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Los Angeles Dental Hygienist Schools

The list of Los Angeles dental hygienist schools below offers several training options for Los Angeles and southern California dental hygiene students to take part in the rewarding field of dentistry.

The dental hygienist is often the first person a patient sees during their dental visit. Dental hygienists are the professionals who clean and take x-rays of teeth, and instruct patients on proper dental hygiene. After their check-up, the dental hygienist communicates any issues to the supervising dentist, who may do their own exam.

Many times if problems are found, the dentist will develop a treatment plan and schedules subsequent visits.

Dental Hygienist Salaries in Los Angeles

Dental hygienists in Los Angeles are relatively well paid. The average dental hygienist salary in California is around $93,000 a year, with those in Los Angeles earning on the higher end of the scale due to high urban demand. Experience and further education can increase dental hygienist salaries even more.

Educational Requirements

Intensive study in dental care is required to function as a dental hygienist. This training is provided in vocational schools, community colleges and other dental hygienist schools in Los Angeles and southern California. A two-year associate degree is mandatory for people interested in dental hygiene. The school must be fully accredited by the American Dental Association. Also, the graduate of the program must test to obtain a California state license. Both criteria must be satisfied before obtaining employment.

Job Outlook

The next ten years look exciting in the dental hygiene field. The growing numbers of retirees is increasing dental patients all over the country. More dental hygienists will be needed in Los Angeles and around the country to meet the demand. The national average growth for dental hygienist jobs is well over 30% which is higher than most professions.

Roles and Responsibilities

Each career has its own duties that are specific to the industry. Dental care is no different. Patients expect professional, high quality service from their dental care providers. Prompt service and respectful treatment is a must. Patients have many options, and the dental hygienist and dentist must make sure the patient wants to come back.

Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database.

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