Dental hygienists are among the first people many patients see when they go to the dentist’s office. These professionals provide an array of important services, from performing routine cleanings to educating patients about how to improve their oral health.
Awareness has been growing in recent years about the link between oral health and general health, including how poor oral health can lead to adverse health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, birth complications, and even Alzheimer’s disease. This awareness has contributed to the growing demand for dental hygienists, making this an ideal time to enter the profession. For those who are interested in becoming a dental hygienist, pursuing dental hygienist training is essential.
What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
Dental hygienists primarily focus on preventive oral health care. They examine and clean patients’ teeth and gums and educate them on ways to improve their oral health, such as by changing their diet or employing proper brushing and flossing techniques. Their work plays an important role in helping patients minimize their risk for cavities and gum disease.
Dental hygienists generally work under the supervision of a dentist. However, some hygienists may have more autonomy than others, depending on the state where they work.
Although the precise scope of a dental hygienist’s responsibilities varies by state, there are some tasks that virtually all hygienists perform in the course of a typical day, including the following:
Cleaning patients’ teeth to remove stains, plaque, and tartar
Administering sealant and fluoride to patients’ teeth to help protect them
Examining patients’ teeth and gums to assess their oral health and report findings to dentists
Documenting details of patients’ visits, including the care and treatments administered
Advising patients on strategies for improving their oral health
Sterilizing and organizing dental tools and equipment
Dental hygienists use many different types of tools in their work. They remove stains and plaque from patients’ teeth using an air polisher, which sprays a combination of air, water, and baking soda. They use another type of polisher, similar to an electric toothbrush, to polish patients’ teeth and a scaler to remove plaque.
Additionally, dental hygienists use X-ray machines to take pictures of patients’ teeth to look for signs of tooth or jaw problems. In many states, hygienists can also administer local anesthesia, such as novocaine, before procedures.
Dental Hygienist vs. Dental Assistant
While dental hygienists and dental assistants both work in dental offices, and their duties may occasionally overlap, their roles are quite different.
Dental assistants prepare dental equipment for use by dentists and hygienists and may assist them during procedures, such as by handing them dental tools or sterilizing instruments. They also perform many administrative tasks, including scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and processing payments.
Dental hygienists generally have more direct clinical contact with patients and perform more advanced procedures. They also typically have fewer administrative responsibilities compared to dental assistants.
Steps to Become a Dental Hygienist
Aspiring dental hygienists need to complete a few key steps in order to enter the profession, primarily related to education and licensure. Although the process may vary slightly depending on where an individual lives and the requirements in their state, the pathway to becoming a dental hygienist generally entails the following:
1. Complete a Dental Hygienist Program
Prospective dental hygienists need to either complete a training program or earn a degree, typically an associate degree. Dental hygiene programs must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), part of the American Dental Association (ADA). Graduating from an accredited program is a prerequisite for state licensure and certification examination eligibility.
Dental hygiene programs explore foundational subjects such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, medical ethics, and periodontics (the study of gum disease). They typically balance traditional classroom instruction, laboratory work, and hands-on clinical training with supervised patient care hours.
2. Develop Key Skills
Through education and training, individuals can gain the skills needed to become dental hygienists. These skills include:
Attention to detail: Dental hygienists need to be skilled at paying close attention to patients’ teeth and gums and identifying any potential issues or abnormalities. They have to record their findings and report them to dentists, who use hygienists’ insights to inform patients’ care plans.
Communication: Dental hygienists interact with patients, dentists, and other dental professionals. They must be able to clearly convey information about patients’ oral health and at times provide oral hygiene education, while also conveying empathy for patients who may be anxious about receiving dental treatment.
Dexterity: Hygienists work in tight spaces on a small part of the body, using small tools and instruments, so they need to be able to be precise to avoid injuring patients or themselves.
3. Pass Required Examinations
After completing a dental hygiene program, prospective hygienists must pass written and clinical examinations to be eligible for licensure. All dental hygienists need to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). In addition, they need to pass a state-level or regional clinical board examination.
4. Obtain a State License
Once they have completed a training or degree program and passed the necessary examinations, aspiring dental hygienists are eligible for state licensure. Although specific requirements vary by state, all states require dental hygienists to be licensed. As with many other medical licenses, dental hygiene licenses must be maintained by completing continuing education requirements, which also vary by state.
Job Outlook for Dental Hygienists
Several factors are expected to contribute to the increase in demand for dental hygienists in the coming years, which should create plenty of opportunities for those pursuing a career in dental hygiene. Dental hygienist jobs are projected to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032, creating more than 16,000 new jobs over that period, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The BLS also projects there will be approximately 16,400 job openings for dental hygienists each year, on average, over the decade.
As the population of older adults (65 and above) in the U.S. continues to grow, there will be an even greater need for many types of healthcare services and the professionals who perform them, including dental hygienists. The public’s increasing awareness of the link between oral health and general health and improved access to oral hygiene services will also contribute to the demand for hygienists.
Additionally, more hygienists will be needed as state laws increasingly permit them to work at the top of their training, enabling them to perform more advanced procedures with less oversight. Several states have also passed legislation to form an interstate licensure compact that allows licensed dentists and dental hygienists to use their licenses to practice in any participating state.
Embark on a Rewarding Career in Dental Hygiene
Dental hygienists play a vital role in maintaining and improving oral health. With nearly half of all Americans age 30 and older affected by some form of gum disease, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, it’s no wonder these professionals are in demand.
If you are interested in helping people improve their oral health, the Dental Hygiene training program at Fortis can help you develop the skills and expertise you will need to become a dental hygienist. Our program balances classroom instruction, laboratory work, and small group hands-on skill development to provide you with plenty of opportunities to hone your skills in a real-world clinical environment. We offer the program at our schools in five states, so you have multiple pathways to a career in this field.
Launch your career in dental hygiene today with Fortis.
Recommended Readings
What Dental Hygienists Wish They Knew When They Were Students
Role of Dental Hygienists and Assistants in Pediatric Dental Care
Work-Life Balance of a Dental Hygienist