What They Do, How to Become One, and Why You Should Consider This Career
If you are looking for a rewarding and fulfilling career in the health care field, you may want to consider becoming a dental hygienist. A dental hygienist is a vital member of the dental team, who works closely with dentists and other dental professionals to provide quality oral care to patients. In this article, you will learn:
- What is a dental hygienist and what are their duties and responsibilities?
- What are the skills and qualities of a good dental hygienist?
- What are the education and certification requirements to become a dental hygienist?
- What are the benefits and challenges of being a dental hygienist?
- How to start your career as a dental hygienist and advance in the field?
What is a dental hygienist and what are their duties and responsibilities?
A dental hygienist is a licensed health care professional who works with a dentist to help patients maintain good oral health and dental hygiene. A dental hygienist performs various tasks, such as:
- Cleaning teeth and removing plaque, tartar, and stains
- Taking and developing dental X-rays and images
- Examining teeth and gums for signs of decay, disease, or infection
- Applying fluoride, sealants, or other preventive treatments
- Educating patients on proper oral hygiene and care
- Providing oral cancer screenings and referrals
- Assisting dentists with more complex procedures, such as fillings, crowns, or implants
A dental hygienist may work in different settings, such as private dental offices, clinics, hospitals, schools, or public health agencies. A dental hygienist may also specialize in certain areas, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthodontics, or periodontics.
What are the skills and qualities of a good dental hygienist?
To be a successful dental hygienist, you need to have certain skills and qualities, such as:
- Biomedical knowledge. You need to have a solid understanding of the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology of the oral cavity and the systemic effects of oral diseases and treatments.
- Manual dexterity. You need to have good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to use various dental instruments and equipment safely and effectively.
- Critical thinking. You need to have the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources and apply it to your clinical practice.
- Analytical skills. You need to have the ability to collect, organize, and interpret data from dental records, X-rays, and tests, and use it to diagnose and treat oral conditions.
- Communication skills. You need to have the ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with patients, dentists, and other dental professionals, both verbally and in writing.
- Interpersonal skills. You need to have the ability to establish rapport and trust with patients, and to work collaboratively and cooperatively with dentists and other dental professionals.
- Empathy. You need to have the ability to understand and respond to the feelings, needs, and concerns of patients, especially those who may be anxious, fearful, or in pain.
- Professionalism. You need to have the ability to adhere to the ethical, legal, and regulatory standards of the dental profession, and to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and accountability.
What are the education and certification requirements to become a dental hygienist?
To become a dental hygienist, you need to have a minimum of an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from an accredited college or university. The degree program typically takes two to four years to complete, and includes both classroom and clinical training. The curriculum covers topics such as oral anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, radiology, periodontology, dental materials, and dental hygiene theory and practice.
After completing the degree program, you need to pass a national written exam and a state or regional clinical exam to obtain your license to practice as a dental hygienist. The exams are administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). The license requirements may vary from state to state, so you need to check with your state’s dental board for the specific details.
To maintain your license, you need to complete continuing education courses and renew your license periodically, as required by your state. You may also choose to pursue additional certifications or credentials, such as the Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) or the Certified Dental Hygienist (CDH), to demonstrate your competence and professionalism in the field.
What are the benefits and challenges of being a dental hygienist?
Being a dental hygienist can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, as you can:
- Make a positive difference in the oral health and well-being of your patients
- Work in a dynamic and stimulating environment with diverse and interesting people
- Enjoy a flexible and varied schedule, with part-time, full-time, or contract options
- Earn a competitive salary and enjoy various benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid vacations
- Have multiple opportunities for career advancement and specialization
However, being a dental hygienist can also have some challenges, such as:
- Facing physical and mental stress and fatigue from working long hours, standing, bending, or performing repetitive motions
- Exposing yourself to potential hazards, such as infectious diseases, radiation, or sharp instruments
- Dealing with difficult or uncooperative patients, or patients with complex medical or dental conditions
- Keeping up with the changing technologies, techniques, and regulations in the dental field
- Balancing your personal and professional responsibilities and commitments
How to start your career as a dental hygienist and advance in the field?
If you are interested in becoming a dental hygienist, here are some steps you can take to start your career and advance in the field:
- Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the dental hygiene profession, the education and certification requirements, the job outlook, and the salary and benefits. You can use online resources, such as the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), or the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), to find reliable and updated information.
- Get some experience. Volunteer, shadow, or work in a dental office, clinic, or hospital, to gain some exposure and insight into the dental hygiene field. You can also join a dental hygiene club, association, or organization, to network and learn from other dental hygienists and professionals.
- Choose a degree program. Compare and contrast different dental hygiene degree programs, and choose the one that best suits your needs, goals, and preferences. Consider factors such as the accreditation, reputation, curriculum, cost, duration, location, and admission requirements of the program. Apply to the program and complete the prerequisites, if any.
- Complete the degree program. Attend the classes and the clinical sessions, and complete the assignments and the exams, to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become a dental hygienist. Seek guidance and feedback from your instructors, mentors, and peers, and participate in extracurricular activities, such as research projects, internships, or community service, to enhance your learning and experience.
- Obtain your license. Prepare for and pass the national written exam and the state or regional clinical exam, to obtain your license to practice as a dental hygienist. Apply for the license and pay the fees, as required by your state. Keep your license active and current, by completing the continuing education courses and renewing your license periodically.
- Find a job. Search for and apply to dental hygiene jobs, in various settings, such as private dental offices, clinics, hospitals, schools, or public health agencies. Use online job boards, such as Indeed, Monster, or LinkedIn, or dental-specific job boards, such as DentalPost, DentalJobs, or DentalWorkers, to find job opportunities. You can also use your network, such as your instructors, mentors, peers, or alumni, to get referrals or recommendations. Prepare your resume and cover letter, and highlight your skills, education, and experience. Prepare for and ace the interview, and negotiate your salary and benefits.
- Advance your career. Pursue additional certifications or credentials, such as the RDH or the CDH, to demonstrate your competence and professionalism in the field. You can also pursue a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in dental hygiene, to advance your knowledge and skills, and to qualify for higher-level positions, such as educator, researcher, or administrator. You can also specialize in a certain area, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthodontics, or periodontics, to expand your scope of practice and increase your marketability. You can also seek mentorship and guidance from senior or experienced dental hygienists, and join professional associations or organizations, such as the ADHA, the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH), or the American Academy of Dental Hygiene (AADH), to access various resources, opportunities, and support.
