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Dental Hygienist Programs - Starting Your Career in Dental Hygiene

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Tangeer Mehedi
Dental Hygienist Programs - Starting Your Career in Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as one of the fastest growing professions. Employment for dental hygienists is projected to increase by up to 30%, which is estimated to be much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. The opportunities and career advancement for hygienists make it one of the most promising careers of the next decade. So, if you have excellent motor skills, a genuine interest in educating others about maintaining their health, and enjoy working with different types of people, you might want a career in dental hygiene.


In 2006, 167,000 jobs were filled by dental hygienists. Almost all of them worked in dentists' offices, but a small number worked in doctors' offices, employment agencies, and other fields. The hygienists work closely with dentists and dental assistants and have direct contact with the patients; Therefore, they must be able to communicate effectively with different types of people.


Dental hygienists are licensed preventive oral health professionals who provide clinical, educational, and therapeutic services to patients. They are responsible for conducting screening procedures such as assessment of teeth and gums, oral cancer screening, and head and neck inspection. They check for signs of tooth decay and abnormalities in the oral cavity. When patients show symptoms of dental abnormalities, the hygienists let the dentists examine them. One reason hygienists should have good motor skills is because they use various tools, such as rotary instruments and ultrasonic machines, to clean and polish patients' teeth. They remove stains, tartar and plaque in preparation for the dental exam.


They also give injections of anesthetics for deep cleaning and root cleaning procedures. Protective dental materials such as sealants and fluoride are also applied. Impressions of the patient's teeth are also taken by the dental hygienists when dentists need to examine the impressions to assess the patient's oral condition. Sometimes dental hygienists receive and develop dental X-rays, organize dental charts, and perform documentation and manage office activities. One of the most important functions of hygienists is to educate and motivate patients to maintain good oral hygiene. As a result, they can help patients achieve good overall health.


Individuals who have decided to pursue a career in dental hygiene should earn an associate's, baccalaureate, or master's degree from a school that offers dental hygienist programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Formal education and dental hygiene education are received at community colleges, technical schools, trade schools, dental schools and universities. An associate degree program takes about two years to complete, while a bachelor's degree requires at least four years of tuition and training. Some schools that offer undergraduate degrees require prospective dental hygienists to complete at least two years of college before enrolling in the program. Degree programs also include internships, where students complete internships in actual work environments to acquire and develop their technical and clinical skills.


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