Dental Hygiene Careers

A career in dental hygiene provides the rewarding opportunity to work with people, assisting them in maintaining their oral health. Dental hygienists are important members of the dental health care team who work with dentists in the delivery of dental care to patients. Dental hygienists use a variety of interpersonal and clinical skills to meet the oral health needs of many different patients each day. Hygienists have opportunities to help special population groups such as children, the elderly and the disabled. They may also provide oral health instruction in primary and secondary schools and other settings.

Where Dental Hygienists Work

Dental hygienists work in dental offices of general dentists and dental specialists; public health agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, and community health clinics; public school systems, dental schools and dental hygiene education programs; and business and industry.

A Growth Career Field

The field of dental hygiene is projected to be one of the 30 fastest growing occupations. Salaries are good, and flexible work schedules are often available in this high demand field. Dental hygiene offers excellent career opportunities for nontraditional students.

Career Opportunities

Here is an overview of the types of careers dental hygienists pursue (as outlined by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and American Dental Association):

  Clinician – Dental hygienists are in demand in general dental practices, as well as in specialty practices such as periodontics or pediatric dentistry. In addition to performing technical duties, they play an important role in teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene techniques and counseling them regarding good nutrition and its impact on oral health.
   
  Administrator/Manager – Dental hygienists also find career opportunities in various segments of the healthcare industry, working for dental product companies or insurance companies. They hold administrative positions in education, professional associations, public health, and hospitals.
   
  Educator – Some dental hygienists teach in dental hygiene and dental school programs, write and edit educational materials, or work as consultants to dental companies.
   
  Researcher – Some dental hygienists conduct or assist in conducting research at institutions of higher education, government agencies, and industry.
   
  Consumer Advocate – Some dental hygienists working for consumer groups to advocate for access to health care, and advise consumers on issues such as insurance, products and political issues affecting health care.
   
 

Public Health Dental Hygiene – Some dental hygienists work in health policy and program management and administration.
Graduate/Professional Education

A baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene also provides an excellent foundation for graduate programs in such fields as dentistry and public health.

For More Information
  American Dental Hygienists’ Association
   
  American Dental Association
   
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