Your trip to the dentist will include a visit with the hygienist.
Dental hygienists, also known as dental assistants, are health care professionals who assist dentists in providing oral care. Hygienists examine and clean teeth and gums and look for signs of disease or abnormalities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for dental hygienists in the United States was $66,570 as of May 2008.
Basic Education
To become a dental hygienist in a private dental office you will need a two-year degree from a dental hygienist school that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. To prepare for school, high school courses in biology, chemistry and math are required. Some hygienist schools may also require at least one year of college to gain admission. If you would prefer to work in a laboratory setting, a public school system or in a teaching capacity, a bachelor's or master's degree in dental hygiene is usually required.
On-the-Job Training
It is possible, although much more difficult, to obtain a dental hygienist position without attending a dental hygienist school if state law permits. Someone with previous medical or dental experience and who completes the necessary licensing requirements may work under the close supervision of a dentist or experienced hygienist for an extended period of time before working alone with patients. The hiring dentist may require that they hygienist complete additional schooling as part of the hiring agreement.
Licensing
All dental hygienists are required to be licensed. The American Dental Association (ADA) is responsible for administering a written test to dental hygienist candidates. A clinical examination of the hygienist in a work environment is also required, which is administered at the state level. Individual states may require that prospective dental hygienists complete additional testing on the legal aspects that involve the dental hygienist position, such as ethics and patient confidentiality.
Personal Qualities
Dental hygienists must possess strong communication skills, as they need to instruct patients on practice oral hygiene procedures at home. They also need the patience to work with people who may be uncomfortable or fearful about visiting the dentist. Manual dexterity is also necessary to navigate small, tight areas inside the patient's mouth with sharp instruments. Hygienists need to be able to work as part of a team with other health care professionals.
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