Dental Hygienist Career

Dental Hygienist Job Description

Dental Hygienist’s job description states that he is a health care professional who works in the field of preventive oral health. His chief objective is to encourage and maintain optimal oral health.

The job demands him to evaluate the oral tissues and establish the occurrence of a disease, spot abnormalities and high risk conditions, ascertain the condition of oral hygiene based on the examinations, and develop patient-centric and data-based treatments. He also educates the patient, designs educational programs and strategies and assists in clinical procedures to provide optimal dental health.

A dental hygienist conducts diverse procedures, such as, elimination of teeth stains, calculus and plaques, processing dental X-rays, application of cavity-preventing solutions, and administering anti-microbial medications. He may also administer local anesthesia, provide periodontal dressing, fill cavities, remove sutures, perform root canalling and polish teeth.

Dental Hygienist Education, Certification and Training

• Firstly, you must have an Associate’s degree in science or applied science.

• After completing your basic education, you can enroll for a Graduate Program in an accredited Dental College. The coursework and schooling is a 4 year program that confers a Baccalaureate Degree in Dental Hygiene. The training consists of class room education and practical / clinical experience. Some programs need prior experience before they accept candidates for the program.

• Licensing depends on each State. Each State has its own rules and regulations. However, all students must successfully finish a National Dental Hygiene Board Exam, to be licensed to practice dental hygiene.

Dental Hygienist Jobs

Dental hygienists’ jobs are on an upswing. They work in various clinical settings, like, hospitals, private dental clinics, health care centers, nursing homes, schools, federal or governmental facilities, medical centers, etc.

There are also immense job opportunities in the research, education, public health, clinic management and administration, and marketing. By and large, most professionals function in clinical or educational institutions.

The BLS has estimated that the job prospect for dental hygienists is bound to increase tremendously.

Dental Hygienist Salary

A dental hygienist’s salary is approximately $55,307 per year. It depends up on the work setting, location, qualifications and education, and the experience of the hygienist.

Overall, the vocation is decidedly rewarding and the potential is projected to increase in the future, with an increase in dental insurance.