Dental Hygienist: Duties & Job Market
by Amanda Fornecker
When most people think about the dentist, a wave of terror overcomes them. However, it's a necessary visit and the dental hygienist prepares and relaxes the patient. Dental hygienists do the cleaning and are skilled in working with many different types of people. When it comes to learning the proper methods of teeth care and oral hygiene, dental hygienists are the most helpful source.
Duties of a dental hygienist
Dental hygienists remove buildup and other hard and soft deposits from teeth. They prepare a patient's mouth to be seen by the dentist. They also perform an exam to check for problem areas within the gums, teeth, and rest of the mouth. Dental hygienists also take X-rays and look for any abnormalities. When a dentist works on a patient, the dental hygienist may be on the side helping the dentist with the procedure.
Where to find dental hygienist jobs
Dental hygienists work in private practices, hospitals, and clinics. Some dental hygienists work through temp agencies and may work in different offices. In fact, a lot of dental hygienists work part-time and some work in different offices a few days each week. The flexible schedule makes this career attractive.
Dental hygienist programs
At dental hygienist programs, students learn clinical and lab procedures, while also gaining classroom exposure from those who have previously worked in the field. Dental hygiene students take classes in biology, chemistry, anatomy, mathematics, and other advanced and specialized dental classes.
In order for dental hygienists to work, they must have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program and have obtained their license in the state in which they want to practice. Dental hygienist programs are becoming more popular and advanced degrees are starting to be offered in dental hygiene schools.
In order to gain admission to dental hygiene schools, prospective students must have a high school diploma and test scores from a college entrance exam. The minimum required degree for dental hygienists is generally an associate degree. An advanced degree in dental hygiene will generally make a dental hygienist more desirable for work and usually include a higher pay.
Demand for dental hygienist jobs
Dental hygienist jobs are expected to increase by 30 percent by 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is much faster than the average for all other jobs. This increase can be attributed to population growth, an increase in emphasis on dental hygiene, and older dentists (who were hesitant to hire dental hygienists) leaving the profession.
If you enjoy working with people, have an aptitude for science, and want to work in a lucrative and flexible career, a dental hygienist job is worth exploring.
Duties of a dental hygienist
Dental hygienists remove buildup and other hard and soft deposits from teeth. They prepare a patient's mouth to be seen by the dentist. They also perform an exam to check for problem areas within the gums, teeth, and rest of the mouth. Dental hygienists also take X-rays and look for any abnormalities. When a dentist works on a patient, the dental hygienist may be on the side helping the dentist with the procedure.
Where to find dental hygienist jobs
Dental hygienists work in private practices, hospitals, and clinics. Some dental hygienists work through temp agencies and may work in different offices. In fact, a lot of dental hygienists work part-time and some work in different offices a few days each week. The flexible schedule makes this career attractive.
Dental hygienist programs
At dental hygienist programs, students learn clinical and lab procedures, while also gaining classroom exposure from those who have previously worked in the field. Dental hygiene students take classes in biology, chemistry, anatomy, mathematics, and other advanced and specialized dental classes.
In order for dental hygienists to work, they must have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program and have obtained their license in the state in which they want to practice. Dental hygienist programs are becoming more popular and advanced degrees are starting to be offered in dental hygiene schools.
In order to gain admission to dental hygiene schools, prospective students must have a high school diploma and test scores from a college entrance exam. The minimum required degree for dental hygienists is generally an associate degree. An advanced degree in dental hygiene will generally make a dental hygienist more desirable for work and usually include a higher pay.
Demand for dental hygienist jobs
Dental hygienist jobs are expected to increase by 30 percent by 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is much faster than the average for all other jobs. This increase can be attributed to population growth, an increase in emphasis on dental hygiene, and older dentists (who were hesitant to hire dental hygienists) leaving the profession.
If you enjoy working with people, have an aptitude for science, and want to work in a lucrative and flexible career, a dental hygienist job is worth exploring.
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