Dental Hygienist Schools - Dental Hygienist Training Program

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In addition to removing hard and soft deposits from teeth, dental hygienists also educate patients on oral hygiene methods and preventative dental care. Also, their work involves recording of the presence of abnormalities or disease, plus examination of patient's gums and teeth.

• Nature of the Work - Using an assortment of dental tools, hygienists complete their examination and cleaning for each patient. The various tools include ultrasonic devices used to polish and clean teeth, rotary and hand instruments which assist in the removal of plaque, stains and calculus. Hygienists utilize x-ray machines for dental pictures and may assist in the development of the film. They may also be involved in the application of cavity prevention agents such as fluorides and fissure and pit sealants, use example models to show methods of proper oral hygiene and assist or perform root planing as periodontal therapy.
• Dental Hygienist Schools - Education and Training Programs - The Commission on Dental Accreditation has given approval to just under 300 dental hygiene programs. The majority of programs will grant an associate degree, although some will offer a master degree, bachelor degree, or certificate. A minimum of a certificate in dental hygiene, or an associate degree, is required for practice in a dental office.
• Licensing - Each State requires that dental hygienists be licensed to practice. The majority of States require that all hygienists graduate from an accredited institute with passing grades in both clinical and written examinations. The written examination is administered by the American Dental Association's Joint Commission. The District of Columbia and all States accept this written examination.
  
  

Dental Hygienist Schools - Dental Hygienist Training Program

Some dental hygiene programs require college entrance test scores and a high school diploma prior to admission. Those students in high school who are interested in becoming a hygienist should take courses in mathematics, chemistry and biology. Some dental hygiene programs have a requirement stating that applicants need to have completed at least one year of college. Requirements do vary from one location to another.

Classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction is offered in subjects such as physiology, histology, anatomy, radiography, chemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, social and behavioral sciences, clinical dental hygiene and dental materials.

In addition to licensure examinations, most States do require each hygienist have a degree from an accredited dental hygienist school.


Dental Hygienist Schools - Dental Hygienist Training - Education - Graduate - Job Outlook

In 2006, hygienists held approximately 167,000 positions. The number of jobs does tend to exceed the number of dental hygienists because of the common factor of multiple job holding. Dental offices maintain the employment of nearly 100 percent of the hygienists available for employment in the field, with a very minimal number working in offices of physicians, employment services or other industries.

Job prospects remain excellent as the occupation of dental hygienist ranks among the fastest growing. Thirty percent employment increase is expected in the decade 2006 through to 2016. This is significantly faster than the overall average of all occupations. This very large increase is a result of the demand for the greater use of hygienists and dental care.

Prospects for job opportunities continue to be excellent. Recent graduates in dentistry are replacing older dentists, and with this changeover the new graduates are more likely to employ at least one hygienist. More hygienists will be hired to perform further preventative dental care, allowing dentists to concentrate more of their time on complex patient procedures.

Dental Hygienist Schools - Dental Hygienist Training - Graduates - Earnings Statistics

In 2006, the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) reports average hourly earnings of dental hygienists were $30.00, with the middle 50 percent earning between $24.00 and $35.50, the lowest 10 percent earning less than $19.50 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $41.50. Years of experience, employment setting and geographic location all play a part in the earnings statistics. A variety of methods of payment are available including salary, hourly, daily or commission basis.

Related Occupations: Other workers who support health practitioners within an office setting are medical assistants, registered nurses, dental assistants, physician assistants, physical therapist aides and assistants, and occupational therapist assistants and aides.


Dental Hygienist Schools - Dental Hygienist Training Program - Education

There are an excellent number of choices for attending one of the accredited training programs. Online schools and colleges now provide the same curriculum as the traditional education. Learning online provides you with so much more flexibility to suit your lifestyle and current employment. We include our top recommendations for education and training within Dental Hygienist Schools.

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