In an earlier post, the 10 Best Jobs Requiring Two-Year Degrees was discussed. Number 2 on that list was Dental Hygienist so we'll spend a little time discussing that field today.
Dental Hygienists remove soft and hard deposits from teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene, and provide other preventive dental care. They examine patients’ teeth and gums, recording the presence of diseases or abnormalities. Hygienists perform other advanced duties such as root planning as a periodontal therapy, or apply cavity-preventative agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. In some States, hygienists are allowed to administer anesthetics, while in others they administer local anesthetics using syringes. Some States also allow hygienists to place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings; remove sutures; and smooth and polish metal restorations.
Most dental hygiene programs grant an associate degree, although some also offer a certificate, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree. A minimum of an associate degree or certificate in dental hygiene is generally required for practice in a private dental office. A bachelor’s or master’s degree usually is required for research, teaching, or clinical practice in public or school health programs.
The course curriculum includes laboratory, clinical, and classroom instruction in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, radiography, histology (the study of tissue structure), periodontology (the study of gum diseases), pathology, dental materials, clinical dental hygiene, and social and behavioral sciences. Dental hygienists must be licensed by the State in which they practice. Nearly all States require candidates to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school and pass both a written and clinical examination.
A few fast facts about a Dental Hygienist career...
- Dental Hygienists rank among the fastest growing careers with a projected job growth of 30% between now and 2016.
- More than half of Dental Hygienists work part-time, and flexible scheduling is a distinctive feature of this profession.
- In 2007, the median average wage for Dental Hygienists was $64,740.
If you are interested in learning more about training to become a Dental Hygienist. Find a school in your area here: http://career-study.com.
Cheers!
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