Train To Be A Dental Hygienist – Dental hygienists provide care under the supervision of a dentist and are an essential part of any dental practice. They work with dentists to look for signs of tooth damage or decay and educate patients on how to maintain healthy mouths and teeth.
Dental hygienists are licensed dental professionals. In the United States, hygienists are registered with the Dental Association. They are not licensed to perform all dental-related tasks, as there are only specific scopes or procedures within which they can provide care. Often, dental hygienists examine patients in the presence of dentists and perform tasks such as taking radiographs, applying sealants, administering fluoride, and other periodontal maintenance procedures. There are licensed hygienists who can use local anesthesia for specific dental needs, but administrative rules vary by state.
Train To Be A Dental Hygienist
Like most careers in the medical field, dental hygienists must complete school, pass a board exam, and become licensed by a dental board.
Dental Hygienist Vs. Registered Nurse (rn) Career
Dental hygienists typically attend college, technical college, or university, earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, and then take a licensing exam. In addition to a degree, states require a dental hygienist license, but those requirements vary by state.
You can find dental hygiene programs offered at many community colleges and technical schools. Larger universities also tend to offer these credentials. Many people choose to save money by studying at a three-year community college. These dental classes include laboratory, clinical, and classroom training environments. Focuses may include pathology, medical ethics, and periodontology.
Every state in the United States requires dental hygienist certification. However, these licenses vary from state to state, so you should be familiar with the laws of the state in which you plan to practice. Typically, hygienists must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and pass a board exam. There are continuing education requirements from a licensure perspective specific to the state in which you work.
Dental hygienist certification is necessary because it is a way to protect the public from people who are not qualified to perform certain procedures or practices. Dental hygienists must be trained according to the requirements of the specific state in which they work. Even if you have earned a degree and passed the National Dental Hygienist Examination and Board Examination, you may be denied a license. Reasons for denial may include a felony or prior conviction. States typically conduct background checks on each applicant and consider serious violations.
Dental Hygienist Schools In New York City, Ny
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a dental hygienist in the United States in 2020 was $77,090 per year, or $37.06 per hour. Depending on where you live, these numbers fluctuate significantly. Areas with a lower cost of living typically also have lower wages. Also, where you work is important. The BLS also reports that dental hygienists working in dental offices earn the most, with those working for the government earning $65,080. Most full-time hygienist jobs come with benefits such as vacation, PTO, and 401(k).
Projected job growth for dental hygienists is expected to exceed 6% over the next decade. This is faster than average for most occupations, making it a safe career regardless of economic ups and downs. The demand for dental services has continued to grow over the past few decades, and as people live longer, the need for oral health care has never been greater.
Dental hygienists and dental assistants both perform support roles in dental offices, but their duties are different. One major difference is the amount of training required, including specific licenses and credentials, and the tasks and procedures they can perform on patients.
Unlike dental hygienists, dental assistants do not require an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Instead, they often complete a one- to two-year program at a community college or technical school. With an average annual salary of $35,390, dental assistants earn significantly less than hygienists. Many dental assistants often choose to continue their education and obtain a degree in dental hygiene to become dental hygienists. More responsibility and higher pay.
How Can Becoming A Dental Assistant Help Me To Become A Dental Hygienist?
Hygienists perform some of the same duties as assistants, but their work is more skilled and they are certified to perform more invasive procedures. Depending on your condition, some may offer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide, shine restoration, and temporary fillings. Many places offer laboratory diagnostic testing to other health care professionals.
Dental hygienists can work in a variety of facilities. Although there are jobs available in nursing homes, schools, clinics, government facilities, and prisons, many people tend to work in private dental practices.
This job offers flexible working hours, making it ideal for those with children or continuing their education. Some work part time, while others work full time with benefits.
Becoming a dental hygienist is a great career for many people. There are many different pathways into hygiene and it is a high-demand career with job growth expected. This is a job that offers some flexibility in schedule and pay. From clinical settings to prisons, dental hygienists can have a positive impact on their communities by providing oral care.
Dental Hygienist Resume Samples (guide & 20+ Examples)
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