How to become a dental
hygienist requires formal training in certain dental hygienist programs
and have a dental hygienist degree.
*Job Description:
A dental hygienist duties include cleaning and polishing
teeth...examining the mouth and gums for disease...counseling patients
on proper oral hygiene...sometimes take and develop x-rays. Dental
hygienists must be familiar with various dentistry tools such as dental
cleaning tools and dental hygiene instruments. They may apply fluorides
and sealants to prevent cavities. Some states allow dental hygienist to
dispense anesthetics to patients.
*Education/Training:
Dental
hygienist requirements consist of being a high school graduate. Courses
in math, chemistry and biology are recommended for students interested
in becoming a dental hygienist. A degree from an accredited dental
hygienist school or dental hygienist college. Schools for dental
hygienist provide research lab, clinical, and class education in fields
of study such as general anatomy, chemical science, pharmacological
medicine, dental materials, and dental hygienics. To practice in a
private office and associate degree or certificate is usually required.
For clinics and public school health programs, a bachelor's or master's
degree is generally required. You will also need to have a dental
hygienist license issued by the State.
*Job
Outlook:
If you're not sure whether to
pursue this career direction, you should know, dental hygienists jobs
are one of the fastest growing occupations in the health care field.
Job openings for dental hygienist are predicted to remain high. Dental
hygienists employment is projected to increase 21 percent or more
through 2016. With the population growing and more people concerned
about their teeth, the need for dental service and dental hygienists
will increase.
*Working
Conditions:
Dental hygienists work in a
clean environment and an office which has to retain strict health
safeguards such as appropriate radiological management and the use of
proper protective tools when administering anesthetic gas. For their
protection and the protection of the patients, dental hygienists wear
surgical gloves and masks and also safety glasses. Dental hygienists
often work flexible hours and some may only work 2 or 3 days a week.
Besides full time, evening and weekend positions are widely available.
Because of this schedule, some may work in more than one dental office.
*Dental
Hygienist Yearly Salary:
Estimated average annual
dental hygienist earnings: $64.910. Earnings
depends on location, area size, population, etc.
Choosing a
dental hygienist career and becoming a registered (licensed) dental hygienist should bring you job security for years
to come.
