Dental Hygienist Information
Dental hygienists work with dentists to perform oral cleaning procedures and educate patients about oral health. Dental hygienists must complete an extensive education and training program at an accredited school, and pass a written and clinical examination in order to become licensed. Aspiring dental hygienists may pursue an associate's degree in the field from a community college, or a four-year degree from a college or university.
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Job Duties
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Specific job duties and requirements are regulated by the state in which the dental hygienist practices in, and also outlined by the dental practice or clinic that the dental hygienist is working with. General job duties include: taking and developing x-rays, collecting information about the patient's oral health history, removing plaque, tartar and stains from the teeth, performing basic examinations with the dentist, and educating patients about good oral hygiene.
Some states permit the dental hygienist to administer anesthesia, place and remove filling materials, prepare laboratory diagnostic tests on behalf of the dentist, and work with metal restorations.
Education Requirements
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Admissions requirements for dental hygienists vary by school, but most schools require the student to hold a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years of age, and to have maintained a 'C' average throughout high school. Some training programs require students to have completed one or two years of college before applying to the dental hygiene program.
According to the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), students must complete an average of 86 credit hours for an associate degree in this field, and 122 credit hours for a baccalaureate degree. The ADHA also reports that the majority of programs are semester-based, and approximately 40% of these programs include a summer study component.
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Licensure
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All states require a dental hygienist to be licensed before they are permitted to practice. The dental professional must pass the exam given by The American Dental Association Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (a written exam), as well as a regional or state clinical exam. After successfully passing both of these exams, the student is awarded the designation of a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).
Career Outlook
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienist jobs are among the fastest growing occupations in the United States as of 2008 and 2009. Dental hygienists are expected to enjoy a favorable employment outlook, and jobs for dental hygienists are expected to grow 30 percent through 2016.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that median hourly earnings for dental hygienists were $30.19 in 2006. More than 80 percent of hygienists working on a full-time basis also received hospital and medical benefits.
Considerations
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Dental hygienists who complete an associate degree program at an accredited technical college or trade school are typically able to assume positions in a private dental office or a group dental clinic. Dental hygienists who complete a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or pursue advanced education may be able to assume positions in a dental research center, health care facility or clinical practice that works with the government or school health programs.
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