Like many careers in the healthcare industry, dental hygienist work is in high demand. In fact, the employment growth rate for dental hygienists will grow seven percent by 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
Due to the aging of the baby-boomer generation and the fact that people keep more of their original teeth in the 21st century than ever, this employment growth rate will result in an average of 16,400 job openings each year as workers transfer to different occupations or retire.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about becoming a dental hygienist, including the job responsibilities, educational requirements, salary expectations, and career outlook.
So, if you’re wondering, “Should I become a dental hygienist?” The answer awaits you below!
What is a Dental Hygienist?
Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene. They are trained dental professionals who remove dental plaque and tartar and educate patients about oral health.
Dental hygienists also minimize patients’ dental and gum disease while freeing up dentists’ time. In turn, dentists can dedicate more of their time to higher-level diagnoses and restorative dental treatment.
Dental hygienists are responsible for the following tasks and duties:
- Apply topical fluoride and sealants
- Communicate problem signs to the dentist to evaluate oral conditions further
- Document patient care and treatment plans
- Educate patients about oral hygiene techniques and the best ways to manage their oral health
- Examine the mouth for signs of problems
- Explain tooth whitening options
- Make radiographic images
- Perform below the gumline root planing and scaling
- Polish teeth
What are the education requirements for becoming a Dental Hygienist?
Well, let’s see! The first important consideration you’ll need to make is schooling. Are you up for an educational challenge? Because a dental hygienist career starts by enrolling and earning a Dental Hygiene degree from an in-person or online Dental Hygiene program.
Popular dental hygiene degrees include:
- Associate degree in Dental Hygiene: The shortest path to becoming a dental hygienist today. This degree provides students with the knowledge and experience they’ll need to be successful in the field. These degree programs typically take about three years to complete.
- Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene: A four-year Dental Hygiene BS (Bachelor of Science) combines the requirements of an associate degree with a bachelor’s degree curriculum. These degrees also allow students to minor in subjects such as human services, education, marketing, psychology, and more.
- Master of Science (MS) in Dental Hygiene: This two-year post-graduate degree program is best for candidates interested in leadership or educator careers. Students take courses in grant and contract writing, statistical reasoning, global and public healthcare, and participate in student-teaching placements.
Regardless of which type of dental hygiene degree they choose, aspiring dental hygienists must enroll in dental hygiene programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), the primary accrediting body for dental hygiene degrees.
Associate degrees in Dental Hygiene are the minimum educational requirement, but many students prefer to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene, especially if they wish to work in managerial positions and achieve higher salaries.
The Fones School of Dental Hygiene leads the dental hygiene profession in what we accomplish, learn how we can kickstart your career today!
How much do you earn in a Dental Hygienist career?
A Dental hygienist career is full of rewarding benefits, including flexibility, security, and a good salary. The median annual wage for dental hygienists is $87,530; the highest ten percent of earners can make upwards of $118,400.
And in Connecticut, dental hygienists earn a mean annual wage of $94,220. Plus, dental hygienist positions include benefits like vacation time, sick leave, and retirement contributions. These benefits will vary, however, so be sure to check with your employer on what specific benefits are available.
Dental Hygienist Career Paths
There is currently a shortage of dental hygienists, resulting in an increasing demand for more and more pre-dental students to become dental hygienists.
Dental hygienists work in dentists’ offices, physicians’ offices, and even in government offices. Dental hygienists in public health departments and government agencies offer dental care and education in underserved communities.
You will also find Dental hygienists working in nursing homes, community health centers, prisons, hospitals, and other long-term care facilities.
Many work part-time, though some may work for more than one dentist, as many dentists only work a few days out of the week.
Should I become a Dental Hygienist?
With a strong job outlook, high salary potential, and flexible degree pathways, it’s no surprise that students are pursuing a career in dental hygiene with a dental hygiene BS degree.
Plus, dental hygienists enjoy hands-on work, interact with and help patients live healthier lives, and pursue various advancement opportunities. So, if you want to enter the workforce as quickly as possible, begin with an Associate degree in Dental Hygiene. However, if you want to manage a dental practice or pursue graduate studies, consider earning an in-person or online Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene (BS).
At University of Bridgeport and our Fones School of Dental Hygiene, the first dental hygiene school in the world, we offer all these options and more!
Our evidence-based educational program will enhance your awareness, application, and utilization of dental hygienists in healthcare, research, and academic and community settings.
Students will need to meet the following admission requirements:
- Completed application
- Cumulative G.P.A of 2.5 or higher
- Fones School of Dental Hygiene Supplemental Application
- Personal Statement
- Proof of high school completion or its equivalent
- Successful completion of required prerequisites within seven years with a C or better: English Composition, Intermediate Algebra, Chemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2
- Transcripts from any colleges/universities attended
- Two recommendation forms
University of Bridgeport also offers financial aid and comprehensive support services that foster academic, personal, social, and professional growth in an inclusive environment.