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Job Description
A career as a dental hygienist offers a wide range of
challenges. In the dental office, the dentist and the dental
hygienist work together to meet the oral health needs of
patients. Since each state has its own specific regulations
regarding their responsibilities, the range of services
performed by hygienists varies from state to state. Some of
the services provided by dental hygienists may include:
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patient screening procedures; such as assessment of oral
health conditions, review of the health history, oral
cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental
charting and taking blood pressure and pulse
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taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
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removing calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits)
from all surfaces of the teeth
-
applying preventive materials to the teeth (e.g.,
sealants and fluorides)
-
teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to
maintain oral health;
(e.g., toothbrushing, flossing and nutritional
counseling)
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counseling patients about good nutrition and its impact
on oral health
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making impressions of patients' teeth for study casts
(models of teeth used by dentists to evaluate patient
treatment needs)
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performing documentation and office management
activities
Career Advantages
Dental hygiene offers the following challenges and rewards:
Personal satisfaction:
One of the most enjoyable aspects of a career in dental
hygiene is working with people. Personal fulfillment comes
from providing a valuable health care service while
establishing trusting relationships with patients.
Prestige:
As a result of their education and clinical training in a
highly skilled discipline, dental hygienists are respected
as valued members of the oral health care team.
Variety:
Dental hygienists use a variety of interpersonal and
clinical skills to meet the oral health needs of many
different patients each day. Hygienists have opportunities
to help special population groups such as children, the
elderly and the disabled. They may also provide oral health
instruction in primary and secondary schools and other
settings.
Creativity:
Because dental hygienists interact with such diverse
population groups, they must be creative in their approach
to patient management and oral health education.
Flexibility:
The flexibility offered by full- and part-time employment
options and availability of evening and weekend hours enable
dental hygienists to balance their career and lifestyle
needs. Hygienists also have opportunities to work in a wide
variety of settings including private dental practices,
educational and community institutions, research teams and
dental corporations.
Security:
The services that dental hygienists provide are needed and
valued by a large percentage of the population. There is
currently a great demand for dental hygienists. Employment
opportunities will be excellent well into the future. Due to
the success of preventive dentistry in reducing the
incidence of oral disease, the expanding older population
will retain their teeth longer, and will be even more aware
of the importance of regular dental care. With the emphasis
on preventive care, dentists will need to employ more dental
hygienists than ever before to meet the increased demand for
dental services.
Opportunities
Hygienists are in demand in general dental practices and in
specialty practices such as periodontics or pediatric
dentistry. They also may be employed to provide dental hygiene
services for patients in hospitals, nursing homes and public
health clinics.
Depending upon the level of education and experience
achieved, dental hygienists can apply their skills and
knowledge to other career activities such as teaching
hygiene students in dental schools and dental hygiene
education programs. Research, office management and business
administration are other career options. Employment
opportunities also may be available with companies that
market dental-related materials and equipment.
Education/Training & Admission Requirements
Dental hygienists receive their education through academic
programs at community colleges, technical colleges, dental
schools or universities. The majority of community college
programs take at least two years to complete, with graduates
receiving associate degrees. Receipt of this degree allows a
hygienist to take licensure examinations (national and state
or regional), become licensed and to work in a dental office.
University-based dental hygiene programs may offer
baccalaureate and master's degrees, which generally require
at least two years of further schooling. These additional
degrees may be required for a career in teaching and/or
research, as well as for clinical practice in school or
public health programs.
Dental hygiene program admission requirements vary depending
upon the specific school. High school-level courses such as
health, biology, psychology, chemistry, mathematics and
speech will be beneficial in a dental hygiene career. Most
programs show a preference for individuals who have
completed at least one year of college. Some baccalaureate
degree programs require that applicants complete two years
of college prior to enrollment in the dental hygiene
program. Contact the particular dental hygiene program of
interest to you for specific program requirements.
Dental hygiene education programs offer clinical education
in the form of supervised patient care experiences.
Additionally, these programs include courses in liberal arts
(e.g., English, speech, sociology and psychology); basic
sciences (e.g., anatomy, physiology, pharmacology,
immunology, chemistry, microbiology and pathology); and
clinical sciences (e.g., dental hygiene,
radiology and
dental materials). After completion of a dental hygiene
program, dental hygienists can choose to pursue additional
training in such areas as education, business
administration, basic sciences, marketing and public health.
Accreditation
The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental
Association is responsible for accrediting dental hygiene
education programs. There are approximately 270
commission-accredited
dental hygiene programs in the
United States.
Examination and Licensure
Dental hygienists are licensed by each state to provide dental
hygiene care and patient education. Almost all states require
that dental hygienists be graduates of commission-accredited
dental hygiene education programs to be eligible for state
licensure. And, almost all states require candidates for
licensure to obtain a passing score on the National Board
Dental Hygiene Examination (a comprehensive written
examination) in addition to passing the state-authorized
licensure examination. The state or regional examination tests
candidates' clinical dental hygiene skills as well as their
knowledge of dental hygiene and related subjects.
Upon receipt of their license, dental hygienists may use
"R.D.H." after their names to signify recognition by the
state that they are a Registered Dental Hygienist.
Earning Potential
The salary of a dental hygienist depends primarily upon the
responsibilities associated with the specific position, the
geographic location of employment and the type of practice or
other setting in which the hygienist works. Hygienists earn
salaries equal to other health care personnel with similar
educational backgrounds and experience.
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