What It Takes to Become a Dental Hygienist
If you’re interested in a challenging and rewarding career, consider becoming a dental hygienist. This profession offers many growth opportunities and allows you to help people maintain their oral health. This blog post will discuss what it takes to become a dental hygienist and what you can expect from this career.
What Dental Hygienists Do
So, what does a dental hygienist actually do? Dental hygienists are responsible for taking x-rays, cleaning teeth, and enlightening patients on proper oral hygiene. They also work closely with dentists to develop treatment plans for patients. In addition, dental hygienists may also be responsible for scheduling appointments and ordering supplies.
Dental hygienists typically work in a dental office but may also work in a hospital or other healthcare facility. They usually work full-time, but some may work part-time or on a per-diem basis. Dental hygienists’ work hours can vary depending on their place of employment.
The Necessary Qualifications
To be a dental hygienist, you must get an accredited degree from a dental hygiene program. These programs typically last two to three years and are offered at community colleges, technical schools, and universities. To be accepted into a dental hygiene program, you must have completed specific prerequisite courses, such as biology and chemistry.
Upon completing a dental hygiene program, you will need to pass a national board examination to become licensed. Once licensed, you must complete continuing education credits regularly to maintain your license.
In addition to the necessary educational requirements, certain personal qualities will help you succeed as a dental hygienist. These include good communication skills, manual dexterity, and the ability to work well under pressure.
Getting Started in the Field of Dental Hygiene
A dental hygiene career starts with completing an accredited dental hygiene program. There are currently more than 300 programs in the United States that the Commission accredits on Dental Accreditation. Once you have completed a dental hygiene program, you will need to pass a written and clinical examination to become licensed in your state.
Most states require dental hygienists to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licenses. The National Board of Dental Hygiene Examiners offers a voluntary national examination that dental hygienists can take to become certified.
The Average Salary for Dental Hygienists
Most people would like to know how much they can earn in their chosen profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for dental hygienists across the United States is $67,860 per year. However, salaries will vary based on experience, education, and location. Some states have a higher demand for dental hygienists and, as a result, offer higher salaries. For example, the average salary in California is $79,140 per year.
So, if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career, dental hygiene may be the perfect choice for you. It takes hard work and dedication to become a dental hygienist, but it’s well worth it in the end. We hope this article has helped to give you a better understanding of what the job entails and what you need to do to pursue a career in this field.