Dental Hygienist Fact Sheet
If you’ve ever been to a dentist’s office and sat in the dental chair, more than likely you’ve met the dental hygienist. The dental hygienist is generally the first person you meet when visiting the dentist’s office, after the receptionist of course. She’s the one that pins the white paper bib under your chin. But a dental hygienist does so much more than that. Highly educated and trained, a dental hygienist completes initial screening procedures for the dentist to make his or her job easier. She asks questions and makes sure the dentist knows why you’re sitting in the dentist’s chair.
An important link between patient and dentist, the dental hygienist also takes x-rays, makes dental impressions for casts and generally completes patient record documentation and other office management requirements. A dental hygienist also teaches patients how to take proper care of teeth and gums and will often be the one to apply certain protective coverings and sealants to your teeth, such as fluoride. She is educated in the relationship between eating habits and how they relate to oral health. She’s also the one that removes plaque from your teeth.
A dental hygienist can work in more places than the local dentist’s office, and can find employment in public health settings, clinics, and community and county health agencies. She can also work for school districts and teach in dental schools and other educational programs. A dental hygienist can sell dental equipment to dentists and also work with products in selling or even research.
A dental hygienist can anticipate about two years of post high school education to become certified in the field of dentistry, and most dental hygienists obtain an Associate’s Degree. While still in high school, it’s wise to take science and math related courses in addition to such courses as chemistry and biology to prepare for a career as a dental hygienist. Most community colleges offer accredited dental training courses for those interested in becoming a dental hygienist, and it’s a field that will always be needed.
The American Dental Association has accredited almost 300 training programs throughout the United States at community, college and university levels to prepare for the growing need for trained dental hygienists and other dental care providers in the coming years. A dental hygienist can also be trained via online education with in-office clinical experience and training. The dental hygienist field offers great security to their employees, and there are never enough of them to go around. Because people are living longer and taking better care of their teeth through regular visits and services, a dental hygienist is kept very busy on a daily basis seeing to the needs and concerns of those patients.
The pay’s good and the benefits that a dental hygienist earns make it a very good prospect for high school graduates entering the work force for the first time. Experts state that the position of dental hygienist is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and the pay, working hours and career opportunities within the field makes the position of dental hygienist one of the most sought after jobs among young women today.
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