Most dental hygienist schools in Louisiana expect a high school diploma or GED with at least a “C” average as a minimum requirement for enrollment. Counselors look for courses in biology, chemistry, math and English. These programs help students prepare for positions as dental hygienists in Louisiana, with associate’s degree, certificate and advanced degree programs available.
See what Louisiana dental hygienist schools are available near you.
About Dental Hygienist Careers in Louisiana
A dental hygienist is a health professional who has met the requirements of an accredited training program and successfully passed any written, oral or practical examination necessary for state licensure.
Dentists, themselves, do pretty much the same thing they always have, which is correct problems. Recent innovations in equipment and procedures have considerably lessened the pain their clients experience, but what they do will never top anyone’s list of favorite activities. The dental hygienist, on the other hand, has the sole mission of doing whatever necessary to prevent the client from ever needing the services of a dentist. This is accomplished through a combination of cleaning techniques and patient education on the proper methods to use at home. A client who consistently receives proper cleaning from an experienced dental hygienist and follows through on recommended daily care at home can realistically expect to need only semi-annual check-ups and cleaning.
Rewards of Being a Dental Hygienist
Why would you want to choose to become a dental hygienist? It will allow you to work as a skilled professional in a well respected, rewarding field.
Everyone is aware of the fragile state of the current economy. Fortunately, the occupation of dental hygienist is one of the lucky few that is actually predicted to grow. In fact, current projections are expecting an increase of over 30% through at least 2018.
The average median salary for a dental hygienist in the state of Louisiana, based on findings from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is approximately $61,530 per year. The actual wage will vary with each individual, depending upon their level of education, how much experience they have and how long they have been employed at a particular location.
Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database.