What does a dental hygienist's job entail?

I'm considering a career in dental health and would like to know more about being a dental hygienist. What are their daily responsibilities, and what does the job market look like for this profession?

A dental hygienist plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health and assisting dentists with procedures. The roles can vary by region, but some common responsibilities include:

- Performing Dental Cleaning: They are typically responsible for the initial stages of a dental visit such as teeth cleaning, removing plaque and tartar, and polishing teeth to a shine.

- Teeth and Oral Health Assessment: They also do an evaluation of gums, teeth, and mouth to detect any oral diseases or potential problems.

- Counseling Patients: Hygienists offer advice and instruction to patients about oral hygiene techniques, such as effective tooth brushing and flossing.

- Assisting with Dental Procedures: In some cases, they provide assistance to dentists during dental procedures, such as taking dental x-rays and applying fluorides or sealants.

- Maintaining Patient Records: Hygienists often update patients' medical history and chart their dental treatments and progress.

As for the job market, it's promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental hygienists will increase 11% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth rate suggests continuing demand for dental health, and as research further highlights the connection between oral health and overall body health, the need for preventative dental services, which are typically provided by dental hygienists, is expected to continue to increase.

However, like most professions, competition for jobs depends on factors such as a region's need for dental hygienists and the number of dental hygienists looking for jobs in that area. Despite this, given the job growth predictions, employment prospects for dental hygienists as a whole are likely to remain strong. Keep in mind you'll need to complete a dental hygiene education program and obtain licensure after passing a national board examination and regional/state clinical board examination before you can work as a dental hygienist.

Remember, education and on-the-job experience are integral to success in this role. An individual considering this path would benefit greatly from shadowing a dental hygienist or doing an internship in a dental office before committing to an educational program.