Oral Care Professional

Duties and Responsibilities:

Dental hygienists provide preventive treatment for oral health problems. They also educate patients and promote dental health. They may be employed in health departments, nursing homes, or school districts, but usually they work in private dental offices and clinics.

 Dental hygienists:

·        Screen patients for dentists.

·        Take and develop radiographs.

·        Remove calculus and plaque from teeth.

·        Apply preventive treatments to teeth.

·        Counsel patients on oral health and teach them appropriate dental health procedures.

·        Perform dental office management duties.

Average Salary: $22,000 - $35,000

Educational Requirements:             

        Dental hygienists must have a high school diploma or GED certificate before participating in dental hygiene education programs.

        Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate’s Degree at a community college or private school. To practice, they must also earn a license by passing the Dental Hygiene National Board examination.

        Some hygienists earn Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees if they want to teach, do research, or broaden their scope into public health issues.