They generally work in tight spaces on a small part of the body, which requires fine motor skills using precise tools and instruments. Interpersonal skills. Dental hygienists work closely with dentists. They also must be considerate in working with patients, especially with those who are sensitive to pain or who have fears about undergoing dental treatment.
Problem-solving skills. Every state requires dental hygienists to be licensed; requirements vary by state. In most states, a degree from an accredited dental hygiene program and passing written and clinical examinations are required for licensure. To maintain licensure, hygienists must complete continuing education requirements. Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.
Source: U. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. In May , the median annual wages for dental hygienists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:. Benefits, such as vacation, sick leave, and retirement contributions, vary by employer and may be available only to full-time workers. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program. Some of the projected employment growth in this occupation is due to recovery from the COVID recession that began in Demand for dental services will increase as the large baby-boom population ages and as people keep more of their original teeth than in previous generations.
Studies linking oral health and general health, along with efforts to expand access to oral hygiene services, will continue to drive demand for preventive dental services, including those performed by hygienists. In addition, demand for dental hygienists is expected to grow as state laws increasingly allow dental hygienists to work at the top of their training. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas.
The link s below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. All state projections data are available at www. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area.
There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code. This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of dental hygienists.
Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals, offices of physicians, and other healthcare facilities. Physician assistants practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers. Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation treatments.
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. Registered nurses RNs provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions. For information about educational requirements and available accredited programs for dental hygienists, visit.
The State Board of Dental Examiners in each state can provide information on licensing requirements. Dental assistants held about , jobs in The largest employers of dental assistants were as follows:. Dental assistants work under the supervision of dentists and work closely with dental hygienists in their day-to-day activities.
Dental assistants wear safety glasses, surgical masks, protective clothing, and gloves to protect themselves and patients from infectious diseases. They also must follow safety procedures to minimize risks associated with x-ray machines. Some states require dental assistants to graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam. Most programs are offered by community colleges, although they also may be offered by vocational or technical schools.
Many dental assisting programs take about 1 year to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. Accredited programs include classroom and laboratory work. Students learn about teeth, gums, jaws, and other areas that dentists work on and the instruments that dentists use. These programs also include supervised practical experience. High school students interested in a career as a dental assistant should take courses in anatomy, biology, and chemistry. Dental assistants who do not have formal education in dental assisting may learn their duties through on-the-job training.
In the office, a dental hygienist, dentist, or experienced dental assistant teaches the new assistant dental terminology, the names of the instruments, how to complete daily tasks, how to interact with patients, and other activities necessary to help keep the dental office running smoothly.
Detail oriented. Dental assistants must follow specific rules and protocols, such as infection control procedures, when helping dentists treat patients.
Dental assistants must be good at working with their hands. They generally work in tight spaces on a small part of the body, using precise tools and instruments. Interpersonal skills. Dental assistants work closely with dentists.
They also must be considerate in working with patients who are sensitive to pain or have a fear of undergoing dental treatment. Listening skills. Dental assistants must pay attention to patients and other healthcare workers. They need to follow directions from a dentist or dental hygienist so they can help treat patients and do tasks, such as taking x rays. Organizational skills. Dental assistants should have excellent organizational skills. They need to have the correct tools in place for a dentist or dental hygienist to use when treating a patient, and they need to maintain patient schedules and office records.
States typically do not require licenses for entry-level dental assistants. Some states require dental assistants to be licensed, registered, or certified for entry or advancement. For example, states may require assistants to meet specific licensing requirements in order to work in radiography x ray , infection control, or other specialties.
States that allow assistants to perform expanded duties, such as coronal polishing, require that they be licensed, registered, or hold certifications from the Dental Assisting National Board DANB. To earn certification from DANB, applicants must pass an exam. The educational requirements for DANB certification are that dental assistants must either have graduated from an accredited program or have a high school diploma and complete the required amount of work experience.
Applicants also must have current certification in CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.
Associate's degree. Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians. Dietitians and Nutritionists. EMTs and Paramedics. Exercise Physiologists. Genetic Counselors. Master's degree. Home Health and Personal Care Aides. High school diploma or equivalent. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. Massage Therapists. Medical Assistants. Medical Records and Health Information Specialists. Medical Transcriptionists.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists. Nursing Assistants and Orderlies. See How to Become One. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians. Occupational Therapists. Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides. Orthotists and Prosthetists. Pharmacy Technicians. Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations.
The State Board of Dental Examiners in each state can provide information on licensing requirements. Dental Hygienists. Last Modified Date: Wednesday, September 8, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. Telephone: www. View this page on regular www. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Summary What Dental Hygienists Do Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene. Job Outlook Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 11 percent from to , faster than the average for all occupations.
Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of dental hygienists with similar occupations. What Dental Hygienists Do Dental hygienists wear safety glasses, surgical masks, and gloves to protect themselves and their patients from diseases.
How to Become a Dental Hygienist Dental hygienists remove tartar and plaque from teeth. Job Outlook Dental Hygienists Percent change in employment, projected Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners. CareerOneStop CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of dental hygienists. Radiation Therapists Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation treatments.
Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. Get data. Dental Assistants. Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records, and schedule appointments. Postsecondary nondegree award. Doctoral or professional degree. Medical Assistants. Physician Assistants. Master's degree.
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