If you happened to find this article, you probably want to know all about the job of a dental hygienist and earning a salary as a dental hygienist. You should know from the start that working as a hygienist in a dental practice is a good career option with great job security and a great salary offer.
A dental hygienist is a licensed healthcare professional who works alongside a licensed dentist to educate and treat patients about oral health care. These professional people work on the principle that before the worst happens, you should make sure it doesn’t happen by taking preventative measures early on. These preventive measures include cleaning the teeth and gums of plaque and tartar, including possible bacteria that can cause oral disease. Read more here about this article.
Hygienists at a dental office may also take X-rays of the patient’s mouth to provide a more informed treatment. They also offer fluoride treatments, apply sealants, and advise patients on proper care of their teeth and gums.
As in most other occupations, the salary of the dental hygienist is influenced by the work environment and the place where the person will work and by the years of their work experience. The salary this type of hygienist makes provides a steady stream of income that’s always a breath of fresh air for people worried about the ongoing economy (with unemployment still in the double digits).
Due to the growing need for qualified oral care professionals, many facilities are looking for dental hygienists. In fact, this profession is growing much faster than average due to a number of factors, chief among which is the growing awareness of preventive oral procedures. There is a lot of research that points to the link between good oral health and overall health, which is why there are many people who are more conscious of taking care of their teeth and gums.
The law of supply and demand clearly states that prices rise when demand exceeds supply. In this case, the demand for such licensed dentists is greater than the number of licensed hygienists, hence the higher salary of dental hygienists (due to competition to hire the best hygienists).
For comparison, the median annual salary for a dental hygienist in the United States is $67,860 based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics report “Occupational Employment and Wages” updated May 2009. The 50% median of this salary for medical assistants is $67,340 per year.
The requirements to become a licensed dental hygienist vary by state, but typically include a high school diploma, completion of an accredited dental hygiene program, and passing the National Dental Hygiene Examination Board for your license.
Jennifer Calderon 