dental hygienist, after graduating from an accredited program, must get a license from the state in which he or she wants to practice. In order to get licensed, one must pass a written exam and a clinical exam. Dental hygienists must have good manual dexterity and should work well with others.
Job Outlook for Dental Hygienists:
The future for dental hygienists looks bright. This occupation is projected to grow faster, through 2018, than other occupations that require post-secondary training or an associate degree (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
How Much Do Dental Hygienists Earn?:
Dental hygienists earned a median annual salary of $67,340 and median hourly wages of $32.38 in 2009.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much dental hygienists currently earn in your city.
A Day in a Dental Hygienist's Life:
On a typical day a dental hygienist may:
- perform dental cleanings, removing hard and soft deposits on teeth;
- examine teeth and gums, noting whether signs of disease or abnormalities are present (they are not allowed to diagnose disease);
- perform some aspects of periodontal therapy;
- apply fluoride treatments or sealants to teeth;
- take and develop x-rays;
- prepare diagnostic tests to be administered by dentists;
- assist the dentist by working chairside;
If the state in which one practices allows, a dental hygienist may:
- administer anesthetics;
- remove sutures;
- apply filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings;
- smooth and polish metal restorations;
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Dental Hygienists on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos097.htm (visited April 26, 2010)
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Dental Hygienists, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/29-2021.00 (visited November 11, 2010).
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