Print
eMail
Dental hygienists remove soft and hard deposits from teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene and provide other preventive dental care. They examine patients’ teeth and gums, recording the presence of diseases or abnormalities.
Dental hygienists use an assortment of different tools to complete their tasks:
- hand and rotary instruments
- ultrasonic devices
- x-ray machines
Hygienists may perform root planing or apply cavity-preventative agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. In some states, hygienists are allowed to administer anesthetics.
Dental hygienists help patients develop and maintain good oral health. Hygienists sometimes work chair side with the dentist during treatment.
How long will it take?
Prospective dental hygienists must become licensed in the State in which they wish to practice. A degree from an accredited dental hygiene school is usually required along with licensure examinations. The AC dental program takes two years to complete.
How much can you earn?
Median hourly earnings of dental hygienists were $30.19 in 2006.
Where can you work?
Dental hygienists rank among the fastest growing occupations and you can work almost anywhere. The number of jobs exceeds the number of hygienists.
AC can help you get there!
