Dental hygienists must have certification.
Dental hygienists can be found in virtually every dental clinic or facility in the United States, and it is ranked one of the fastest-growing occupations. As of 2008, there were more than 174,000 working dental hygienists earning a nationwide salary average of $67,860 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These dental health professionals work alongside dentists and perform tasks such as cleaning teeth, teaching good oral hygiene, examining teeth and gums, and assisting during procedures. There is a specific education required to be a dental hygienist.
High School Preparation
If a person knows early on that she wants to enter a career as a dental hygienist, specific areas of focus in high school will be advantageous. Taking and scoring well in courses like biology, chemistry, and mathematics will help students achieve admission into a dental hygiene program. Some programs may even require prospective students to complete a minimum of one year of college.
Dental Hygiene School
Every person who wishes to work as a dental hygienist must enroll in and complete an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in a dental hygiene school. As of 2011, there are ore than 300 such programs in the United States that are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Some programs also offer a certificate, which serves the same purpose as a degree. During these programs, students will learn about anatomy, chemistry, pharmacology, physiology, radiology, nutrition, periodontology, clinical dental hygiene and more.
License to Practice Dental Hygienics
Upon completing formal education, all dental hygienists must take and pass the licensing exam for the state in which they wish to work. There are two parts of the exam, written and clinical. The written exam in all states is administered by the American Dental Association's Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. The clinical exam is administered by each state's own testing agency. Many states also require a test to be passed regarding the legal details of practicing as a dental hygienist.
Graduate Degrees and Continuing Education
Some positions, often outside of a dentist's office, offer much higher salaries but require candidates to have obtained a master's degree in dental hygiene. These include positions involving research and public health. Most colleges also expect all faculty to posses a minimum of a bachelor's degree to teach, including dental hygienist education positions. As with virtually all medical professions, dental hygienists typically pursue continuing education throughout their careers to keep up with changes and developments in the field and remain competitive in the job market.
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