Careers in the medical field are the fastest growing careers today. The benefits of pursuing a career in the medical field are many. Dental care is an important part of overall health and well-being, making a career as a dental hygienist an in-demand career option.
Identification
A dental hygienist works with a dentist. The focus of a dental hygienist is preventative dental care, such as cleaning the teeth and educating patients on proper care of the teeth between visits to the dentist. A dental hygienist often takes X-rays and examines the teeth and gums for signs of gum disease or other problems. Cleaning the teeth involves removing plaque (soft and hard deposits on the teeth), stains and calculus (tartar--calcified deposits on the teeth).
A dental hygienist often does the preliminary examination, including tests and X-rays, and consults with the dentist for the results of tests. Some dental hygienists also administer anesthetics when extractions or other work requiring anesthetics is to be done. One the dentist has seen the patient, the dental hygienist often meets with the patient and discusses care for the teeth and gums after a procedure, care for the teeth and gums between visits and how diet and lifestyle affect the teeth.
Features
The salary for a dental hygienist varies according to geography and size of the dental office. As with many jobs, dental hygienists in large cities have the potential to earn more than a dental hygienist in a rural community. Experience can also be a factor in the salary of a dental hygienist.
The range of salary for a dental hygienist is around $19/hour on the low side to over $42/hour on the high side. The average salary is around $30/hour. However, not all dental hygienists work for an hourly rate. Some work on commission, and the salary can vary a great deal depending on the factors involved--geography, size of business and whether the hygienist works part-time or full-time. In many cases, a dental hygienist who works on a commission basis receive bonuses for exceeding goals.
Benefits
Just as the salary is dependent upon certain factors, so are the benefits. Benefits range from paid vacations to health and dental insurance and bonuses for exceeding goals. Full-time hygienists often receive more benefits than part-time hygienists. And the benefits are better for hygienists working for hospitals, large dental practices and in a government capacity, such as at a school.
A career as a dental hygienist also comes with the added benefit of flexibility in some settings. Many hygienists work part-time, and hours may be flexible depending on the needs of the dental office.
Time Frame
It is possible to begin a career as a dental hygienist in as little as 2 years. The education requirements vary depending on which aspect of dental hygiene a person is interested in. To work as a dental hygienist in a private practice, a 2-year degree in dental hygiene is sufficient. These courses can be found in technical and community colleges. Someone completing a 2-year course in dental hygiene is awarded an associate degree.
A prospective dental hygienist who plans to work for a public school, or in a research, teaching or administration, is required to obtain a 4-year degree from a public or private college. The 4-year degree involves 2 years of prerequisite education such as English, math, science, health and other courses as well as 2 years in dental hygiene education. Someone completing a 4-year course in dental hygiene is awarded a bachelor's degree.
Significance
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, dental hygienist careers are one of the fastest-growing career in the medical field. The estimated growth expectancy in this field of around 30 percent in the 10 years between 2006 and 2016 makes a career as a dental hygienist an appealing choice. The flexibility, salary and benefits make this a good career choice for candidates who like to work in an environment that promotes preventative health care.
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