If you have excellent hand eye coordination and an eye for the smallest of details, then you may find yourself thriving as a dental hygienist.
Dental hygienists provide essential dental health services to dental patients. Typically, their work consists of preventative care, patient education, and tracking treatment plans. To become a dental hygienists will generally need an associates degree in dental hygiene that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
I wanted a career where I helped people. Dental hygiene allows me to do that many times over. The field of dentistry has changed so much over the past 30 years, and we know so much more than we used to about the mouth/body connection. Not only do we help people with their oral health needs, educate them on how to care for their mouths, but we also know how the oral cavity and its toxins link to other diseases such as heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
| ID | Job Title | Gender | Age | Earnings | City & State | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33270 | Dental Hygienist | Female | 23 | $48,000 | Matthews, NC | 01/01/2010 |
| 33252 | Dental Hygienist | Female | 55 | $45,000 | KAPOLEI, NY | 01/01/2010 |
| 32788 | Dental Hygienist | Female | 51 | $37,000 | smithtown, NY | 01/01/2010 |
Dental hygienists provide essential dental health services to patients. Although their responsibilities vary by state, most of their work consists of preventative care, patient education, and tracking treatment plans. Their typical duties and responsibilities include:
A humans first tooth will appear when they are around six months of age, from this point, it is critical that every single one of their teeth are looked after correctly. In American alone, more than 1 in 4 adults have untreated tooth decay. Dental hygienists play a critical role in preventing decay, disease and tooth loss. They educate us on correct dental hygiene and ensure that those hard-to-reach areas are cleaned.
Hygienists are also excellent at removing stains from teeth. This plays a huge role in our confidence and self-esteem.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth in employment is expected because the demand for dental services is expected to increase as the population ages. In particular, more and more people are keeping their original teeth – creating a huge drive in demand for dental care.
Furthermore, studies linking oral health and general health will drive efforts to expand oral hygiene services, further creating a demand for hygienists.
Typically, dental hygienists will need an associates degree in dental hygiene. These can be completed at community colleges, technical schools and universities and ideally they should be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. They typically take three years to complete and offer laboratory, clinical and classroom instruction. Aspiring hygienists will learn about anatomy, medical ethics and periodontics (gum diseases). Entry into these dental hygiene programs is often competitive, with the number of applicants to accredited dental hygiene programs exceeding the number of students accepted.
On occasion, dental hygienists may achieve a bachelor’s degree. They are not a necessity, but are usually required for research, teaching or clinical practice in public or school health programs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for dental hygienists was $76,220 in 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $53,130 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $103,340.
The top paying industry was the office of dentists, where the median annual salary was $76,510. This is followed by offices of physicians ($72,690) and then the government ($60,390).
The level of autonomy a dental hygienist is likely to be reasonably high as they have control over how they treat patients. However, their decisions may be slightly dictated by the dentist, and by the patient. This autonomy will also increase as dental hygienists gain more experience and knowledge. Flexibility is likely to be slightly higher, as dental hygienists can often decide between full time and part time hours, giving them some control over their schedule.
According to Zippia, the best states to be a dental hygienist, based on salary and total number of jobs available, were:
The worst states for dental assistants are Georgia, Vermont, Maine, Illinois and North Carolina.
93% of dental hygienists in the United States were employed by offices of dentists. 1% were employed by offices of physicians and 1% by the government.
Dental hygienists will wear gear to protect them from infectious diseases and radiation, if taking x rays. Often, dental hygienists will wear safety glasses, surgical masks and gloves to protect themselves.
Which personalities tend to succeed and thrive in Dental Hygienist careers? Based on our research, there is a relatively strong positive correlation between the following personality types and Dental Hygienist career satisfaction. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t many exceptions, of course, but if you fit into one of the following personality types then we suggest you give strong consideration to a career in Dental Hygienist.
There is little empirical exploration as to the personality types of successful dental hygienists. However, it is likely that successful dental hygienists will be an ISFJ personality type. These types of people are gentle, compassionate and supportive, which are key qualities of a dental hygienist! They will also thrive in the methodological and harmonious work environment often found in dental practices.
To become a dental hygienist there are training and qualification requirements. Therefore, after completing these and landing their first job, dental hygienists are likely to feel a huge sense of accomplishment and mastery! Furthermore, throughout their career they will continue to feel this sense of accomplishment and mastery each time they help a patient to look after their teeth. e
As mentioned previously, many people worldwide need dental treatment. Dental hygienists play a huge role in looking after our teeth and improving the quality and outlook of many peoples lives.
In general, dentists tend to hire hygienists a few days a week. As a result, many dental hygienists work part time or they may work for a number of different dentists. This means the career can offer a great life fit.
Firstly, in order to thrive you will need a genuine excitement and interest in a career in the dental field. You will also need a genuine interest in caring for others. Thriving dental hygienists will also have the ability to work well under pressure and handle emergencies. Finally, thriving dental hygienists are the types of people who can work well in teams with other hygienists, dentists and dental assistants.
Individuals are likely to struggle if they aren’t physically fit enough to meet the requirements of leaning over patients all day. Those who prefer to work alone, rather than as part of a team, may struggle with the teamwork and communication aspect of dentistry. Finally, those who cannot remain calm in unforeseen circumstances will struggle with the demands of a career in dentistry.
Dental hygienists will need skills and talents such as:
In general, dental hygienists will need an associates degree in dental hygiene. These can be completed at community colleges, technical schools and universities and ideally they should be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. If dental hygienists want to go into research, teaching or clinical practice in public or school health programs, then they may need a bachelors degree.
Every state requires dental hygienists to be licensed. Requirements vary slightly by state, but in most states, an associates degree from an accredited dental hygiene program and passing written and clinical examinations are required for licensure. To maintain licensure, hygienists must complete continuing education requirements. For specific requirements, contact your state’s Board of Dental Examiners.
Dental hygienists provide essential dental health services to dental patients. Although their responsibilities vary by state, most of their work consists of preventative care, patient education, and tracking treatment plans.
They have a lot of job opportunities available, as the growing population is set to create a demand for dental services over the coming years.
High school students who are interested in a career as a dental hygienists should take courses in anatomy, biology, and chemistry. Getting accepted onto a dental program can be quite competitive and, therefore, dental hygienists should aim to have as many extra curricular activities as possible.
Dental hygienists will need an associates degree in dental hygiene that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. If hygienists want to go into research, teaching or clinical practice in public or school health programs, then they may need a bachelors degree.
In many states, hygienists must complete continuing education in order to maintain their licensure. Therefore, hygienists will continue to develop their skills throughout their dental career.
Have a question about Dental Hygienist careers? If so, our mentors would love to help! Just click on a mentor’s profile below and then fill out the “Ask a Question” form on that page. Your question will then be emailed to the mentor, who can then email you a reply.
| ID | Job Title | Gender | Age | Earnings | City & State | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33270 | Dental Hygienist | Female | 23 | $48,000 | Matthews, NC | 01/01/2010 |
| 33252 | Dental Hygienist | Female | 55 | $45,000 | KAPOLEI, NY | 01/01/2010 |
| 32788 | Dental Hygienist | Female | 51 | $37,000 | smithtown, NY | 01/01/2010 |
