Dental Hygiene Profession
Dental hygienists are licensed preventive oral health care professionals who specialize in providing preventive, educational and treatment services to assist both individuals and groups in achieving optimum oral health. Dental hygienists enjoy a flexible career and have the opportunity to work with people of all ages from a variety of cultural, ethnic and racial backgrounds. In order to become a licensed dental hygienist, dental hygiene students must graduate from an ADA accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and regional clinical examination. Once these examinations have been successfully completed, the graduate may apply for licensure in any state.
Career Opportunities
Licensed dental hygienists have the exciting opportunity to serve the community in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, private dental practices, specialty practices, clinics, public health agencies, hospital settings, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, home health services, military service, government agencies and corporate health facilities. With an advanced degree, dental hygienists also work in other non-traditional work settings, including school systems, corporate sales, as educators in dental and dental hygiene programs and participate in health research and management.
Primary Responsibilities
Dental hygienists are highly valued and integral members of the oral health team. Their primary responsibilities in regards to direct patient care most commonly include assessment of medical and dental histories, screening for oral cancer, examination of the teeth and gums, charting of oral conditions, exposing, processing and interpreting dental radiographs (x-rays), preventive periodontal therapy, applying preventive agents to reduce/eliminate decay such as fluoride therapies and sealants, and providing individualized patient education.
Career Outlook
The outlook for dental hygienists is excellent due to a strong demand and need for preventive oral health care by a growing and aging population. According to the most recent Occupational Outlook Handbook by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygiene is one of the fastest growing occupations. Employment demand both locally and nationally during the past decade has been high. This trend is expected to continue at least through 2010. The Dental Hygiene Program maintains a list of job opportunities and provides students with assistance in career decisions.
