Dental Hygienist
Job Description
This career offers a wide range of challenges. Some of the things a dental hygienist does are.. Patient screening procedures, oral cancer screening, taking and developing dental radiographs(x-rays),removing calculus and plaque, applying preventive materials to the teeth, teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene.
Training and Education
Dental hygienists receive their education through academic programs at community colleges, technical colleges, dental schools or universities. The majority of community college programs take at least two years to complete, with graduates receiving associate degrees. Receipt of this degree allows a hygienist to take licensure examinations (national and state or regional), become licensed and to work in a dental office.Dental hygiene program admission requirements vary depending upon the specific school. High school-level courses such as health, biology, psychology, chemistry, mathematics and speech will be beneficial in a dental hygiene career. Most programs show a preference for individuals who have completed at least one year of college. Some baccalaureate degree programs require that applicants complete two years of college prior to enrollment in the dental hygiene program. Contact the particular dental hygiene program of interest to you for specific program requirements.
Job Outlook and Earning Potential
Job outlook: 33% (much faster than average) Earning potential: $70,210 per year, $33.75 per hour.