Connecticut dental hygienist professionals usually undergo a two-year associate’s degree program at one of the dental hygienist schools in Connecticut. After completion of the associate degree, the dental hygienist must also test for a license. These steps are necessary to obtain a position as a dental hygienist in Connecticut. Advancement depends on experience and higher education.
Browse the list of Connecticut dental hygienist schools below to see what programs are near you.
About Dental Hygienist Careers in Connecticut
The loss of teeth significantly affects our ability to enjoy food. Much of tooth loss is preventable. Visits every six months for a dental cleaning is very necessary. Dental hygienist usually perform these cleanings. They are trained to polish and clean plaque and calcified deposits from the teeth. They accomplish this using a variety of tools.
Also, dental hygienists apply preventative substances to the teeth. For example, fluoride and tooth sealants provide added protection from decay.
Dental hygienists also give dental care lessons. Effective brushing and flossing significantly limits tooth decay; more serious problems can almost always be avoided. Some states license dental hygienists to perform more complex tasks. Administering anesthetic by injection is only allowed by certain states. States have the complete authority to mandate the services rendered by the dental hygienists in the state.
Dental Hygienist’s Salaries in Connecticut
The dental hygienist can earn substantial salaries. A competitive salary of $85,700 per year is the average for Connecticut dental hygienists. Although the range does vary between states, surveys show that the middle 50 percent of dental hygienists make over $55,000. Salaries can even exceed $90,000.
Job Outlook
Jobs are plentiful in this profession. The future indeed looks bright. More patients will need dental care, and dental offices will require more dental hygienists to fill this demand. Older dentists are retiring; new dentists tend to use dental hygienist more than their predecessors.
Roles and Responsibilities
A dental hygienist must adhere to a excellent standard of healthcare. Accuracy and proper procedure are necessary for success. Injury can occur; thus, the correct procedures must be used every time. Dentists expect high quality of service from the team members in their office.
Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database.