When considering a career in dental hygiene, the dental hygienist salary is a crucial factor. An important member of the dental team, dental hygienists are in charge of cleaning teeth and instructing patients on how to maintain proper oral hygiene. To make sure that patients receive the finest care possible, they collaborate closely with dentists. We’ll talk about the different facets of becoming a dental hygienist in this post, such as the college courses taken, the job duties, and the pay.
A rewarding and prosperous career in dental hygiene is possible. In order to give patients both preventative and rehabilitative care, dental hygienists collaborate closely with dentists. They perform X-rays, perform teeth cleanings, and instruct patients on how to practice proper dental hygiene. Dental hygienists also assist patients with particular needs, like those who have HIV or diabetes.
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Who is a Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a licensed professional who works alongside a dentist to provide preventative and therapeutic care for patients. In order to give patients preventative and rehabilitative care, a dental hygienist collaborates with a dentist. They are in charge of doing X-rays, cleaning patients’ teeth, and instructing them on how to practice proper oral hygiene. Dental hygienists also assist patients with particular needs, like those who have HIV or diabetes.
Courses a Dental Hygienist Studies in College
To become a dental hygienist, one must first complete an accredited dental hygiene program. These programs typically take two to three years to complete and include courses such as:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Dental Materials
- Dental Radiology
- Clinical Dental Hygiene
Dental Hygienist Job Description
Dental hygienists have a variety of responsibilities, including:
- Cleaning teeth
- Taking X-rays
- Educating patients on how to maintain good oral hygiene
- Creating treatment plans for patients
- Working with patients who have special needs
- Performing research
Annual Average and High Dental Hygienist Salary
The annual average salary for a dental hygienist is around $74,820, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the pay can differ significantly based on factors like location, experience, and education. A dental hygienist may earn over $100,000 annually in high pay.
Projected Job Growth of Dental Hygienists
The career prospects for dental hygienists are anticipated to grow by 11% by 2028, which is substantially quicker than the average rate. An aging population and a greater emphasis on preventative care are to blame for this.
What is the Dental Hygienist’s Salary in Relation to Other Jobs Like It?
In the United States, a dental hygienist’s median annual compensation is expected to be over $76,000 in 2022. This salary is typically higher than that of other healthcare jobs with a similar level of responsibility, like a medical assistant or dental assistant. Although it is less than a dentist’s salary, which hovers around $150,000 annually.
Due to their level of education and training, dental hygienists typically make more money than workers in comparable positions. Before they can start working, dental hygienists must complete a two-year associate degree program and pass a national board exam. To keep their licenses, they must also finish continuing education programs.
The demand for dental hygienists’ services is another aspect that influences their greater pay. The need for dental hygienists is anticipated to increase in the upcoming years due to an older population and a growing focus on preventative treatment. Dental hygienists also frequently work in private practices, which frequently pay more than other kinds of healthcare facilities.
Conclusion
A rewarding and prosperous career in dental hygiene is possible. An important member of the dental team, dental hygienists are in charge of cleaning teeth and instructing patients on how to maintain proper oral hygiene. To make sure that patients receive the finest care possible, they collaborate closely with dentists. A career in dental hygiene is a solid option for people who are interested in the profession, with an average annual pay of about $74,820 and a predicted job increase of 11%.
