How to Become a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists are professionals who assist patients in the prevention of oral diseases. They work under the supervision of a dentist, and they are responsible for providing clinical services. They are also involved in the documentation of care plans for their patients. In addition, they may perform preventive procedures, apply fluoride rinses, or apply sealants to protect the teeth.

To practice as a dental hygienist, you need to earn a degree in the field. You can do this through an associate’s or bachelor’s program. There are also online programs available. These are designed to help graduates gain knowledge in theory, research, leadership, and other areas. You can also obtain a licensure for the profession through the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. The exam is divided into both case-based and discipline-based sections. Ginger Scoggins Dentistry The examination is scored on a scale from 49 to 99, and it consists of about 350 questions. If you pass all of the tests, you can become a registered dental hygienist.

When you become a dental hygienist, your job responsibilities include teaching patients how to maintain their teeth and gums. You also may conduct oral exams to examine the health of the patient’s teeth and gums. You can also remove plaque from the patient’s teeth. It is important to be skilled when removing plaque, as missing plaque can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. A qualified hygienist can earn a competitive salary.

A dental hygienist can work in private offices, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and research facilities. This is a growing profession because of the link between oral health and overall health. Those with chronic health conditions have an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an increase in dental hygienist employment of 6% through the year 2030. This is much faster than the average rate of growth. During this time period, there are expected to be 16,300 new dental hygienist jobs.

If you want to pursue a career as a dental hygienist, it is important to be well-educated and dexterous. You will need to complete a variety of classes, and you will need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. You will also need to be licensed in the state where you intend to practice. In most cases, you will need to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, and you will also need to take the necessary written and practical exams to obtain licensing.

The first step is to choose a college or university that offers an accredited degree in dental hygiene. These programs typically require a prerequisite course in biology or chemistry. You can find these courses at community colleges, technical schools, and junior colleges. You can also enroll in an associate’s or bachelor’s program at a four-year institution. If you are pursuing a dental hygienist bachelor’s degree, you should expect to spend about four years in school. You can also attend an online dental hygiene degree program.