what are the benefits of being a dental hygienist

The Benefits of Being a Dental Hygienist

• Sense of Security. Not only are opportunities for registered dental hygienists abundant now, but there are no signs of this career field slowing down anytime soon.
• Feeling Good About What You Do. Those looking for a job that they can feel good about will find work as a dental hygienist gratifying.
• It Never Gets Old. ...
• Pursuing the Dream. ...

Full Answer

What are some advantages of being a dental hygienist?

TOP PROS OF BEING A DENTAL HYGIENIST

1. Your schooling will be minimum Yes, you will need to attend school in order to become a dental hygienist. ...
2. You will have a competitive salary. As a dental hygienist, you can expect to earn a reasonably competitive salary. ...
3. You will have a positive job outlook. ...
4. You do not have to work holidays. ...
5. You will not have to work nights. ...

More items...

Can you make a living as a dental hygienist?

While you don’t have to pursue a four-year degree to enter the field, dental hygienists work reliable hours and make a comfortable living, with an average national income of $77,000 a year. For those who don’t know, hygienists are assistants to dentists, who provide support for dental health. The most important tasks they perform include:

Is becoming a dental hygienist worth it?

but decided it was worth the travel to ... professors work with students on becoming great clinicians in addition to learning all the ins and outs of dental hygiene. How? Each student has to ...

How long doesit take to become a dental hygienist?

The completion of all educational requirements in a dental hygienist program will typically take between two and four years. Students can expect to take coursework in anatomy, physiology, immunology and pathology.

What are the cons of being a dental hygienist?

Pros and cons of being a dental hygienistPRO: Growing employment. The field of dental hygiene is displaying a projection of rapid growth. ... CON: Lacking career variety. ... PRO: The salary. ... CON: Can be monotonous. ... PRO: Schooling is minimal. ... CON: Occasional unpleasant patients. ... PRO: Flexible scheduling.

Is it worth it to be a dental hygienist?

A career in dental hygiene is rewarding and challenging in equal measures. Qualifying in this profession opens up a range of opportunities in various work settings and with both part and full-time jobs on offer. Dental hygiene is definitely a good career. Many things about this profession can never go unnoticed.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a dental hygienist?

Pros and Cons of Being a Dental HygienistPRO: Growing employment. The field of dental hygiene is growing rapidly. ... CON: Not much career variety. ... PRO: Great salary. ... CON: Can be repetitive. ... PRO: Minimal schooling. ... CON: Occasionally unpleasant patients. ... PRO: Flexibility.

Why I quit being a dental hygienist?

In a 2019 survey of dental hygienists, 43% cited not feeling valued or respected as one of the primary reasons they would seek a new job within the next year. “Burnout” and feelings of frustration due to overly restrictive state practice acts were other reasons hygienists cited for deciding to leave the field.

Where do dental hygienist get paid the most?

Here are the top five states that pay dental hygienists the highest based on annual mean wage:Alaska — $115,050.California — $109,970.Washington — $95,450.Nevada — $89,360.New Jersey — $88,150.

Is dental School Hard?

The dental school admissions process is competitive and growing more difficult every year. While the number of dental schools is consistently increasing, so too are the average GPAs and DAT scores of successful applicants.

What are some interesting facts about being a dental hygienist?

Ten facts you may not know about Dental Hygienists.They have been in the profession for quite some time. ... They go through a lot of education. ... They take national board examinations. ... They can inject anesthesia. ... They don't just work in dental offices. ... They can sometimes do fillings on patients. ... It's a physical job.More items...

Can dental hygienists have nails painted?

For these reasons, it is wise to refrain from wearing artificial nails. In addition to maintaining short nails and avoiding artificial nails, hygienists should avoid wearing nail polish.

Is dental hygiene stressful?

More than half of dental hygienists feel stressed by their jobs on a daily or weekly basis, and 67% believe a supervisor or workload is the cause of the stress, according to a survey conducted by RDH eVillage in January 2015. A silver lining is that the stress does not spill over into dental hygienists' personal lives.

Can dental hygienist have tattoos?

Common Tattoo & Piercing Policies for Dental Professionals No tattoos on the hands, face, or neck. No offensive tattoos. A limit on the number of visible tattoos.

Do robots replace dental hygienists?

Dental Hygienists Won't Be Replaced But there is no danger of dental hygienists being totally replaced by computers or robots. As long as there are human beings in need of dental hygiene services, there will be a demand for humans as dental hygienists.

What is the benefit of being a dental hygienist?

Another benefit of being a dental hygienist is that it is a family-friendly career .

Why is it important to be a dental hygienist?

Because a dental hygienists’ clientele includes all ages, it is important to be able to keep each client at ease. They need to be comfortable and outgoing while performing oral exams. A quiet, impersonal hygienist may make patients feel uncomfortable or nervous.

Why do dental hygienists clean teeth?

That is the sound of a dental instrument being used to clean the client’s teeth! A dental hygienist improves the clients overall health when cleaning their teeth. They can help to prevent illnesses and lower the risk of diseases during each examination.

What makes a good dental hygienist?

Dental hygienists benefit from a friendly relationship with each patient, and the ability to personally remember him or her is helpful. Being able to communicate effectively with clients set a good dental hygienist apart from the rest.

What does it mean to be independent in dental?

One who is interested in this career can find inspiration from the following quote: “Being independent means writing one’s own story each day.”.

What is the best GPA for dental hygiene?

“The key to success is hard work and determination.”. A GPA of 3.8 or higher is necessary to apply to ...

Do dental hygienists work on weekends?

Dental hygienists work Monday through Friday; they do not normally work weekends or holidays because most dentist offices are closed. Mrs. Maddie Irwin, a dental hygienist for 27 years said, “It has great hours and I never work nights, weekends or holidays”.

Benefits Of Being A Dental Hygienist

Are you getting all of the benefits you should be as a dental hygienist? Do you feel as though your pay is competitive? Do you have a flexible work schedule? Well, we go over everything you should be receiving as a dental hygienist. Or..... If you’re considering becoming a dental hygienist, then you are probably already interested in the dental field..

Competitive Pay

Although pay can vary depending on your geographic location, the average for being a dental hygienist pays fairly well.

An Always Needed Field

Oral health care will always be a needed field. By always needed, we mean it will always be needed on a global level.

Employment Growth Rate Increasing

One of the most important things to consider when going into any field, or career, is whether or not you will actually be able to find a job in the position you want.

Helping Someone Everyday

This is typically one of the largest motivating factors when it comes to reasons to go into the dental field. Most hygienists when asked will say that they went into becoming a dental hygienist so that they could help people every day.

Work Schedules To Fit Your Life

Becoming a dental hygienist allows you to work around whatever schedule works for you. There are plenty of practices that will allow you to work only weekends if you want, or never work weekends if that works better for your schedule.

Next Steps

So now that you may be interested in becoming a dental hygienist, you can check out some more of our information regarding the position.

What are the pros and cons of being a dental hygienist?

They may not get the same status and recognition of dentists, but dental hygienists commonly spend more time with patients than dentists do, performing basic dental care. They provide routine cleaning and fluoride treatments, do X-rays, and check for common tooth and gum diseases.

Why do dentists need hygienists?

One of the benefits of being a dental hygienist is the role they play in preventing tooth problems and gum disease. The cleaning treatments and check-ups are only part of their contributions. They also provide information and education to patients before and after appointments. A patient experiencing some basic wearing or irritation, for instance, might get advice on how to protect against teeth grinding or other factors that lead to tooth decay. Hygienists are also valued by the dental team. Dentists typically recognize their value in the office and realize that they help attract patients with their personality and talent.

How much does a dental hygienist make?

The dental hygienist salary is generous. They earned an average wage of $76,220 per year as of May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some hygienists earn much more, though. The top 10 percent of earners made annual salaries at or above $103,340, and the lowest paid earners made $53,130.

What degree do you need to become a dental hygienist?

They provide routine cleaning and fluoride treatments, do X-rays, and check for common tooth and gum diseases. Dental hygienists must complete an associate degree program and obtain licensing in their state.

Why is it important to be a successful hygienist?

For this reason, successful hygienists typically enjoy the opportunity to interact with lots of different people each day. Over time, they get to build relationships with the office's regular clients. Appointments include opportunities for casual conversation and rapport building.

How much will the number of dental hygienists increase in 2029?

The bureau projected a six percent increase in jobs for hygienists from now until 2029. Many dental offices offer evening and weekend appointments adding to flexible employment schedules, according to the American Dental Association.

What degree do I need to become a dental hygienist?

PRO: Schooling is minimal. A dental hygienist career requires minimal schooling; those with an associate degree in Dental Hygiene can qualify. This means that you can usually enter the career field quickly.

How much will dental hygiene increase in the future?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that employment of dental hygienists is projected to increase by 20 percent between 2016-2026 —much faster than average.¹

Can a dental hygienist work full time?

Often, dental hygienists have the option for full-time or part-time work. The BLS reports that about half of dental hygienists worked part time in 2016. 4 So, your schedule may be pliable if your employer allows it.

1. Patient health partnerships

Working as a dental hygienist allows you to build relationships with patients who regularly come into the office. Hygienists provide one-on-one care, establish trust and shape patient ideas of oral health and oral health professionals through their care.

2. Ability to help others

Dental hygienists often choose their job because of their ability to help patients manage their overall health through dental practices. A hygienist has the opportunity to educate patients about effective oral health practices including the best ways to care for their teeth and gums.

3. Multiple opportunities for advancement

After earning an associate degree or a certificate in dental hygiene, you're eligible to work as a dental hygienist. However, once you gain experience on the job, you can also continue your education with a bachelor's or master's degree in your field.

4. Competitive wages

After completing their education and certifications, dental hygienists earn a competitive wage, even while working flexible hours. The national average salary for dental hygienists is $79,272 per year with the hourly amount depending on a hygienist's location and experience.

5. Increased job opportunities

The United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) predicts a 6% average growth in job opportunities for this profession, which is faster than many other careers.

6. Schedule flexibility

Another positive reason to work as a hygienist is the flexible work hours common to the job. Many dentists hire part-time employees, allowing hygienists the flexibility to balance a family and a career if they choose. Hygienists can also find full-time and per diem work on weekends or in emergency dental offices.

7. Steady employment

Job stability is also an important factor in choosing to work as a dental hygienist. Once you've established yourself as a hygienist, you're likely to find a position if you decide to move to another dental practice.

What are the benefits of being a dental hygienist?

Dental hygienists may receive a range of benefits through their employers, including paid vacations, sick leave, insurance coverage, dues for professional memberships, and tuition support for continued education. The extent of your benefits often depends on your employer, and whether you are a full-time or part-time employee.

Why is dental hygienist important?

Becoming a dental hygienist is an attractive choice for many reasons, from competitive salaries and flexible schedules to the satisfaction that comes from doing hands-on work that helps people live healthier lives.

How much does a dental hygienist make?

In fact, in the United States, the median dental hygienist salary is $74,820 per year, or almost $36 an hour 5.

Why is the demand for dental hygienists growing?

The demand for dental hygienists is growing fast. As the population ages and people retain more of their original teeth than past generations, increasing dental care is needed. A better awareness of the importance of preventative dental care is also driving demand for dental services.

What is the dental hygiene program at Carrington College?

Carrington College’s Dental Hygiene program equip s you with the skills you need to provide comprehensive dental hygiene care. Through engaging coursework and hands-on training, you’ll learn how to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and serve patients as a professional in the dental field.

How do dental hygienists work?

Dental hygienists work with numerous patients each day. Even when you are completing similar tasks, each patient will have unique needs, concerns, and challenges. Every patient will involve different interactions, oral care, and dental health education, and you’ll need to be ready to adjust your communication style and methods for each patient. No two days will be exactly alike, and you never know what the day ahead might bring!

How many days a week do dental hygienists work?

Dental hygienists can work in full- or part-time roles, and many hygienists work only a few days a week 4. You could even work in a floating position, where you work at multiple offices throughout the week.

What is a Dental Hygienist?

A dental hygienist is one of the most important members of a dental team. They work closely with dentists, dental assistants, and technicians to provide excellent patient care. Dental hygienists play a vital role in the success of dental practices.

The Bottom Line

Suppose you're considering becoming a dental hygienist there are many things to consider before determining if this career is for you. In that case, it is essential to understand the pros and cons of the profession before deciding to pursue this career.