Dental Nurse Job Description
Dental nurses, or dental hygienists, are licensed health care providers who focus on the prevention and treatment of various oral-related conditions. According to the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), dental hygienists are required to obtain a license in order to practice in the United States. Once licensed, dental hygienists are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, private dental practices, nursing homes and public health clinics.
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Function
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Dental hygienists work alongside dentists and orthodontists to provide dental care to patients. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the primary role of a dental hygienist is to examine a patient's teeth and gums. This examination will include removing plaque and tartar deposits, taking x-rays and cleaning the teeth. Dental hygienists will also work with patients to help improve at-home dental care to prevent future cavities and to ensure overall oral health. Dental hygienists assist dentists during serious procedures such as filling cavities or performing root canals.
Requirements
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According to the ADHA, dental hygienists are required to earn a degree from an accredited dental hygiene school and must be licensed in the state where they will be employed. Entrance requirements vary for different dental hygiene programs, but most require a high school diploma and certain minimum scores on college entrance exams. After completion of a dental hygiene program, graduates must successfully pass a written and clinical test to earn a dental hygiene license. The BLS advises that the licensing examination be administered by the American Dental Association's Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, which is accepted throughout the United States.
Salary
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According to an October 2009 report by Payscale.com, entry-level dental hygienists earn $35,000 to $52,000 each year, and the expected salary increases to $41,000 to $60,000 with 5 years of experience. Dental hygienists who work for nonprofit organizations earn more than those who are employed by other types of companies, says Payscale.com. Also of note, dental hygienists employed in the state of Virginia earn the highest salary compared to other locations in the United States.
Considerations
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Due to the medical nature of dentistry, dental hygienists must be willing to adhere to strict sanitary and safety guidelines, reports the BLS. Proper radiological and anesthesia procedures must be followed to ensure the safety of both the hygienist and patient. In addition, dental hygienists must be able to work with a variety of dental tools and remain knowledgeable of new technology in the field.
Future
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The BLS estimates that dental hygienist positions will increase by 30 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is much faster than the national average. The BLS attributes this growth to the increasing demand for dental care in the United States along with more citizens taking a preventative approach to dental health.
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