Dental Hygienist

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Work Tasks

• Do dental cleanings and tell patients how to take good care of their teeth
• Take x-rays
• Put on periodontal dressings and take out stitches
• Show people how to brush, floss, and use floss threaders
• Work in dental offices and clinics, hospitals, schools, research centers, and dental manufacturing companies
• Work with dental instruments, dental cleaning equipment, fluoride, sealants, and x-ray equipment

Salary, Size & Growth

• $69,000 average per year ($33.25 per hour)
• A large occupation (177,500 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (3.6% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 2-year degree in dental hygiene
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year degree in dental hygiene, or a master's degree for research and teaching
• Skills/Courses: College courses include dental hygiene and related subjects.
• Certification/Licensing: Dental hygienists must be licensed by the state in which they practice.