Dental Hygienist

Your Fit

Income

$94K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

7.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Dental Hygienist?

A Dental Hygienist is a licensed oral healthcare professional who focuses on preventing and treating oral diseases to protect teeth and gums and maintain overall oral health. They work closely with dentists to provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services to patients.

Sample job titles:

Dental Hygienist, Hygienist, Licensed Dental Hygienist, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Dental Hygienist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Dental Hygienist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$66K per year	$80K per year	$94K per year	$103K per year	$120K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $45K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Dental Hygienist do?

Work environment

Dental Hygienists typically work in dental offices, clinics, or healthcare facilities. Their work environment is clean and well-lit, with much of their time spent in close contact with patients. They often work part-time or have flexible schedules, although full-time positions are also common.

Quick task list

Conducts oral health assessments and screenings, including reviewing health history, dental charting, and oral cancer screening.
Cleans teeth, removing plaque and tartar, and applies preventive materials.
Takes and processes dental X-rays.
Educatse patients about oral hygiene techniques and promotes oral health.
Assists the dentist with various procedures.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pediatric Dental Hygiene: Specializing in the care of children's teeth and oral health.
Periodontal Therapy: Focusing on the treatment of gum diseases.
Geriatric Dental Hygiene: Concentrating on oral care for the elderly, often dealing with unique challenges related to aging.
Public Health: Working in community settings to promote oral health and education.

Description

Dental Hygiene is a dynamic and essential field within oral healthcare, emphasizing the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. Dental Hygienists play a crucial role in dental care teams, providing patient education, clinical services, and support to dentists. Their work is hands-on and requires technical skills in using various dental instruments and technologies.

Dental Hygienists must possess excellent communication skills, as they interact directly with patients, educating them about oral health and hygiene practices. They need to be detail-oriented, as thoroughness is crucial for effective dental cleanings and assessments. Additionally, good manual dexterity and physical stamina are important, as they spend long hours on their feet and performing repetitive motions.

The profession offers flexibility in terms of working hours and is known for having a balanced work-life structure. It can be highly rewarding, as hygienists often build relationships with patients and play a significant role in improving their oral health and, by extension, their overall well-being.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Directly improving patients' oral health and well-being.
Building long-term relationships with patients.
Working in a collaborative environment with dental professionals.
The balance between technical skills and patient interaction.

You might make a good Dental Hygienist if you are...

Interested in healthcare, particularly oral health.
A good communicator who enjoys educating and interacting with people.
Detail-oriented and meticulous in your work.
Seeking a career with a balanced lifestyle and the option for flexible working hours.

Pros:

High demand for dental hygiene services.
Flexible work schedules, with part-time and full-time options.
Rewarding work in patient care and health improvement.

Cons:

Physical demands, including long periods of standing and repetitive motions.
Exposure to pathogens and strict adherence to safety protocols is necessary.
Some patients may have anxiety about dental care, requiring extra patience and communication skills.

How to become a Dental Hygienist

Typical education

To become a Dental Hygienist, individuals usually need to complete an accredited dental hygiene program, which typically takes about 2-3 years and results in an associate degree. Some opt for bachelor's or master's degrees, which take longer.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to understand basic human physiology and health.
Health classes to gain foundational knowledge in healthcare.
Mathematics for developing analytical skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in healthcare settings, such as dental offices or community health clinics.
Joining health science or dental clubs.
Participating in community service, especially in health-related projects or campaigns.

Preparation after high school

Enrolling in an accredited dental hygiene program, typically resulting in an associate degree.
Obtaining licensure as required by your state, which usually involves passing written and clinical exams.
Considering further education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree in dental hygiene for advanced career opportunities.

More resources

American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) - Offers information, resources, and support for dental hygienists.
Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) - Provides a list of accredited dental hygiene education programs.
National Dental Hygiene Board Exam (NDHBE) - Information about the national board examination for dental hygienists.
Journal of Dental Hygiene - A professional journal featuring the latest research and developments in dental hygiene.
Dental Hygiene Committee of California (DHCC) - Specific resource for those seeking licensure and practice in California.

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