By As a dental hygienist, you will help patients in a range of settings, from community-based practices to hospitals. You will often be dealing with patients who are apprehensive after a life-changing operation. Dental hygiene positions require good communication skills and good people skills. Typically, you will need five GCSEs and two or three A-levels, or a recognised dental nursing qualification.
If you’re planning to become a dental hygienist, you must meet certain education and licensing requirements. With an associate or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, you can start the process by passing licensure exams. This will enable you to begin practicing as a dental hygienist.
Career outlook
A career as a dental hygienist has a bright future. As the need for dental care grows, jobs for hygienists are expected to grow. Compared to other occupations, their growth is faster than the national average. The salary range for dental hygienists is $67,159 to $ 72,910 per year, with the lowest paying ten percent earning less than $50,870 and the highest paid ten percent earning over $ 100,170. Benefits for dental hygienists vary widely and may only be available to full -time employees.
A dental hygienist is a valuable member of the dental team. This role provides crucial services to patients, and they often spend more time with patients than a dentist. The job outlook for dental hygienists is positive, with a six percent growth in employment from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the job market may not be as stable as other occupations.
Education requirements
The education requirements to become a dental hygienist vary slightly depending on your location and school. You must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be accepted into dental hygiene programs. The education program will also require you to complete your CPR certification, which some schools require before you can start clinical practice. In some places, you can earn an associate degree or even a bachelor’s degree.
The education requirements to become a dental hygienist are fairly similar. Generally, an associate’s degree program lasts approximately two years, and it’s possible to complete the program in 15 to 18 months. During this time, you’ll complete clinical coursework and pass a board exam. However, before you begin your clinical practicum, you should be certified in CPR and other first aid and emergency procedures.
Salary
A dental hygenist’s salary is largely dependent on the area where they work. Some areas are much more expensive than others, and the cost of living can significantly affect their salary. A dental hygienist salary in a low-cost city is considerably lower than that of a high -cost city. This article aims to give you an idea of the potential earning potential in different areas.
A dental hygienist’s work is primarily clinical, but some may choose to work in other fields such as education, research, government, and public health. As with most health occupations, a dental hygenist’s hours may vary depending on the type of setting they work in. While dental hygienists normally work full-time, their salaries may vary based on their experience and the type of employer they work for.
With all of the benefits that a career in dental hygiene has to offer, it may seem hard to believe that many people who meet the education requirements never become dental hygienists. If you have an interest in the field, make sure the requirements aren’t something that will stop you from achieving your goal. Take all of the steps necessary so you are prepared to succeed at each step on your journey. Just as valuable, when considering a career as a dental hygienist, think about the skills and qualities necessary for success in this field. These are things like excellent listening skills, patience, and interpersonal skills. Make sure you are prepared at each stage for the challenges that lie ahead. And finally, decide what kind of work environment is best for you. Dental hygienists who enjoy working in groups choose careers that bring them closer to their co-workers and patients. Those who love working alone may prefer to focus on their own projects outside of work hours and rooms where they enjoy privacy when needed. Whatever motivates you, prepare yourself for becoming a dental hygienist by creating plans for how to get through each hurdle so you can begin advancing toward your objective – being a dental hygienist!
