How Long To Become A Dental Hygienist Salary | How To Become A Dental Hygienist
How Long To Become A Dental Hygienist Salary | How To Become A Dental Hygienist. The low unemployment rate and high dental hygienist salary are just a couple of reasons why Dental Hygienist careers are ranked as the best healthcare support jobs.
Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventive dental care. The median annual Salary for dental hygienists is $77,810.
Dental Hygienists Vs. Dental Assistants
Assistants complete training that ranges from on-the-job to technical school or a college certification program. Dental hygienist schooling is similar to that of a Registered Nurse, in that they must complete either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene and then pass a series of board exams.
A dentist can perform hygienist responsibilities, but the hygienist cannot perform those of a dentist. Dental assistants and dental hygienists are not the same. Each is responsible for separate responsibilities and completes different types of training. A hygienist can legally perform the same duties of a dental assistant, but an assistant is not legally authorized to perform the duties of a dental hygienist.
Who makes more money RN or dental hygienist?
Both RNs and Dental Hygienists make a lot of money, though it may differ depending on where they work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs’ average annual wage is $75,330, while Dental Hygienists earn an average salary of $77,090 per year.
What is a dental hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a dental professional who cleans teeth and evaluates the patient’s mouth for any symptoms of dental disorders. Dental hygienists also provide teeth scaling and root planing expertise, administer anesthesia, take x-rays and provide oral hygiene instruction to patients. Additional responsibilities often include:
- Screening patients for pain or dental concerns to report to the dentist.
- Evaluating and updating each patient’s dental history.
- Removing plaque from and polishing patients’ teeth.
Dental Hygienist Salary
Depending on cost of living in your area and the amount of experience that you have, the average dental hygienist salary is just over $76,000 per year, with higher earners topping $89,000 per year. In fact, areas of the United States with a higher cost of living may have dental hygienist salaries that are over $110,000 per year.
An entry-level hygienist salary in a more affordable area could be as low as $62,000 per year. Most hygienists are paid an hourly rate with some offices offering bonus incentives on a case-by-case basis.
What Dental Hygienists Do / Duties
Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health. Dental hygienists use many types of tools to do their job. They clean and polish teeth with hand, power, and ultrasonic tools. In some cases, they use lasers. Hygienists remove stains with an air-polishing device, which sprays a combination of air, water, and baking soda. They polish teeth with a powered tool that works like an automatic toothbrush.
Dental hygienists typically do the following:
- Take and develop dental x rays
- Assess patients’ oral health and report findings to dentists.
- Remove tartar, stains, and plaque from teeth.
- Educate patients about oral hygiene techniques, such as how to brush and floss correctly.
- Apply sealants and fluorides to help protect teeth.
- Document patient care and treatment plans.
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?
It will typically take between two and four years to become a dental hygienist, depending on the level of education in the industry you pursue. To work as a dental hygienist, you will need to be licensed with your state and with the American Dental Association.
Students who pursue an associate degree will typically complete all requirements within two years. Individuals who want to obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree will typically take up to an additional four to six years.
How To Become A Dental Hygienist
1. Complete a high school diploma or equivalent
A high school diploma is needed to apply to an associate or bachelor’s degree program. Coursework in biology, anatomy, physiology and other science specializations can help prepare you for a dental program.
2. Choose an accredited dental hygienist school and complete an associate degree
While there are many dental hygienist programs to choose from, you want to choose one that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The completion of all educational requirements in a dental hygienist program will typically take between two and four years.
3. [Optional] Complete a bachelor’s degree
Some dental hygienists may choose to pursue employment after completing an associate degree. Others may choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Some aspiring dental hygienists may even go on to achieve a master’s degree to work in a research or educational manner.
4. Obtain your national and state licensing
Licensure with your state and the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination is required to work as a dental hygienist. The test is made up of two parts with a total of 350 multiple-choice questions. You need a score of at least 75 to pass. State tests vary depending on the state in which you work. The successful completion of both exams will earn you a Registered Dental Hygienist license.
Important Qualities for Dental Hygienists
- Detail oriented: Dental hygienists must follow specific rules and protocols to help dentists diagnose and treat a patient. Depending on the state in which they work and/or the treatment provided, dental hygienists may work without the direct supervision of a dentist.
- Problem-solving skills: Dental hygienists develop and implement oral hygiene care plans to maintain or improve patients’ oral health.
- Dexterity: Dental hygienists must be good at working with their hands. They generally work in tight quarters on a small part of the body, requiring fine motor skills using very precise tools and instruments.
- Critical thinking: Dental hygienists must use critical thinking skills in order to assess and evaluate patients.
- Interpersonal skills: Dental hygienists must work closely with dentists and patients. Some patients are in extreme pain or have fears about undergoing dental treatment, and the hygienist must be sensitive to their emotions.
- Communication skills: Dental hygienists must accurately communicate with dentists and patients about oral health status, oral hygiene care plans, and, as needed, lifestyle counseling.
Top Dental Hygienist specializations Jobs
- Registered Dental Hygienist.
- Dental Hygienist.
A few of the most common dental hygienist specializations include:
1. Dental hygienist teacher
Dental hygienist teachers use field and industry knowledge to educate and train new dental hygienists. A bachelor’s degree is often needed to teach at the community college level and education at the bachelor’s or masters’ degree level requires a master’s degree.
2. Pediatric dental hygienist
A pediatric dental hygienist works primarily with children and teens. They complete all dental hygiene duties while also informing and educating parents and teens on good oral healthcare.
3. Dental hygienist researchers
A dental hygienist researcher conducts research and interprets results to better understand common dental conditions and diseases. Students interested in working as a dental hygienist researcher will typically need to complete a master’s degree.
4. Public health advocate
A public health advocate with a background in dental hygiene focuses on advocating and educating the public on proper oral health techniques. Public health advocates may work in high-risk communities or the school setting.
Certifications, Licenses and Registrations for Dental Hygienists
Every US state requires dental hygienists to be licensed; requirements vary by state. In most states, a degree from an accredited dental hygiene program and passing grades on written and clinical examinations are required for licensure. To maintain licensure, hygienists must complete continuing education requirements. For specific requirements, contact your state’s Board of Dental Examiners. Many jobs also require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
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