The Advantages of Being a Dental Hygienist
If you enjoy helping people, possess manual dexterity and can work as part of a team to improve patients' health, then you may find satisfaction in a career as a dental hygienist. You will work in a professional setting while earning a rewarding income. The position is demanding and requires a large degree of patience and the ability to meet stringent educational and professional requirements, but the advantages can be significant.
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Considerations
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When thinking about becoming a dental hygienist, consider whether you would enjoy helping people maintain their oral health. If so, this career can give you the the satisfaction that comes from providing care that helps your patients avoid contracting painful teeth and gum conditions. You will also be an educator, as you instruct patients as to how to perform proper oral hygiene technique they can do at home.
Time Frame
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Becoming a dental hygienist generally requires that you obtain an associate degree and become licensed by the state in which you wish to practice. This differs from some other medical careers that require a minimum of a bachelor's degree plus additional training. As a result, you could be earning a full-time income in as little as two years after completing high school, saving you both the time and expense of additional education.
Potential
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As a dental hygienist, you will have the potential to earn an attractive income. The median wage of dental hygienists in 2006 was $30.19 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau also indicates that 86 percent of hygienists receive some form of medical insurance benefits. Career advancement is also available if you wish to continue your education.
Significance
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Once you become a dental hygienist, your will be recognized as a professional and will possess skills that are in high demand. As a result, you will gain the respect and prestige that comes with being a member of a health care team. Once you are licensed, you will be able to list the professional designation "R.D.H." after your name, which means you will be recognized as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
Benefits
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If you become a dental hygienist, you can expect to find employment relatively easily. According to the BLS, the demand for dental hygienists will increase by 30 percent through the year 2016, which is much faster than average compared to other occupations. The main benefit of this advantage is that you will have a measure of job security that is not always afforded to professionals in other careers. This may also provide you with some choices as to where you work, as well as the flexibility of your work hours.
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