So do you want to become a dental hygienist? Well, you are in for a surprise, because this article will introduce you to different aspects of this job. From what you’re expected to do to what salary you should expect, here’s your guide to starting this career.
Duties expected of you
Before you decide whether or not this is the job for you, you need to understand what you will be doing. Basically, you will be in charge of some of the routine tasks that dentists have to perform during treatments. The following are the duties you will be required to perform as a dental hygienist:
- Clean teeth by removing tartar with dental floss and scalers
- Provide oral hygiene guidance to patients.
- Take and develop radiographs.
- Create tooth charts to help dentists keep track of patients’ dental history
In addition to these tasks, you will be required to be present during surgery or treatments because you will be in charge of providing suction, administering anesthetics, and performing other small but significant procedures.
Degrees in Dental Hygiene
To build your career in this field, you must earn a degree in dental hygiene. Community colleges offer two-year degrees, while universities offer four-year degrees. Your career as a dental hygienist depends on which of these qualifications you choose. If you plan to work in a private dental practice, a two-year degree followed by an associate’s degree will suffice. On the other hand, if you get your bachelor’s or master’s degree in dental hygiene, you can always work in research, administration, or teaching.
Regardless of which of these options you plan to pursue, you should check the admission requirements of your prospective school. Most schools will need a high school diploma or GED and good grades in math, chemistry, biology, and English. Some programs also require a student who aspires to become a dental hygienist to complete one or two years of college. However, to be on the safe side, be sure to contact the school offering the degree to ask about their requirements.
Your expected salary
There are a few factors that determine how much your future employers will pay you. Your location, type of degree, and years of experience definitely matter. However, you should expect to be paid between $56,000 and $71,000. If you’re skilled enough, you have a better chance of winning even more, at least up to $77,000.
So are you ready to become a dental hygienist? Then find out where you can get your degree and start this lucrative career as soon as possible.