Importance of Being a Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists work closely with dentists in providing quality dental care to patients. While their duties vary, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), some common responsibilities include screening, x-rays, plaque and other deposit removal, teeth cleaning and sealant application, education of patients about proper dental care and nutrition, teeth casts, and some documentation and office managerial duties. Dental hygienist is a great career direction for many individuals.
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Benefit Society
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Studies have indicated a strong connection between dental health and overall health. Gum disease bacteria can travel to other parts of the body and result in other health problems, reports the health and wellness products company Oxyfresh. Other research indicates may be a link between poor dental health and heart disease or increased risk of stroke. Being a dental hygienist can be a gratifying job in knowing you are playing a part in maintaining the health of patients and ensuring that they have a lasting smile. Dental hygienists can feel a sense of pride and satisfaction in having chosen a good way to make a living and help others.
Gain Respect
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Because of the education and strict training regimen that dental hygienists must complete, they are highly regarded as a valued member of the dental team, according to the ADA. Dental hygienists must acquire at least an associate degree from a community college, attend a dental school, or obtain a bachelor's or master's degree from a university. Education must be completed from a school with an accredited dental hygiene program. National, state and local exams must be taken to receive licensure to practice.
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Flexibility
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A career as a dental hygienist can offer some flexibility. Jobs are available for full or part-time, as well as night and weekend hours. If flexible hours are important for your lifestyle, a career as a dental hygienist may be a good fit. More than half of all dental hygienists work part-time hours, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are also options for working in private dental offices, educational institutions, research labs and dental corporations.
Demand
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There is currently a need for more dental hygienists across the nation and the career is expected to enjoy stability in the future as well, states the ADA. Considered one of the fastest-growing occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job is expected to experience growth of 30 percent through 2016. More and more dentists are stressing the importance of preventive dental care. Dental hygienists are a key element to achieving public awareness of the issue.
Stability
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As a result of advising more Americans to practice proper dental health and visit the dentist regularly, dental offices are enjoying an increase of patients. An increase in the U.S. population and in the elderly maintaining their natural teeth for a longer period of time also results in a greater need for dental care and for dental hygienists. More hygienists will need to be hired to accommodate the increase in patients, and they also will enjoy more responsibilities that were once performed by dentists, states the Bureau of Labor Statistic.
Pay
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The salary for a dental hygienist depends largely upon the duties she performs, the geographical area of the U.S. in which she is licensed to practice, and the type of dental practice (general, specialty or research). In general, the pay is good. The average dental hygienist in May 2006 earned $24.63 to $35.67 per hour. Some earned as much as $41.60 an hour.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Herry Lawford
