Becoming a Dental Hygienist

Did you know a routine oral health examination can uncover signs of numerous conditions, including Cardiovascular Disease, Periodontitis, Pneumonia, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s Disease? [1 ] Pursuing a career as a dental hygienist places you at the forefront of detecting these health issues, contributing significantly to preventative healthcare.

The Path of a Dental Hygienist

Starting a career path as a dental hygienist is a fantastic way to sprinkle a bit of sparkle into the health sector, especially if you have a passion for people and smiles. This path is not just about brightening smiles; it’s a gateway to a stable and fulfilling career where you can genuinely make a difference. Partnering closely with dentists, dental hygienists are the superheroes of oral health, ensuring patients maintain their pearly whites and overall well-being.

If the idea of diving into this career thrills you, then you are in for a treat! It’s a journey packed with learning, hands-on practice, and the joy of teaching others about health. So, if you’re pondering whether this is the path for you, let’s explore what it means to be a dental hygienist, from the nitty-gritty of their daily duties to the steps you’ll need to take to join this vibrant path.

What are the Responsibilities of a Dental Hygienist?

A dental hygienist plays a crucial role in oral health care.. Their primary focus is on preventive care, ensuring patients maintain optimal oral health. Responsibilities include cleaning teeth, examining gums for signs of disease, and educating patients on maintaining good oral hygiene practices. They are skilled in removing plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth and perform thorough flossing to keep the mouth healthy. Additional responsibilities can include:

Probing gums to detect periodontal disease.
Documenting symptoms of oral diseases for the dentist’s evaluation and diagnosis.
Checking for swelling in the lymph nodes and signs of oral cancer.
Applying local anesthetics before procedures when necessary and if permissible with their provincial/states guidelines
Utilizing a variety of tools, including hand, power, and ultrasonic instruments.
Conducting dental X-rays.
Ensuring dental equipment is cleaned, sterilized, and properly organized.
Applying decay-preventing agents like fluorides.
Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

What skills are essential for a successful dental hygienist?

Communication: Effective communication is key not only for explaining dental procedures but also for educating patients about oral hygiene practices. It’s important to convey information clearly and empathetically to ensure patients feel informed and at ease.
Understanding and Kindness: It’s important to be kind and understand your clients’/patients’ feelings. This helps them feel comfortable and trust you, making their dental visits better.
Adaptability: The dental field is continuously evolving with new technologies and treatments. Being adaptable and open to learning is essential for keeping up-to-date with industry standards and delivering the best care possible.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Dental hygienists often work closely with dentists, dental assistants, and other healthcare professionals. The ability to collaborate effectively ensures comprehensive care to the patient/client.
Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach is required to identify and record various dental conditions. Spotting subtle signs of oral health issues can be pivotal in early diagnosis and treatment.
Critical Thinking: The ability to assess, evaluate, and develop personalized oral hygiene care plans for patients is fundamental. This involves interpreting dental histories, identifying specific needs, and adapting care accordingly.
Dexterity and Precision: Handling delicate tools with precision is vital. Excellent hand-eye coordination is necessary to perform cleanings, take X-rays, and carry out other procedures safely and effectively.

How to Become a Dental Hygienist

To enter the field, completing a recognized program is necessary. Admission to these programs often demands completion of prerequisite courses. A diploma is the foundational requirement for most entering this profession, attainable at accredited community colleges, vocational institutions, or dental hygiene schools, requiring a minimum of two years.

Obtain a License in the United States:

Education: Start by graduating from a dental hygiene program that has been approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Most of these programs offer an Associate’s Degree.
National Exam: Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), which tests your understanding of dental hygiene and sciences.

State Exam: You also need to pass a clinical exam that varies by state, showing you can do the job well.
Get Licensed: Apply for a license in the state where you want to work. This step might include background checks and proving you know CPR.
Keep Learning: To maintain your dental hygienist license, you’ll need to engage in regular continuing education, which varies by location. Additionally, if you’re interested in expanding your career to include research, teaching, or administrative roles, pursuing a master’s degree in dental hygiene could be beneficial. Continuing education is crucial for all dental hygienists, not only to keep their licenses active but also to stay informed about the latest developments and practices in oral health care.

Obtain a License in Canada:

Education: Complete a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). These are usually Diploma or Bachelor’s degree programs.

National Exam: Pass the National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam (NDHCE) to show you understand dental hygiene practices and ethics.
Register Locally: You must register with the dental hygiene regulatory authority in the province where you plan to work. Some places might ask for more tests.
Jurisprudence/Ethics Exam: Some provinces require an additional test on local laws and professional ethics.
Continuous Learning: Like in the U.S., you’ll need to engage in ongoing education to maintain your ability to practice, based on provincial requirements.

Training combines classroom learning, laboratory work, and hands-on clinical practice with supervised patient care. Specialization in caring for specific patient groups, such as children, adults, the elderly, or those with special needs, is also an option.

Selecting a Dental Hygienist School

When choosing a school for dental hygiene, verifying that the institution holds accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in the U.S. or the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) in Canada is paramount. This accreditation confirms the program’s adherence to the standards required for dental hygiene education.

Dental Hygienist School Subjects

Dental hygiene programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical skills. Below are key components of the curriculum in dental hygiene programs:

Anatomy and Physiology: Fundamental understanding of the human body, focusing on the structures and functions that are relevant to dental health.
Pharmacology: Study of drugs and their effects on the body, with a special emphasis on medications commonly used in dental practices.
Periodontology: In-depth exploration of gum diseases, focusing on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment methods.
Radiography: Training in the use of radiographic imaging in dentistry, including safety protocols and interpretation of images.
Clinical Dental Hygiene Practices: Core practices in dental hygiene, emphasizing patient care, dental cleaning techniques, and preventative measures.
Dental Materials: Study of materials used in dental procedures, covering their properties, uses, and manipulation.
Professional Ethics: Examination of ethical issues and professional conduct in the dental field, promoting integrity and ethical decision-making. Exploration of ethical principles in the context of healthcare, emphasizing patient rights, confidentiality, and treatment.
Pathology: Study of diseases affecting the oral cavity and surrounding structures, focusing on identification and management. .
Nutrition: Understanding the impact of nutrition on oral health, including dietary recommendations for preventing dental diseases.
Patient/Client Management: Strategies for effectively communicating with and managing patients, including those with special needs or anxiety about dental procedures.
Advanced Topics in Dental Health: Exploration of current theories and research in dental health, potentially including specific dental conditions or innovative treatment methods.

The curriculum’s emphasis on clinical experience allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in treating patients, preparing them for successful careers in dental hygiene.

Job Searching: Starting Your Dental Hygiene Career

A career in dental hygiene offers diverse work environments, such as private dental practices, public health clinics, hospitals, and educational settings. Dental hygienists are vital members of dental care teams, emphasizing preventive care through teeth cleaning, oral disease screenings, and patient education on oral health. Pursuing further education can lead to roles in research, teaching, and administrative positions within the dental field.

After obtaining your dental hygienist license, it’s important to update your resume to reflect your new skills, experiences, and educational background. You can find job openings through various sources, including professional dental organizations, dental school career centers, and online job boards.

To stand out from other new dental hygiene graduates and secure a job, focusing on differentiation through unique skills and experiences is crucial. Gaining additional certifications in areas like local anesthesia, nitrous oxide administration, or laser dentistry can make your application more attractive. Please check with your regulatory body to ensure you are allowed to practice these additional certifications you wish to obtain in your province/state.

Participating in dental hygiene internships or volunteer work can also demonstrate your commitment to the profession and broaden your practical experience. Showcasing your ability to adapt to new technologies and software used in dental practices, along with strong interpersonal and communication skills, can further distinguish you in the job market.

How Much Does a Dental Hygienist Make?

Fresh with knowledge and ready to make a difference, you’re likely curious about the financial rewards awaiting in this vital healthcare role. Salaries for dental hygienists can vary based on location, workplace setting, and experience. However, these figures offer a promising outlook for those just beginning their careers, highlighting the profession’s financial viability alongside its capacity to positively impact patient health and wellbeing.

As of February 15, 2024, dental hygienists in the United States can expect an average salary of $48.51 per hour, with 97,000 salaries reported, reflecting the profession’s lucrative potential. [2]
Meanwhile, in Canada, the average wage is closely matched at $48.18 per hour, based on 6,900 salary reports. [3]

A Future of Happy Smiles for Everyone

Being a dental hygienist is much more than just keeping teeth sparkly; it’s about being a key player in a team that educates and protects clients/patients from dental woes, all while working hand in glove with other dental professionals to ensure everyone’s oral health is top-notch. Having skills like great communication, an eye for the small stuff, and a heart full of empathy are super important in this job.

With some solid prep and a heart full of commitment, you’re all set to become part of a community of dental heroes who are all about keeping smiles healthy across the board. If the idea of a career that’s all about love for what you do and making a real impact gets your heart racing, then stepping into the shoes of a dental hygienist might just be your calling.

References:

[1] “Oral Health: A Window to Your Overall Health.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic Staff, 28 Oct. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475.
[2] “Dental hygienist salary in United States” Indeed, 15 Feb. 2024, https://www.indeed.com/career/dental-hygienist/salaries.
[3] “Dental hygienist salary in Canada” Indeed, 15 Feb. 2024, https://ca.indeed.com/career/dental-hygienist/salaries.