About Dental Hygienist Jobs
Dental Hygienists are professionals that work for a dentist. Dental hygienists work in the area of oral hygiene and preventative oral health. Typically dental hygienists will clean a patents teeth. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene. Taking and developing x-rays is another important part of being a dental hygienist. Some dental hygienists also do root planning and dental sealants. Since dental hygienists are a vital part of person’s oral health they must have extensive training and carry a license from the state in which they reside. To do their job properly they must have very agile fingers. As well as knowing how to properly take care of someone’s teeth, dental hygienist must also have a good bedside manner. People are often scared and intimidated to go to a dentist’s office. Dental hygienists need to be able to make their patients feel calm and relaxed.
Salary
Dental hygienists can expect to make between twenty and thirty thousand dollars the first few years of being a dental hygienist. More experienced dental hygienist can earn closer to forty thousand dollars a year. The overall average annual wage for dental hygienists in Colorado is $74,820.
Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database.
Schooling
To become a dental hygienists someone needs to go to school between two and four years. How long a dental hygienists needs to go to school depends on where they want to work. People who want to work in private dental offices usually get an associate’s degree which usually takes two years. Dental hygienists who want teaching or administrative careers will want to get a bachelors degree. Dental hygienists who want to even further their career possibilities should obtain a Masters degree. People who have busy schedules and want to become dental hygienist should consider choosing a school that offers flexible class schedules.