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Dental Hygienists Jobs Offer Flexible, Part-Time Careers
June 26, 2007
by Francine L. Huff
Business Programs Columnist
If you're looking for a job in the health profession that offers flexible scheduling, then you might be interested in a career as a dental hygienist. Many dentists hire hygienists for only two or three days a week, and it's not uncommon for dental hygienists to work for more than one dental office, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Dental Hygienists Help Healthy Smiles
Dental Hygienists are responsible for removing deposits from teeth, taking dental x-rays, and teaching patients how to care for their teeth. Other duties include applying fluoride, examining patients' teeth and gums for signs of disease, and preparing diagnostic tests for dentists to evaluate. However, dental hygienists are not allowed to diagnose diseases.
Dental Hygiene School
Most dental hygiene programs offer an associate degree, which is the minimum requirement to work in most private dental offices. To qualify for admission to an associate's degree program, you'll need a diploma or your GED. If you currently don't meet these requirements, remember that you can always earn your high school diploma online.
If you're interested in research or teaching, you'll probably need a bachelor's or master's degree from dental hygiene school.
Hygienists must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school and pass a clinical and written exam in order to become licensed.
Excellent Outlook for Dental Hygienists
Job opportunities for graduates of dental hygiene programs are expected to grow faster than average for all careers through 2014, according to the BLS. More advanced dental treatments are allowing people to keep their natural teeth longer, resulting in more demand for hygienists. Dental hygienists are also performing more tasks that used to be done by dentists. The pay for this career is strong, and the median hourly earnings for hygienists were $28.05 in 2004.
If you work well with other people and have the ability to put patients at ease, then a dental hygienist career may be a good fit. Being detail oriented and having good manual dexterity will also help you succeed in a dental hygiene program. And, of course, attending dental hygiene school is an absolute must!
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About the Author
Francine L. Huff is a freelance journalist and the author of The 25-Day Money Makeover for Women. She has appeared on a variety of TV and radio shows.
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