CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Dental hygienists perform basic dental care tasks and examine patients for oral diseases.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$74,070
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
5,845
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Dental Hygienist Job Description
A career in dental hygiene is a great way to help others while working in a growing healthcare field. Dental hygienists enjoy the benefits of a positive work environment, flexible schedule and great salary.
There are a variety of settings where dental hygienists can work. There are the typical clinical settings such as private dental practices, hospitals and nursing homes and then more unique settings such as prisons, government facilities and Indian reservations. It’s exciting to choose an area that meets your interests.
Dental Hygienist Job Responsibilities
Dental hygienists may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Clean and polish patient’s teeth
- Examine patients for oral disease
- Apply preventative treatments such as sealants and fluoride
- Take and process dental x-rays
- Patient education
- Document findings of oral assessment and report information to the dentist
- Make impressions of patient’s teeth
Dental Hygienist Salary
The actual salary of the dental hygienist can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $74,070*
National average per hour: $35.61*
- $78,312 per year, $37.65 per hour**
- $69,930 per year, $33.62 per hour***
- $62,850 to $83,357 per year****
- $69,404 per year, $33.37 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Dental Hygienist Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a dental hygienist? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Growing job field
- Job security
- Great work environment
- Flexible working hours
- Great pay
- Typically do not have to work at night or on weekends and holidays
- Opportunities for career growth
Cons
- Working with bodily fluids
- Daily job can be busy and stressful
- Risk of exposure to infection and diseases
- Daily work can be repetitive
- May have to work with difficult patients
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Dental Hygienist?
If you are considering a career as a dental hygienist, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED.
- Earn an associate’s degree in dental hygiene from a program that has been approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination to become licensed.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the dental hygienists is in the middle of the medical career pathway and can be preceded by entry-level or other careers. A sample career path could look like this:
Dental Assistant > Dental Hygienist > Dentist
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Associate’s degree in dental hygiene
- CPR/BLS certification
Typical Work Experience Required
Experience typically gained through training programs.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by job and location.
- Passion for dentistry and helping patients
- Superior knowledge of overall dentistry
- Ability to work in fast paced, patient-focused environment
- Excellent organizational skills
- Detail-oriented
- Caring and compassionate
- Enthusiastic and positive
- Team player
Dental Hygienist Certifications
CPR/BLS certification is typically required in all states and by all employers.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers (AHA)
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Dental Hygienist Licenses
All states require dental hygienists to be licensed. You must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination to become licensed. Some states have additional requirements. Contact your state’s Board of Dental Examiners for further information.
Dental Hygienist Training and Preparation
Once you have completed your dental hygienist program, it is time to prepare for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. All states require the passing of this exam in order to become licensed. Once you have passed the exam, you can use the credentials “Registered Dental Hygienist” (R.D.H.).
Preparing for the exam can be done in many ways. Online practice tests are a great way to help you prepare and there are numerous ones available online. Flashcards and exam prep books are other useful tools. The American Dental Association (ADA) website has study guides, practice questions and other useful information to get you prepared for test day.
CPR/BLS certification is typically required. The American Heart Association (AHA) offers several options for certification. They offer online courses, blended courses and traditional classroom setting training. Visit their website for more information.
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