Dental hygiene is physically difficult. Because of this, many hygienists must go to chiropractic, massage therapy, and sometimes physical therapy on a regular basis to function. Carpal tunnel and ruptured discs in the spinal column, among other injuries, keep many dental hygienists away from their clinical careers. Being a dental hygienist is a rewarding job, but it can be a little difficult.
It's nothing you can't handle with the right degree of motivation and patience. Please wait a moment and try again. As health professionals, dental hygienists are often not appreciated by the public despite the essential role they play in caring for patients. Although the profession has existed since 1923, when the American Association of Dental Hygienists (ADHA) was founded, it is still one of the least appreciated careers in the health industry.
We serve more than 4,000 cities in the U.S. Department of State with more than 138,000 offices in our network. Dental hygienists must be patient, detail-oriented, dexterous and positive. Strong interpersonal and decision-making skills are also essential.
Their functions also require them to stand for a long time. Master's programs are for dental hygienists who want to conduct research, teach and work in an administrative capacity. State licensing requirements for dental hygienists vary from state to state, although these requirements have a common goal for the licensing process. There are more than 300 accredited training programs to become a dental hygienist, and they can be found across the country.
Community colleges, dental schools, technical institutions, universities, and Internet-based learning programs offer associate degree programs for dental hygienists. Some people start out as dental hygienists by earning an associate's degree and then, after working in the field for a few years, choose to get a bachelor's degree again. Dental hygienists evaluate the oral health of their patients by performing a variety of cleanings and inspections. While dental hygienists must complete their education to work in this profession, they also need to get a job in their field.
Its role is monotonous because it is limited to a few tasks, perhaps just educating patients about dental hygiene and repeating the same concepts throughout the day. This represents the salary where half of dental hygienists earned more than that and the other half earned less. Those who wish to advance their career should consider a bachelor's or master's degree in dental hygiene. Becoming a dental hygienist can be a satisfying career option for those who have a passion for the job or for those who want to enter the dental field with minimal education.
While dental hygiene school may seem difficult at times, staying committed to your goals can lead to a career that is truly rewarding. If you work in a small office with just one dentist, you now enjoy your job because you help the dentist provide general medical care to patients, perform dental surgery, provide oral health education to patients and staff, screen for oral cancer, and help patients manage their oral health needs. Training programs to become a dental hygienist can be done by earning an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree. The Joint National Dental Examination Commission administers two tests that future dental hygienists must perform to become licensed.