What Is the Wage of a Dental Hygienist?
Dental hygienists work for dentists in a variety of settings. The dental hygienists' job duties include cleaning and examining the patient's teeth and providing patients with information and tips about oral healthcare. Dental hygienists must be licensed to practice in an established dental office or clinic. The wage of a dental hygienist will vary based on how many years experience she has and location of the job.
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Job Description
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When visiting the dentist for a routine exam and cleaning, the dental hygienist sees the patient first. The hygienist may take X-rays of the patient's oral cavity to begin the exam. She then begins the routine cleaning portion of the exam, which includes brushing and flossing. The dental hygienist may perform a gum examination to check for gum disease or gingivitis. Once this is complete, the dentist can finish the full examination. The hygienist and the dentist talk about the patient and any changes that have occurred since the last visit.
Work Environment
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Dental hygienists work in very clean, well-lit, comfortable offices or clinics. Because they work closely with people and bodily fluids, they are expected to wash their hands often and wear protective gloves and facemasks when working on a patient. Dental hygienists generally wear a work uniform, or scrubs, approved by the dentist.
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Education
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Dental hygienists can become licensed through an approved dental hygiene program. These programs are usually available through business colleges and junior colleges. However, some traditional universities offer hygiene programs with an associate's or bachelor's degree. Students in a dental hygiene program will experience a mix of classroom, laboratory and clinical courses. Classes include courses in biology and chemistry.
Certification
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Upon completion of a dental hygiene program, a licensure examination should be taken. This exam is administered by an American Dental Association, ADA, commissioned group for national dental examinations. The test is composed of a written and a clinical portion. Both of these need to be passed to obtain a license.
Wages
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In the United States, the average hourly wage of a dental hygienist is $30 per hour. This corresponds to earning around $67,000 yearly. Geographically, dental hygienists in Alaska earn the highest wages, at around $46 per hour. Followed behind Alaska are states on the West Coast: Washington, California, Oregon and Nevada. The state of Michigan employs the most dental hygienists compared to any other state.
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References
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