How to become an Oral Hygienist
Oral hygienists are integral to the field of dentistry. Also called dental hygienists, these professionals perform a multitude of tasks. As an oral hygienist your duties will include but not be limited to examining the teeth and gums, removing plaque and tartar buildup, performing imaging tests (such as x-rays) and applying fluoride treatment and/or other cavity fighters to the teeth.Depending on your geographic location in the United States, as a hygienist you may be permitted to perform additional tasks such as suture removal, periodontal dressing and administration of anesthesia. The varied tasks of an oral hygienist are crucial to the interpretation of clinical and laboratory tests interpreted by the dentist.According to theBureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for dental hygienists between 2010 and 2020 are estimated to rise 38 percent — a figure stated as “much faster than average.” The median pay reported for 2010 was $68,250 per year and $32.81 per hour. Of course these figures will fluctuate based on location and experience.Typically, an associate’s degree in dental hygiene is required. All hygienists are also required to be certified. There are many colleges and trade schools where you can obtain your education in oral hygiene. An important part of your training will be hands-on education in a clinical setting. An internship will help you further your education with real-world experience.Oral hygienists should possess compassion, patience and a friendly demeanor. Hygienists often work with children, who may be frightened of visiting the dentist. It is crucial for a hygienist to be able to calm the anxieties of both children and adults in the dentist’s chair. No one enjoys a dental visit — so a sunny personality can brighten up a potentially unpleasant experience for the patient.If the career of oral hygienist appeals to you, the first step is choosing a school. Your local community college may offer a degree program in this field. Thanks to the Internet, it’s easy to research schools in your area that offer accredited dental hygienist degree programs and certification.The job of an oral hygienist can be fast-paced and stressful. You will perform a wide variety of tasks and be required to work well with both the dentist in charge and the patients. However, if you enjoy working with the public and want to help people achieve healthy smiles, this might just be the career for you.
