Dental hygienists play an important role in the dental office. They are licensed professionals who assist dentists in providing preventive care for patients. The current demand for dental hygienists is at is peak, and according to labor statistics, will continue to increase through the years.
Dental Hygienist Job Description
Dental hygienist salary tasks include administering routine dental procedures to patients, such as prophylaxis, removing stains, conducting tooth x-rays, fluoride applications and occasionally performing temporary fillings. They are also tasked to inform patients on proper dental care such as regular brushing and flossing, as well as to discuss the importance of regular dental visits. The extent of what dental hygienists are allowed to do is mandated by each State.
In some cases, especially in small dental offices, dental hygienists are also required to set up appointments, do laboratory work, make models for dentures and keep the dental office clean and sanitary.
Training For A Dental Hygienist Salary Career
In order to qualify for the position of a dental hygienist, one must have at least a high school education. A two-year associate program is enough for you to work at a private dental clinic, while a bachelor degree is required if you plan to work at a public dental office or in public school systems. A dental hygienist certificate or degree should come from a school accredited with the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
The coursework in dental hygiene program often includes chemistry, microbiology, histology, physiology, nutrition and basic anatomy. A good dental hygiene course should prepare you for the licensing exam and should cover other practical applications such as operating dental equipment for cleaning teeth, for shaping denture molds, etc.
Each State has its own set of criteria for licensing, although most require a dental hygienist to pass the examination conducted by the American Dental Association or ADA. The first part of the exam covers the theories of dental hygiene, while the second part is a clinical test that checks the student’s understanding of basic dental procedures.
Financing and Scholarships for Dental Hygienists
Granted that the field of dental hygiene is currently teeming with possibilities, what often stops students from embarking on this career path is the cost of tuition. If you plan to go to a dental hygienist school, there are several options you could choose to finance your education. Student loans are always possible, but it is better to tap on scholarships and grants, because these do not have to be paid back. Here are just some of the organizations where dental hygienists students can seek aid to finance their education
- ADA (American Dental Association) gives out annual scholarships for $1,000. Every year the organization grants scholarships to full-time, American students who have attained GPAs of at least 3.0.
- Colgate Palmolive Minority Scholarship awards a yearly amount of $1,250 to students who belong to minority groups and have completed a year of dental hygiene program.
- Other federal programs that provide financing for dental hygienists are:
- Stafford loans
- Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
- Pell Grants
- Federal Work Study
- Federal Family Education Loan Program
You would need to file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in order to determine which federal loan or grant is the best for you.
Dental Hygienist Salary Outlook
Generally, a dental hygienist salary will depend on the location of employment, the extent of work experience and the level of education. Those who have been working for many years and who have achieved either a bachelor’s or masteral degree will surely receive higher salaries. The average salary earned by dental hygienists is about $65,000 – $90,000 per annum, based on a Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Those who work in public health systems often receive better wages and other benefits, with higher chances of career advancement than those who work in the private sector. These benefits usually include paid vacation and sick leaves and also group health plans.
Dental hygienist salary is expected to increase faster than that of other jobs for at least another 5 years. There will be a growing demand for dental hygienists as people become more aware of the importance of oral care.
If you want to be a part of a growing field that has a lot of career opportunities, consider entering a dental hygienist program. This is not just a lucrative profession, but is also rewarding as you will be helping people, especially children maintain their dental health.
