Becoming a dental hygienist requires formal training in certain dental hygienist programs and have a dental hygienist degree.

Job Description:
A dental hygienist duties include cleaning and polishing teeth…examining the mouth and gums for disease…counseling patients on proper oral hygiene…sometimes take and develop x-rays. Dental hygienists must be familiar with various dentistry tools such as dental cleaning tools and dental hygiene instruments. They may apply fluorides and sealants to prevent cavities. Some states allow dental hygienist to dispense anesthetics to patients.

Education/Training:
Dental hygienist requirements consist of being a high school graduate. Courses in math, chemistry and biology are recommended for students interested in becoming a dental hygienist. A degree from an accredited dental hygienist school or dental hygienist college. Schools for dental hygienist provide research lab, clinical, and class education in fields of study such as general anatomy, chemical science, pharmacological medicine, dental materials, and dental hygienics. To practice in a private office and associate degree or certificate is usually required. For clinics and public school health programs, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is generally required. You will also need to have a dental hygienist license issued by the State.

Job Outlook:
If you’re not sure whether to pursue this career direction, you should know, dental hygienists jobs are one of the fastest growing occupations in the health care field. Job openings for dental hygienist are predicted to remain high. Dental hygienists employment is projected to increase 21 percent or more through 2016. With the population growing and more people concerned about their teeth, the need for dental service and dental hygienists will increase.

Working Conditions:
Dental hygienists work in a clean environment and an office which has to retain strict health safeguards such as appropriate radiological management and the use of proper protective tools when administering anesthetic gas. For their protection and the protection of the patients, dental hygienists wear surgical gloves and masks and also safety glasses. Dental hygienists often work flexible hours and some may only work 2 or 3 days a week. Besides full time, evening and weekend positions are widely available. Because of this schedule, some may work in more than one dental office.

Dental Hygienist Yearly Salary:
Estimated average annual dental hygienist earnings:$64.910. Earnings depends on location, area size, population, etc.

Choosing a dental hygienist career and becoming a registered (licensed) dental hygienist should bring you job security for years to come.