Dental hygienists are responsible for some important patient care services provided in a dental office, including removing calculus, stains and plaque from teeth, applying fluoride and pit and fissure sealants, taking and developing dental x-rays and providing oral hygiene instructions (e.g., brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling). They use hand and rotary instruments and ultrasonics to clean and polish teeth, x-ray machines to take dental pictures, syringes with needles to administer local anesthetics and must adhere to important health safeguards relating to proper radiological procedures, using appropriate protective devices when administering anesthetic gas, and wearing personal protective equipment to protect themselves and patients from infectious diseases.

A hygiene career offers many employment opportunities, since many dentists employ one or more hygienists. They are in demand in general dental practices, as well as in specialty practices such as periodontics or pediatric dentistry. Hygienists may also be employed to provide services for patients in hospitals, nursing homes and public health clinics. Depending upon the level of education and experience achieved, hygienists can also apply their skills and knowledge to other career activities such as teaching hygiene students in dental schools and dental hygiene education programs. Research, office management and business administration are other career options. Additionally, employment opportunities may be available with companies that market dental-related materials and equipment.

Flexible scheduling is a distinctive feature of a hygiene career. Full and part time, evening, and weekend schedules are widely available. Dentists frequently hire a hygienist to work 2 or 3 days a week, so they may hold jobs in more than one dental office.

Earnings for hygienists vary by geographic location, employment setting, and years of experience. They may be paid on an hourly, daily, salary, or commission basis. Median hourly earnings were $28.05 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $22.72 and $33.82 an hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $18.05, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $40.70 an hour. To begin or learn about the process of becoming a dental hygienist go here. If you are an international student looking to study in the US or Canada, you can, go here to get information on applying to US and Canadian schools.

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