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 typically have varied job duties:
Remove tartar, stains and plaque from teeth.
Apply sealants and fluorides to help protect teeth.
Take and develop dental X-rays.
Assess patients’ oral health and report findings to dentists.
Document patient care and treatment plans.
Educate patients about oral hygiene techniques such as how to brush and floss correctly.
*Source: bls.gov
National Median Salary
$72,330 annually*
*Figure represents national average. To view the average salary in your state visit the bureau of labor statistics.
Requirements
Entry-level education requirements:
High school diploma/GED and associate degree
Job outlook (2014-24):
Growing much faster than average (19 percent projected growth)*
