So…if you are investigating dental hygienist jobs, this must mean that you have at least partially decided to pursue this career field. Congratulations! You have picked a secure, financially rewarding occupation that is subject to phenomenal growth within the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, “[e]mployment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 36 percent through 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This projected growth ranks dental hygienists among the fastest growing occupations.”

In order to capitalize on this enormous growth rate, therefore, those who want to become dental hygienists should start seriously pursuing this career—NOW.

Dental Hygienist Job Description

Dental hygienists professionally clean patients’ teeth, which require the removal of hard and soft deposits (tarter, stains, and plaque) from the enamel. This is precise work that is accomplished through the use of hand and rotary tools and ultrasonic devices. Dental hygienists also perform x-rays on patients’ teeth, apply cavity prevention treatments to teeth, treat periodontal diseases (where necessary) and council patients on proper dental hygiene habits.

A dental hygienist may also assume certain duties that are the province of dental assistants, such as assisting the dentist during dental exams and procedures. They may also administer laboratory tests and present them to the dentist for interpretations.

In some states, dental hygienists may also administer anesthetics, remove sutures, and even place temporary fillings in patients’ teeth.

Educational Requirements of Dental Hygienists

Graduation from an accredited dental hygienist program is the usual requirement for entering this field. There are approximately 301 such programs, accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, in the United States. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Most of these programs offer an associate’s degree, but some offer certificates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in this field. In order to be accepted into one of these programs, however, most programs require that the applicant have a high school diploma (or its equivalent) and the submission of college test scores

Dental Hygienist Jobs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the vast majority of dental hygienists—approximately 96 percent—worked in dental offices. Further, approximately 51 percent held part time dental hygienist jobs.

Flexible scheduling is also an essential feature of this job, as most dental hygienists’ must be open to working non-traditional hours—such as nights, weekends, full-time and part-time (as needed).

Although they work in clean, well lit offices, the nature of their jobs require strict adherence to safety precautions. Some of these safety precautions include:

• Wearing the proper protective gear, and following proper safety procedures, while taking x-rays of patients’ teeth.
• Wearing safety glasses, surgical masks, and safety goggles to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.
• Observing ergonomically correct postural techniques in order to minimize shoulder and neck injuries that may occur from sitting too long in one position while working on patients teeth.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “[d]ental hygienists held about 174,100 jobs in 2008.” But this figure is expected to grow substantially by the year 2018. Isn’t it time that you take the steps necessary to insure yourself a place in this growing career field?