Career: Dental Hygienists
You’re probably aware that going to the dentist isn’t most people’s idea of a pleasant experience, but as a dental hygienist, you can help patients enjoy and even avoid a trip to the dentist.
Dental hygienists are responsible for helping patients keep their teeth and gums clean and disease free. The more thorough and effective the hygienist, the more likely it is the patient can steer clear of unpleasant dental procedures.
Dental hygienists focus on preventive dental care. They remove deposits from teeth, apply fluoride, take x-rays, examine patients' teeth and gums, and check for mouth diseases.
“When you're working in a dental practice, you see all types of people with all types of problems.”
Melissa, Dental Hygienist
Are You Ready To...?
- Use a variety of tools to clean and examine teeth
- Record your observations
- Educate patients about dental care
- Wear safety glasses, gloves, masks, and special clothing to protect yourself and patients from disease
- Probably work part-time or at more than one dental office
- Work some evenings and weekends
- Take both written and hands-on, practical exams to earn your state license
It Helps to Be...
Good with your hands and able to put people at ease. If you enjoy arts and crafts, fixing appliances, or teaching someone a new skill, you already have some talents and interests that make you well suited to dental hygiene.
Make High School Count
- Do your best in biology, chemistry, and math.
- Enhance your communication skills through English composition, drama, and speech classes.
- Study a foreign language to communicate with more patients.
- Volunteer at a dental clinic.
Did You Know?
- Dental hygienists take on more responsibilities in some states than in others.
Outlook
Government economists predict job growth for dental hygienists to be much faster than the average for all careers through 2016. In fact, it is one of the fastest growing occupations.
That's in part because younger dentists are more likely to employ hygienists in their practices so that they can concentrate on more patients and more-profitable procedures. What's more, because of new and advanced dental treatments, greater numbers of people are keeping their natural teeth throughout their lives. The result is a higher demand for dental hygienists to maintain those teeth.
Compensation
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of dental hygienists was $66,950 in 2008. The average hourly rate was $32.19.
You might be paid by the year, the hour, the day, or the patient. Benefits also vary significantly from practice to practice and might depend on full-time employment. However, most hygienists receive hospital and medical benefits.
