Dental hygienist provides preventive oral health services and education to patients, while working under the oversight of dentists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of hygienist jobs will grow by about 16,400 per year, on average, over the next decade.
Hygienists are trained in both clinical and administrative procedures. They work in a variety of settings, including private dental practices, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and faculty practice clinics in universities and government facilities, such as Indian reservations. Hygienists can also be found in public health settings where they help communities gain access to dental care.
Dental Hygienist: The Key to Maintaining Optimal Oral Health
During a routine teeth cleaning, dental hygienists remove plaque and tartar from the surface of a patient’s teeth and from the gum line. This buildup is not only unsightly, but it can lead to infection in the gums or pulp beneath the tooth, which could be dangerous.
Other common duties include exposing and processing dental X-rays; applying cavity-preventive agents, such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants; polishing restorations; and providing laboratory diagnostic tests for other healthcare professionals to interpret. In addition, hygienists are licensed in some states to administer local anesthesia for more intrusive procedures.
Dental hygienists must graduate from an accredited program based in an institution of higher learning and become licensed by their state to work. Licensing requirements vary by state, but all require successful completion of an examination to prove competency in oral hygiene skills. Some hygienists also choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in health sciences or a related field to expand their professional opportunities and increase their salary potential.