What is a dental hygienist? What are the career prospects for dental hygienists? How does one get into this profession? In this article, we seek answers to these questions.

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.