About Dental Hygienists Jobs
Dental hygienists work closely with dentists and assistants, primarily in the dentist office but also at clinics. They are part of a team of professionals who work with patients to provide superior service for their dental needs. A typical work day as a hygienist may include teaching oral health care to patients, taking x-rays, cleaning and polishing patients’ teeth and examining the gums for any sign of disease. The dental hygienist will also perform documentation on patient charts for the dentist regarding treatment and diagnosis. A hygienist must have excellent hand dexterity to be able to use the proper dental tools while cleaning and probing teeth and gums.
A dental hygienist must practice excellent sanitizing skills to avoid any contamination to or from the patient and the use of masks and rubber gloves are necessary at all time while working with patients. In some states a hygienist may be able to perform temporary fillings, periodontal dressings and the placement and sculpting of permanent fillings on teeth.
A hygienist should be available to work a varied schedule, both full and part time as well as evenings and sometimes weekends. Some hygienists may work for more than one dentist on a part-time basis to fulfil their schedule. One of the advantages of being a dental hygienist is the ability to work a varied schedule according to your lifestyle.
Salary
Average annual salary for a dental hygienist in Cincinnati, Ohio is approximately $63,410. This is one of the fastest growing occupations in the U.S. with a proposed growth of over 30% in the next 10 years.
Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database.
Education
A dental hygienist must possess an associate degree as well as successfully passing a license exam to practice. In some states you must also pass a clinical exam to receive your license. This education is normally performed in a two year program at many community colleges, dental schools and universities and includes lab, clinical as well as hands on classroom instruction. Before you choose your schooling be sure the program is accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation.