Dental hygienists tend to work very closely with dentists in an effort to treat the needs of each patient on an individual basis. While it is important to keep in mind that specific job responsibilities tend to vary based on geographic location and employer preferences, dental hygienists traditionally assume several roles throughout a typical work day.
A degree from a regionally accredited dental hygiene school is a strict requirement for entry into this profession. It is important to note, however, that a license must also be obtained in the state where you plan to work. If you live in a geographic location that might allow you to work in two or three different states, you might strongly consider obtaining a license in each state, as this would provide you with the greatest employment opportunities.
What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
Some of the most common responsibilities of these professionals include the following:
- Screening patients individually to review overall health history, dental history, as well as current oral health condition
- Taking x-rays and/or impressions of patients’ teeth
- Providing counseling services to advise patients about dietary and oral care best practices
- Application of preventive materials such as sealants and fluorides to patients’ teeth
- Removing plaque from teeth surfaces
A periodontal dental hygienist generally focuses on delivering periodontal therapies in addition to performing the job functions listed above. Periodontal conditions are those that involve treatment for gum disease, so the training for these professionals is generally a bit more extensive.
Career Outlook
Dental hygienists are fortunate to be a part of one of the fastest growing occupations in North America. While the overall job outlook is expected to be quite good for all dental hygienist professionals, competition for jobs in certain geographic locations might be somewhat intense. This is particularly true of larger metropolitan areas, so if you currently live in this type of area, you should be prepared to put your best foot forward during job interviews.
Many experts believe that job growth among dental hygienists will grow by as much as 36% over the next seven years. This anticipated increase is at a much faster rate than most other professions, which makes becoming a dental hygienist a more attractive option for many.
Part of the expected job growth is due to the burgeoning population and a greater emphasis being placed on making use of preventive dental practices in order to take care of the teeth and gums. For the most part, members of our aging population are retaining their own natural teeth, which also places an increased demand on professionals within the dental community.
Salary Expectations
Salary, of course, is one of those things that is influenced by several different factors. Geographic location is a primary consideration, but there are other factors that come into play as well.
- Years of experience
- Educational achievements
- Type of employer
The number of years of experience that you have as a dental hygienist will drastically impact the salary you are offered. Most employers are willing to pay a higher salary to professionals who have several years of relevant work experience under their belts.
In addition, the higher your level of education, the better your annual salary is likely to be. While it might not seem particularly relevant for this field, many employers are willing to pay a premium for applicants who have achieved educational degrees or certifications that enhance their overall professionalism and marketability.
The type of employer that you find a job with can also have a significant impact on the salary you are offered. Dental offices that are run by just one dentist are likely to offer lower salaries than offices that employ more than one dentist. In other words, the larger the number of people on staff, the higher the salaries tend to be.
Of course, these are all general guidelines. Your unique circumstances, educational background, and professional experiences should all combine to influence not only the types of dental hygienist positions you are offered; but the types of salaries and benefit packages you are offered as well.