Dental Hygienists

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Duties

In general, dental hygienists perform the following duties:

• It's time to get those pearly whites back!
• Make use of sealants and fluorides in an effort to safeguard your teeth against decay.
• Get dental x-rays taken and developed.
• Patients' dental health is evaluated and dentists are informed of the results.
• Keep detailed records of all patient treatment and care.
• Brushing and flossing practices should be taught to patients.

In their practice, dental hygienists use a wide range of instruments, including hand, power, and ultrasonic instruments. Lasers are used in several instances. Air-polishing machines are used by hygienists to remove stains from carpets and upholstery. They use an electric toothbrush-like device to clean teeth. For the purpose of looking for issues with the teeth or jaw, hygienists also use x-ray devices.

Dental hygienists advise patients on how to maintain good oral health at home. As an example, they may discuss the link between dental health and food. Also, patients may have their toothbrushes and other oral hygiene products recommended to them by these professionals.

By state and location, dental hygienists may conduct a wide range of jobs, and the amount to which they must be supervised by a dentist varies widely. Restorative therapies including tooth extraction and temporary crown placement are allowed in certain states by dental therapists, who have further training and are often termed dental hygienists.

Education

They usually need an associate's degree in dental hygiene, but may also get a bachelor's degree. Master's degree programs in dental hygiene are uncommon. A bachelor's or master's degree is frequently required to work in public health.

Dental hygiene degrees are available from community colleges, vocational schools, and universities. America's dental hygiene colleges are recognized by the ADA's Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Three-year programs involve classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction. Anatomy, medical ethics, and periodontics (gum disease) are all covered.

Future dental hygienists should take biology, chemistry, and math. Dental hygiene programs often include college-level prerequisites. Depending on the school, there may be other requirements.

Important traits

Critiquing. Dental hygiene assistants must be able to perform extensive patient examinations and provide customized treatment plans.

Effective communication skills Dental hygienists and patients must discuss oral hygiene care regimens and lifestyle counseling if needed.

Dedicated to perfection. Dental hygienists must follow a set of standards and procedures in order to help dentists diagnose and treat patients. Depending on the state and/or service, dental hygienists may be able to practice without a dentist's supervision.

Dexterity. To be effective, dental hygienists must have great hand dexterity. Small portions of the body need delicate motor skills and precise equipment and gadgets.

Interaction with others. Dental hygienists work closely with dentists. They must also be attentive to their patients' pain thresholds and fears about dental treatment.

Problem-solving skills Dental hygienists create and implement oral hygiene programs for patients.

Licenses and certifications

Every state requires dental hygienists to be licensed, although the requirements vary. Most states and provinces need a degree from an accredited dental hygiene program and passing written and clinical exams. Dental hygienists must maintain their licensure. For detailed criteria, contact your state's dental board.

Pay

The median annual wage for dental hygienists was $87,530 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $65,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $118,400.

Job Projections

Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.