Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienists work with dentists on many levels, not only ensuring that the patient’s teeth repaired, but that they remain as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Dental hygienists teach patients how to care for their teeth, including cleaning teeth and gums and applying cavity-preventatives. In some states they are permitted to do simpler dental procedures normally reserved for the dentist, such as the application of temporary fillings and dressings.

The most important quality or trait that the prospective dental hygienist must have is manual dexterity. Even the slightest errors made, while working in a patient's mouth, could have a lifelong negative impact on the patient’s quality of life. Dental hygienists also need first-rate communication skills and the ability to work well as part of a team.

Education and Credentials Required
Dental hygienists must be licensed in order to be able to practice. They have to have either a 2-year or a 4-year degree from an accredited dental hygiene school, as well as pass written and clinical examinations.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation accredits about 265 programs in the US, most of which award an associates degree, which is the minimum requirement for the position.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for dental hygienists are expected to rise much more quickly than average. Dental hygienists are performing more and more of the tasks typically performed by dentists, as part of the general industry-wide drive to keep costs down. Given a general increase in demand for dental care, this makes the dental hygienist on of the fastest growing careers, and opportunities will abound.

Salary Range
The median hourly wage, as of 2002, for dental hygienists was $26.59, with the highest earning ten percent making more than $39.24. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income.