The State of Tennessee

Tennessee is the state in south-central United States. The capital is Nashville and the largest city is Memphis. It offers good opportunities for someone looking to study and pursue a career as a dental hygienist.

Tennessee is a major tourist destination owing to its beautiful scenery. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is known for developing the enormous Kentucky – Tennessee recreation area called The Land between the Lakes. Among the attractions, the major points of interest are the American Museum of Atomic Energy at Oak Ridge, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Rock City Gardens near Chattanooga. Tennessee is known for its famed country music capital, Nashville and the Blues and Jazz of Memphis.

The other major economic driver of the state is industry. People also derive their livelihood from farming.
All this makes Tennessee an interesting state to live, study and earn a living. There are good options available in choosing dental hygienist schools in Tennessee.

Admission requirements of dental hygienist schools

Various dental hygienist schools have their own admission requirements for applicants. For entry level programs that offer associate degrees or bachelor degrees, applicants will need a high school diploma or GED. Some dental hygienist schools may insist on knowledge of subjects like chemistry, physiology, biology, and psychology as a prerequisite for obtaining admission.

Accredited dental hygienist schools in Tennessee

Aspiring dental hygienist should opt for schools that offer high quality education supervised by experienced instructors and that provide training in a clinical setting. Dental hygienists must graduate from a dental hygiene school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation.

A list of schools offering dental hygienist education in Tennessee is given below:
• Chattanooga State Community College, Chattanooga
• Concorde Career College, Memphis
• East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
• Hiwassee College, Madisonville
• Remington College, Nashville
• Roane State Community College, Oak Ridge
• Tennessee State University, Nashville
• University of Tennessee Health Science Centre

Programs offered by dental hygienists schools in Tennessee

One must earn a minimum of an associate degree to become a dental hygienist in Tennessee. This program can be completed in two to three years. A bachelor degree program takes four years and the masters program requires the completion of about 35 semester hours with a thesis which can take anywhere from two to three additional years.
Students in both types of programs have courses in basic sciences (biology, physics and chemistry), dental science courses (oral pathology, periodontology, radiography, pharmacology and dental anatomy) and courses specific to dental hygiene.

Dental hygienist bachelor degree programs additionally focus on humanities and social sciences. It offers a well rounded training experience. These programs will involve more laboratory work and clinical training.
Courses in public health, research, and administration are also offered by many schools to expose students to other opportunities. A bachelor or masters degree is required If one wants to advance into research, teaching or clinical practice in public or school health programs.

Obtaining a dental hygienist license in Tennessee

One must apply for a dental hygienist license through the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. Graduation from a CODA accredited dental hygiene program is a compulsory requirement. Licensing requirements include successfully completing a written as well as a clinical exam. The written part of the exam, which is recognized in all states as well as the District of Columbia, is conducted by the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental Exams. The clinical exam is carried out by the Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA) and the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) in Tennessee.

Salary and job outlook of dental hygienist in Tennessee

Average dental hygienist hourly salary in Tennessee is around $29.60 according to U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average annual salary of a dental hygienist is $61,560. There are about 200 job openings for dental hygienists. Maximum job placements happen in offices of dentists.

Dental hygienists are looked upon as professionals who perform the vital task of guiding patients to maintain good oral hygiene which is critical for the overall well being. It is thus a career option worth considering. to locate dental hygienist schools in Tennessee, use the search box on this page.

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Dental Hygiene – an overview

An estimated 75% of adults suffer from dental problems at some point in their lifetime. Prevention is the best way to manage oral care. Good dental hygiene is necessary for prevention of dental cavities, periodontal diseases and other dental problems. Continuous preventive oral care and regular dental checkups can keep many of the dental problems at bay.

Dental checkups are done by a dentist or a dental hygienist. A dental hygienist works alongside the dentist and provides assistance when required. Unlike dental assistants, dental hygienists can attend to patients on their own. Their duties include cleaning patient’s teeth and giving proper counseling on oral hygiene.

Dental hygienists work in dental clinics, colleges and vocational schools, hospitals, community health centers, research companies, etc. They have various roles to perform in their profession like educator, clinician, researcher, administrator and manager and as an advocate for oral hygiene.

How to become a dental hygienist

One has to graduate from an accredited dental hygienist school to become a dental hygienist. You are required to complete a two year or a four year college degree program. The minimum qualification required to join the program is a high school diploma. The students undergo training in dental anatomy, oral pathology, periodontics and patient management. Those who qualify with a four year baccalaureate degree have better job prospects.  After graduating, one must pass the licensing exam of the respective state to work as a licensed dental hygienist in the state.

What is a dental hygienist expected to possess in terms of skills?

Like any other profession, dental hygienists also should possess specific skills.  They should have the ability to put the patients at ease as many people tend to tense up during a procedure. Effective communication and manual dexterity are other skills that a dental hygienist should have.

What is a dental hygienist’s job responsibilities?

Dental hygienists play the critical role of providing clinical services and oral health education to patients. Their work also includes:

•    Performing dental cleanings and examining teeth and gums for signs of disease
•    Taking and developing x-rays
•    Applying cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay
•    Recording and reviewing patient medical histories
•    Checking for signs of oral cancer

Some states also allow dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia, remove sutures and dressings and put temporary fillings.

Career prospects for dental hygienists

Dental hygienists play an important part in oral healthcare. They are paid hourly or daily salaries or work on commission basis. Many dental hygienists do part-time work and work at multiple locations.

The earnings of dental hygienists vary with educational qualifications, experience, place of work and geographical location. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the starting dental hygienist salary was $36,067 in 2010. The average salary was $68,250. The top paying state is Alaska with an annual average salary of $90,740.

Dental hygiene jobs are bound to grow as awareness for dental hygiene is on the rise. BLS ranks dental hygienists as one of fastest growing occupations in the country. With the right experience and skills, a dental hygienist can pursue a career which is well paying, has good growth prospects and offer considerable job security.

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Role of dental hygienist

As a person grows older, their teeth become unable to handle the stress meted out to them. The incidence of dental cavities, periodontal problems, oral cancer, etc. increases significantly as your age advances. All these problems can be completely avoided or at least its onset delayed with routine preventive care and by practicing good dental hygiene.

Dental Hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth, teeth and gums clean and healthy to prevent diseases. This is achieved by proper brushing, flossing and regular checkups by a dentist. Dentists are assisted by dental hygienists in this work. Dental hygienists work closely with dentists in performing various dental procedures. They educate patients about oral hygiene. The clinical role of a dental hygienist includes therapeutic and preventive care duties to control oral diseases. There is increasing demand for the services of dental hygienists as more people become aware of the importance of oral hygiene in the overall health of a person.

Personal qualities required of a dental hygienist

Dental hygienists deal directly with patients. Hence they should be adept in calming down a distressed patient. They should have good communication skills to instruct patients on ways to prevent oral diseases and motivate them to maintain good oral hygiene. They should be good team players.

Dental hygienist careers

A career in dental hygiene offers personal satisfaction in providing valuable advice on preventive oral care to patients. Flexible work schedules make balancing work and lifestyle needs on dental hygiene jobs very achievable. With a dental hygienist license and work experience, there are good growth prospects and earning potential in the profession. Some dental hygienists get opportunities to work as orthodontic therapists or to teach training courses.
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How to become a dental hygienist?

The subject of dental hygiene is very extensive in its content and the right education is the first step in how to become a dental hygienist. An aspiring dental hygienist should have the requisite educational qualifications and also possess personality traits suited for the role.

Dental hygienist schools accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA) can be found all over the country. A dental hygienist course is among the most accessible vocational training programs in the country.

Graduate education in dental hygiene is a must for becoming a dental hygienist. One must have a high school diploma or GED to get admitted into a dental hygienist school. Students should have done high school courses in mathematics, chemistry, biology and English and also have good college entrance test scores.

A minimum of two years of college education that combines classroom and clinical coursework is necessary to become a dental hygienist. Dental hygiene courses consist of dental anatomy, periodontology, patient management, etc. These courses also promote critical thinking, problem solving and information literacy. They prepare dental hygienists to work in dental clinics, educational institutions, research centers, etc.

Dental hygienist license

The final step in how to become a dental hygienist is to obtain the dental hygienist license from your State of choice. To qualify for a license, one must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school and pass both written and clinical examinations. The American Dental Association Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations administers the written examination. This is accepted by all States. After passing the exams, an applicant must contact the licensing authority in the state where he / she wishes to practice.  Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Hence it is necessary to find out the specific application requirements from the state licensing authority.

This is an ideal choice for someone who has the requisite skills and personal qualities to provide care for fellow humans. Now that you know how to become a dental hygienist and the prospects of this career, you may want to look at dental hygienist schools and programs near you. To this end, we have given a search box on this page that is backed up by a large database of accredited dental hygienist schools.

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- Factors affecting dental hygienist salary.
- Regional variations in dental hygienist wages.

Dental hygienist – job profile and prospects

Who would not like to have that perfect set of teeth? This will be possible only by maintaining good dental hygiene and getting the teeth checked regularly. Poor oral hygiene will, in addition to causing irreparable damage to the teeth, also negatively affect the general health of a person. A dental hygienist is the right person to guide one about the right way to practice oral hygiene.

As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dental hygienists are one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. Dental hygienists earn decent salaries. They also enjoy comfortable working conditions.
A dental hygienist is trained to impart the clinical procedures of maintaining oral health and providing preventive dental care advice to patients. They work alongside dentists and offer them assistance when required. Many dentists work part-time and have flexible work schedules.

Factors affecting salaries of dental hygienists

Salaries of dental hygienists depend on qualification, experience, clinical skills, geographic area, work location, etc. Dental hygienists with higher educational qualifications like a four year bachelor degree is likely to earn more than someone with a two year associate degree.

Dental hygienists are paid salaries, commissions and bonuses. As per BLS data, the annual average salary of a dental hygienist is $68,250. However, dental hygienists who are just starting their careers will have to excel through hard work and dedication to earn higher salaries. A good starting salary for a dental hygienist after acquiring a degree and a license is around $35,000 a year.

Dental hygienists work mostly in dentists’ and physicians’ offices. Employment services, outpatient care centers and hospitals are the other places that employ dental hygienists. Out of these, the dentists’ offices are the ones which pay the highest annual mean salary of $68,980 for dental hygienists. The outpatient care centers come second with annual mean salary of $68,390.

The best paying U.S. states for dental hygienists

The following table lists the best paying states in the U.S for dental hygienists as per BLS data.

The maximum number of dental hygienists work in the state of California (18,050), followed by Texas (10,860), New York (9,710), Florida (9,320) and Michigan (8,570).

Other benefits received by dental hygienists

According to a survey conducted by the American Dental Hygienist Association, about half of all dental hygienists reported receiving benefit packages from their employers which included sick leave, paid vacation, insurance coverage, retirement plans, etc. Some employers also offer free or discounted dental care for employees and family. Some employers also provide tuition assistance for higher education and training.

Dental care is an important factor for oral health. Awareness of dental care and hygiene is growing and due to this, the demand for dental hygienists will be on the rise, along with their salaries. Keeping up with the latest procedures and innovations in the industry will set one up for better earning opportunities.

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Oregon has great appeal and like most dental practices across the country, dental practices are sources of stable and gainful employment in Oregon. Dental hygiene schools in Oregon are prepared to get students ready for state licensing and certification.

Pacific University and Apollo College are the most well-known among the schools offering dental hygiene programs in Oregon.

Dental hygiene schools in Oregon – Associate Degree

As in most states, the dental hygiene schools in Oregon offer an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. Both these degrees are stepping stones to stable employment in a clean, bright and safe work environment.

The field of dental hygienist is one on the fastest growing sectors of the health industry. Employment opportunities are expected to grow by more than 36 percent before 2018.

The Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene offered by dental hygienist schools in Oregon is thorough training to begin work immediately. This degree can usually be completed in about 68 hours of study. For this degree, dental hygiene schools in Oregon offer basic courses that prepare students for state examinations. The basic course components are:

• Oral anatomy
• Radiology
• Dental materials
• Principles of nutrition

Students that pass these courses are qualified to:

• Teach patients proper care procedures
• Teach proper gum cleansing techniques
• Provide certain dental care to patients
• Provide informative reports regarding patient conditions
• Assist dentists during check-ups
• Setup equipment for surgery

Dental hygiene schools in Oregon – Bachelor of Science

Some dental hygiene schools in Oregon offer four-year courses that prepare students for a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. This is a more intensive and much more demanding program than the Associates Degree.

However, the Bachelor of Science degree qualifies graduates for higher wages and more responsibilities. Most of these programs require one year of prerequisite study in human biology, physiology, radiology and anesthesia.

A few dental hygiene schools in Oregon offer the Bachelor of Science through a two-year program. Applicants must have a high school completion certificate and may be required to take standard tests like the SAT.

Why attend dental hygiene schools in Oregon?

If you intend to practice in Oregon, dental hygiene schools in Oregon can put you on course for a rewarding and lucrative profession providing care and giving comfort to patients who need help. Dental hygienists are valuable assets who dentists pay well and try to retain.

Graduates of dental hygienist schools in Oregon can expect starting wag from $22.50 to $35.00 per hour. On the national scene, the average salary of a dental hygienist is $52,000. The top ten percent of hygienists earn an average of $92,000.

To accomplish your mission you must research and enroll in dental hygiene schools in Oregon. Students will gain all the skills and hands-on experience to begin an exciting career where employment is stable and demand is great.

To find dental hygiene schools near you, enter the zip code in the search box on this page. You can also leave your contact details with those schools you wish to further explore, for them to call you and explain their training programs.

Dental Hygiene Schools in Oregon is a post from: Accredited Dental Hygiene Schools

Nationwide, the dental hygienist salary is very favorable and there is increasing demand for hygienists. In metropolitan areas, there is competition but there is also plenty of work. Many hygienists prefer to work part-time and dentists are likely to offer flexible hours to reliable hygienists.

What is at stake?

After completing the educational requirements, which can vary from state to state, the average dental hygienist salary was $66,570 in 2009. The bulk of practitioners earned a dental hygienist salary between $55,220 and $78,900.

The highest paid 10 percent of these practitioners earned a dental hygienist salary in excess of $91,470. The lowest 10 percent earned a dental hygienist salary of about $44,180.

A dental hygienist’s salary is usually based upon location of the practice, the volume of business activity and years of experience in the field. The dental hygienist salary is either paid daily, hourly, salary or on a commission basis.

Prospects for dental hygienists

According to a Bureau of Statistics report, job prospects are very favorable through 2018. Dental practices, like most health care sectors, have come through the recession with favorable growth and increased demand for dental hygiene jobs. This demand has helped stabilize the dental hygienist salary.

One trend newly licensed dental hygienists will notice is that young dental practitioners are more likely to be looking for hygienists. In 2008, there were 174,100 licensed dental hygienists. The Labor Department projects there will be an increase of 36 percent or 237,000 licensed dental hygienists working either full or part-time by 2018.

Many analysts fell these projections are conservative. The reason is that with the more stringent requirements for licensing, the dental hygienist is a much more helpful and professional assistant. The fact that dentists can charge more for these professional services leads most analysts to think the average dental hygienist salary will increase proportionately.

Dental hygienist salary summary

Dental hygienists should expect the dental hygienist salary to increase as the number of new dental practices grows and as existing practices run by younger dentists provide more and more hygienist services.

In fact, the Department of Labor ranks the field of dental hygienist as one of the most favorable growth sectors in the health field. One reason that the dental hygienist salary continues to increase is that the practitioner is usually only licensed in one state. Because of this, hygienists tend to stay within that state and the dental hygienist salary grows as time in one practice accumulates.

Hygienist have favorable opinions about the services they supply, the environments in which they work and the satisfaction from their dental hygienist salary. If this sounds like a stable career that you might pursue, check with your state to learn the licensing process. Without a doubt, this field of practice is professional the dental hygienist salary is lucrative and opportunities for personal and financial growth are excellent.

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In a profession that the U.S. Department of Labor projects job growth of 36 percent in the next 6 years, increasing demand is reflected by increasing wages and benefits. But, the responsibilities of dental hygienists have also increased and states are now requiring more intense education. The dental hygiene schools in Arizona have addressed the more stringent requirements and have put together instructional and clinical curricula that prepare students for the state licensing exam.

Curricula that work

Fortunately there are proven dental hygienist schools in Arizona. Two of the more notable dental hygienist schools in Arizona are the Pima Community dental hygiene program and the Northern Arizona University dental hygiene program. There are other programs throughout the state.

Students applying for dental hygiene programs can expect to be asked to take a series of placement tests similar to the tests that four-year students often take. Most dental hygiene schools in Arizona will require the SAT test for English speaking students and for candidates more familiar with Spanish, the ESL exam.

Forbes magazine ranked the Northern Arizona University dental hygiene program among the top 100 in the nation. This four-year program leading to a bachelor’s degree was established in 1975. This program combines one year of prerequisite work and three years of dental hygiene studies.

At Pima Community College, dental hygienists must complete 67 to 68 hours in courses including oral morphology, radiography, clinical dental hygiene, dental tools, pain control and periodontology.

Like most dental hygiene schools in Arizona, these programs are recognized by the American Dental Association Commission and Dental Accreditation. Students who successfully complete the courses at the dental hygienist schools in Arizona are ready to work as soon as they receive their licenses. These graduates are also qualified to take national and regional examination.

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

This is an elite degree that includes major studies in anatomy, physiology, biology and chemistry in preparation before beginning dental hygienist classes. To achieve this bachelor’s degree, there is much clinical training where the student gains hand-on experience.

For the Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, final examinations are administered by the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners. In dental hygienist schools in Arizona, this program is less demanding than accomplishing the bachelor of science degree. However, the dental hygienists are definitely employable and can expect a bright future of stable employment and excellent compensation.

The results of dental hygiene schools in Arizona

In Arizona, the role of the dental hygienist who has completed studies at dental hygienist schools in Arizona is best described as a licensed dental assistant who works closely with the dentist. The hygienist is trained in preventive dental care and is usually certified to administer anesthesia and administer CPR.

The dental hygienist who invests in the education for this career can expect many benefits including flexible hours, full or pat-time work and vacation time and even health insurance. Average dental hygienist wages in the U.S. are $66,570 according to the Bureau of Statistics. Wages typically range from the low end of $44,180 and the high end $91,470.

For a gratifying career in a field that is stable and in demand, choose one of the dental hygienist schools in Arizona and prepare to launch a great career.

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Who is a dental hygienist?

Dental hygienists are trained professionals who provide preventative care for oral health and treat oral diseases. They work closely with the dentists and assist them in performing important dental procedures such as root canals, extractions, cavity fillings, crown fittings, etc. Dental hygienists duties also include cleaning teeth, taking x-rays and instructing patients on dental hygiene practices.

How to become a dental hygienist?

To become a dental hygienist, one must pass from a dental hygienist school. These schools can be found throughout the U.S. The school and the programs must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Programs offered by accredited dental hygienist schools are of either two-year or four-year full-time durations. Students who successfully complete a two-year program are awarded an associate degree. This program is offered by community colleges and vocational schools. This program is ideally suited for students opting to work in private dentist’s office.

Students who successfully complete a four-year program are awarded an associate, a certificate or a bachelor’s degree. Graduating dental hygienists are employed in private dental practice, hospitals, clinics, teaching institutions, research facilities, etc.

Master degree programs are available through colleges and universities. It prepares graduates for careers in teaching, administration and research.

Admission requirements vary with schools, but a minimum requirement is a high school diploma with courses in science, mathematics and English. National scholastic test scores or respective college entrance test scores are the other criteria.
The program curriculum includes content in the areas of general education, biomedical sciences, dental sciences and dental hygiene sciences. Clinical practice is required throughout the course duration to ensure that the students attain clinical competence and develop appropriate judgment. The student should also achieve adequate practical patient experience during the program.

How to choose a dental hygienist school?

The accreditation agency has laid down requirements for schools to comply. It would be worthwhile to check and ensure that the school one plans to join complies with these. Some of the requirements are:

• The school should have demonstrated the effectiveness of its programs by a continuous process of planning and assessment. The school should have a successful track record in program completion, graduates obtaining placements, graduates passing licensing examinations, etc.
• The school should be financially sound.
• The programs should be sponsored by institutions of higher education that are accredited by an institutional accrediting agency.
• The school should have a record of active liaison with the dental profession community.
• The school should have a full-time program administrator.
• The faculty of the school should possess baccalaureate or higher degree.
• The school should have prescribed laboratory facilities and classroom spaces.
• The school should provide instructional aids and equipment for student learning.

It is important for an aspiring dental hygienist to choose a school which best suits them. Websites like www.healthguideusa.org and www.ada.org provide extensive information on schools, programs, accreditation, licensing, placements, etc.

Skills you acquire in an accredited dental hygienist school?

A dental hygienist graduating from an accredited school will be competent in providing the dental hygiene process of care for patients of all ages and patients with special needs. They will have good interpersonal skills and will be competent in managing community based oral health programs. They will also be trained in providing life support measures in medical emergencies related to dental hygiene practice.

Dental hygienist schools prepare the aspiring dental hygienist to pursue a rewarding career and provide practical experience with academic learning.

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The dental hygienist’s job is to ensure the health and hygiene of their patient’s teeth and gums. This can be done through regular check up, using many procedures and teaching the patients how to better take care of their teeth and gums against disease.

What does a dental hygienist typically do? Some of the hygienist’s usual procedures include:

* Diagnosing any dental health problems through x-ray. If problems are found, they can refer patients to other dentists for further treatment.
* Cleaning the plaque, tartar, stains and residue build up on the teeth through rotary & ultrasonic devices.
* Applying anti-cavity treatments like fluoride and sealants
* Educating their patients properly on dental health care and hygiene through models, charts and pictures.

According to United States’ Bureau of Labor Statistics, the dental hygienist career will grow to 36% in the next eight years. A hygienist practicing in the US earns an average of US $66,570 a year in 2008, and is expected to increase steadily over the years. Some are members of dental offices, hospitals, and clinics, while others have their own practices. Moreover, the dental work mostly has part time or flexible schedule basis.

What are the educational requirements to become a dental hygienist? Of course, a respected profession like this requires a medical degree from any accredited dental hygiene schools in the US. Some states, such as Florida and others, also allow foreign trained dentists, making it an appeal career option for many foreigners.

Training will take around two years to complete, and it requires one to submit a high school diploma and must have passed the college entrance test score. As of this year, there are 313 accredited dental hygiene schools in the United States. They train students with the necessary health science subjects such as microbiology, nutrition, anatomy and chemistry; as well as dental health related subjects like periodontology, dental radiology, clinical dental hygiene, etc.

After completion of the course you are required to take a written exam by the Nadional Dental Exams of the American Dental Association. If you are considering this career path, here are some of the accredited dental hygiene schools in California:

* Cabrillo College, Carrington College, Concorde College, Cerritos College, Chabot College, Cypress College, Diablo Volley College, Fresno City College, Foothill College, Loma Linda University, Oxnard College, Pasadena City College, Riverside Community College, San Joaquin Valley College, Sacramento City College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Southwestern College, Shasta College, Taft College, University of Southern California, University of the Pacific, West Los Angeles College and West Coast University.

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The job demands skills and good training to be able to do these duties and responsibilities. To become a dental hygienist you need to study and train to get an associate’s degree and after attaining that you have to pass a licensing board examination in order to be qualified to be a dental hygienist. And if you want to further your career either in research work , in teaching , in public and school dental health programs or clinical practice you must continue your education in order to obtain a bachelor’s and master’s degree in dental hygiene. Further studies and specialization will help you get promoted and increase your salary.

Salary of dental hygienist depends on these several factors: location, experience, education, and employment setting. A dental hygienist receives a salary ranging from $56,235 to $71,080 and it could even go up to $80,000 or more annually. Location affects the salary of the dental hygienist. Salary are much higher in areas where cost of living is higher like the urban areas, while in rural areas where cost of living is lower salary received is also lower. Starting pay for dental hygienist is $37,000 to $40,000 annually since they have lesser experience compared to those who have five to seven years of experience who would receive $60,000. And as the years of experience grows to eight to ten years salary would also increase to as much as $100,000. Dental hygienist employed in hospitals receives lesser pay then those who work in a private offices or clinics.

Demand for dental hygienist is great in hospitals, private dental offices, dental schools, public health clinics, and programs concerning dental hygiene education. Aside from these job opportunities, there are also other career opportunities that are open to them like, in the field of research, in the field of business with companies that provides dental-related equipments and materials and in the field of education as teachers in dental schools.

Work schedules for dental hygienist vary and are very flexible. You could practice full-time, from nine to five daily or part-time weekends or evening’s only .Some part-timers work for two to three days a week depending on their schedule or preferences. Some also receives commission based salary where they are paid according to the specific job they were asked to do. This arrangement allows them to work for two or more dental offices.

Being a Dental hygienist is an exciting and demanding job and financial opportunity is good at the same time it gives you satisfaction in being able to help people have confidence with their smile.

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