Changing Careers? Consider Dental Hygienist Education

With an unstable economy, going to school for dental hygienist education is a wise choice. The demand for dental hygiene positions grows as more people require dental health care. The elderly are losing fewer teeth and the connection between good oral hygiene and overall health is being explored more thoroughly. Previous generations of dentists performed many of the tasks now assigned to dental hygienists. Younger dentists, familiar with the help of dental hygienists, are more willing to hire help in order to build their client base more easily.

Dentists’ offices are not the only employers looking for hygienists. Larger dental clinics, outpatient centers and hospitals hire dental hygienists to help with their increased workload. Over one hundred and fifty thousand dental hygienists are currently working in the United States, but the field has been ranked as the 18th fastest growing field by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. The United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics has listed dental hygiene in the top twenty fastest growing fields. As the field grows, so does the need for hygienists with thorough dental hygiene training.

Dental hygienists often work flexible hours, most often part time and many times in more than one office. Evening and weekend hours are usually available, a practical option for parents of children too young to be left alone. This flexibility is usually cited as the most attractive aspect of the job.

Training for dental hygienist work is an ideal path for extroverts who enjoy providing direct care to patients. Teaching patients about proper oral health care is a large part of what dental hygienists do, so effective communication skills are important. Dental hygienists also require steady hands in order to work with tools in limited work space.

There are many other jobs that dental hygienists provide. They work alongside dentists, dental assistants and technicians to provide hands on patient care. Dental cleaning, performing basic examinations to look for infection and gum disease, making dental impressions and using treatments to prevent cavities are also part of the daily responsibilities of dental hygienists. Some states may also permit them to administer anesthetics and temporary fillings. Beyond clinical care, dental hygienists are also expected to screen patients, perform general administrative work and prepare laboratory tests.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) has approved over three hundred schools in the U.S, but there are many others that are lacking this certification. Selecting a school with accreditation will make a graduate more appealing to potential employers, even though it is not required for the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) or state or regional clinical tests. Selecting a school in the area where the job search will take place is also important, since dental hygienists can only practice in the same state where they took their licensing exams.

This major can be found in universities, dental schools and community colleges, as well as some smaller training schools. High school equivalency and a C average in school, along with science, English and math classes are the minimum requirement in order to attend dental hygiene classes. Some programs also require two semesters of college level classes before applying for the program.

The majority of students elect to take the two year degree, but four year degrees are sometimes preferable. For the purposes of taking the licensing examinations, two year degrees are sufficient. Employers generally require an Associate degree, although the Bachelor’s degree may make the dental hygienist more qualified in the eyes of the employer. Exceptions to this rule include teaching or school health programs, which may require a Bachelor’s degree or even a Master’s degree. Whichever program is selected will include a thorough selection of science classes, laboratory experience and clinicals. 

Training for dental hygienist is an excellent option for somebody looking for a career change. Returning students who select education for dental hygienist won’t regret the decision.