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Dental hygienists are focused on preventing dental
disease. They are educated and trained to evaluate the patient's
oral health, expose, process and interpret dental x-ray films, remove
calculus deposits, stains, and plaque above and below the gumline.
They also apply preventive agents such as fluorides and sealants
to teeth.
They provide education about oral health care,
selecting toothbrushes, the use of dental floss, and oral health
problems related to diet or use of tobacco products. Additionally,
dental hygienists receive training in assisting and reception responsibilities
so they can be comprehensive team members in the dental practice.
Dental hygienists must be able to work well with people and have
excellent manual dexterity and tactile sensitivity to properly manipulate
dental instruments in the patient's mouth.
Dental
Hygienist
Work Environment
In Florida, dental hygienists work under the supervision of dentists
and most work in private dental practices. However, they may also
be employed by hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, schools,
and private industry. Many dental hygienists work in more than one
office on a part-time basis. Most work about 35 hours per week.
Job Outlook
The number of Dental Hygienists employed in Florida in 2006 was
9,911. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 13,017, an annual
average growth rate of 3.9 percent. These job openings result from
the growing need for dental care and a growing awareness of preventive
dental care.
Advancement
Dental hygienists may obtain advanced degrees and become involved
in research, teaching, or administration of dental hygiene education
programs. Developing and promoting community dental health programs
offers additional opportunities.
Length of Training/ Requirements
Completion of a two-year program in a community college leading
to an associate of science degree is the minimum educational requirement.
However, bachelor's and master's degree programs are available at
numerous colleges and universities in the United States and are
required for research and teaching. Some of the core courses of
a dental hygiene program include clinical procedures, preventive
oral hygiene, community and public health dentistry, dental anatomy,
pharmacology, dental materials, instrumentation, nutrition, and
dental radiography. Some programs have prerequisite courses that
may require a student to complete at least one year of college prior
to being accepted into the program.
Licensure/Certification
Dental hygienists must graduate from an accredited program before
they are eligible to take the national and state licensing exams.
The national examination is given by the American Dental Association,
while each state administers its own licensing examination. The
title 'Registered Dental Hygienist' is awarded upon successful completion
of the licensing process. In Florida and most other states, continuing
education hours are required every two years for license renewal.
Salary
The average hourly wage for Dental Hygienists in Florida in 2009
was $28.97.
Updated: 2009 |
