Dental Hygienist Job Description
Overview
A dental hygienist works with dentists to ensure the oral health of their patients. A dental hygienist has responsibilities that include health and cancer screenings, cleaning teeth, performing preventative treatments on teeth, teaching about oral hygiene and good nutrition, making teeth impressions, and dental charting.
Steps to take to start your career as a Dental Hygienist and other jobs like it
- Enroll in an accredited dental hygiene program, typically leading to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Some programs offer bachelor's or even master's degrees, which can enhance job prospects and advancement opportunities. During your program, you’ll complete hands-on clinical training, learning to perform tasks such as cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, and educating patients about oral hygiene.
- Study for and take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), which tests your knowledge in areas such as clinical dental hygiene, dental radiography, and patient management. A passing score on the NBDHE is required for licensure. In addition to the written national exam, you must pass a clinical licensing exam. This typically involves demonstrating your skills in a live patient or simulated environment. Clinical exam requirements can vary by state, so make sure to review the specific requirements for the state where you intend to practice.
- Apply for licensure in the state where you plan to work. This process generally includes submitting proof of education and exam results, as well as any additional documentation required by the state dental board. Be prepared to pay application fees and meet any additional state-specific requirements, which may include background checks or additional exams.
- You’re now ready to start work as a dental hygienist. Dental practices come in different sizes so find one that has a size, culture, work schedule and pay that appeals most to you. Also, most states require dental hygienists to complete continuing education courses to renew their licenses so you’ll need to stay on top of this as well through your career.
Why I Chose a Dental Hygienist Career
I picked this job because I like the idea of being in healthcare and helping people have healthy smiles. I like that it's flexible.I don't have to work full-time. I can choose to work part-time and temp when I want to.
Job Requirements
The job requires an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree. I received a bachelor's degree at my school in science and dental hygiene.
Average Day
In the dental world, four days a week is considered full-time, so 32 hours. For me, an average day is from eight to five and this varies office to office, on timing. I usually see eight patients a day, one an hour, and within that time I see the patient for a dental cleaning, an exam with the doctor, and if x-ray if necessary. There's usually time to clean up your room and then write chart notes and sterilize your instruments between patients.
Dental Hygienist Career Pros
Some of the pros are that it's a flexible job. I really enjoy the relationships that I have with the patient. I enjoy getting to know them and kind of like catching up with them every six months or so when however often I see them. The pay is also pretty good.
Challenges of Dental Hygienist Career
It’s hard on the body. You don't usually get a 401k or medical insurance if you're not full-time. Some of them even don't even offer those benefits even if you are full-time. The days can feel a little bit long and stressful if you're not staying on time.
Tips Before Coming a Hygienist
I would suggest shadowing a hygienist or going into a dental office and just seeing that it's something you're comfortable with, like that you're comfortable with blood or just saliva or just in dealing with all different types of patients.
What I Wish I Knew Before Starting
I wish I knew that it was more physically demanding on the body and that I would need more regular care with my body like chiropractic care or going to get massages. Taking time off with short notice is really difficult. I also feel very bad if I call in sick because that's a lot of people that are relying on you to be there to see them for their cleaning and it's not always easy to reschedule patients.
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Education you need to become a Dental Hygienist
These are the most common degrees or certificates earned by Jobtrees users prior to becoming a Dental Hygienist
There may be other required degrees or certifications needed for this job. The below info shows you the most commonly desired education level from employers when hiring for this job.
- Bachelor Degree in Dental Hygiene
- Bachelor of Science (b.sc.) in Dental Hygiene
- Associate Degree in Science
- Associate Degree in General Studies
- Bachelor Degree in Applied Science
Annual Pay Estimate for Dental Hygienist and Other Important Info
See how many years Dental Hygienist's are in their job, how much they make, how long it took to get there and how available this job is in terms of open positions.
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Career Paths for Dental Hygienist
Find data driven insights on the path to get to this role and where it can lead
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