Everything you need to know about becoming a Dental Hygienist

Oral health is intrinsically important in our lives. It helps to keep bad bacteria at bay, gives us minty fresh, attractive breath, and provides an esthetically pleasing mouth situation. Plus poor oral health is actually linked to cardiovascular disease, pregnancy and birth complications, pneumonia, and the development of cancer. So, wanting to work as an advocate for oral health is a pretty noble profession, right?

Enter: Dental Hygienists.

What is a dental hygienist?

A dental hygienist is someone who works in tandem with a dentist or orthodontist to provide the patient with preventative oral care.

What does a dental hygienist do?

Dental hygienists are often some of the first people you see when led to the dentist’s chair, and the person who you will most intimately know during your time there. They act as an introductory liaison for you, jotting down and analyzing any oral health concerns, taking X-rays, and doing any preparatory procedures.

Hygienists are also heavily involved in the cleaning process and will fit you for molds and other hardware in most cases. Dental Hygienists are the Swiss Army Knife of the dental office.

How do you become a dental hygienist?

The line of work itself can require a lot of patience, but becoming a dental hygienist is a pretty simplified process. Academic programs and continuing education are the only way to obtain a certification for this line of work. Many community colleges and technical schools offer 2-year associate’s programs. Once you have obtained that degree, you are qualified to take the licensure exams required by your region. Your work may require national, state, or regional licensure.

If you are planning on teaching or doing additional work within the field later in life, you may consider earning a baccalaureate or Master’s in dental hygiene. This line of study is often available through a University-based dental program and requires an additional two years of schooling, on average.

If you are applying to a school that specifies your niche work, you will want to highlight any science-driven work you have pursued in the past. High school-level courses like math, chemistry, psychology, and health can actually provide the great groundwork for establishing your career.

What skills do you need to become a dental hygienist?

Dental hygienists require precision. Not all hygienists will be working with patients who take good care of their teeth. Having the ability to detect and identify issues – remember, our mouths are small and the health implications that go along with them are vast – efficiently is important. Being able to handle the patient with care is important as well. Not only are these tools and advanced technology capable of hurting someone, but they’re meant to be handled with care.

Patients should be handled with care communication-wise as well, so amp up those social skills. Many patients will be bleeders at some point in their dental career, so try not to be too hard on them.

What is the average salary for a dental hygienist?

Entry-level dental hygienists make a median salary of $55,265, with the income typically falling between $47,000 and $62,000. The average median salary of all dental hygienists in America was $77,090 per year in 2020 or about $37.06 per hour.

What is the typical career path for a dental hygienist?

Most dental hygienists pursue a two-year degree and go through the ensuing certification process. If they are choosing to approach this career through a university, they may register for a three to four year program, which often indicates a more well-rounded, liberal arts degree.

Some choose to branch off and become mouth, gums, teeth specialists, orthodontists, or dentists and end up taking another five to 10 years of courses.

Highmark is currently looking for PHDHP Dental Hygienists, and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Arrow Dental at Oregon Dental Services, and American Dental Partners are in need of Registered Dental Hygienists.