Interested in becoming a dental hygienist—what's the job like?

I've thought about becoming a dental hygienist after high school. Can anyone share what the typical responsibilities are and what kind of education or certification is needed for this position?

The role of a dental hygienist involves providing preventive dental care and educating patients on how to maintain good oral health. Some of their key responsibilities include:

- Cleaning teeth by removing tartar, stains, and plaque.

- Applying sealants and fluorides to help protect teeth.

- Taking dental X-rays.

- Assessing patients' oral health and reporting findings to dentists.

- Documenting patient care and treatment plans.

- Educating patients on oral hygiene strategies such as brushing and flossing properly.

As for education, typically, you'll need to obtain an associate degree in dental hygiene. These programs usually take around 3 years to complete and are commonly offered at community colleges, technical schools, or dental schools. The curriculum generally covers topics like anatomy, physiology, nutrition, radiography, and periodontology.

Upon graduating, you will also need to acquire licensure to practice as a dental hygienist. The requirements vary by state but typically involve passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well as a state-specific examination.

In terms of career progression, some dental hygienists may choose to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in dental hygiene. While not always required for clinical practice, these upper-level degrees could open doors to jobs in teaching, research, or in a corporate setting.

Also, keep in mind that being a dental hygienist involves a lot of social interaction, so having good communication skills and a friendly demeanor can be a plus!

Given the clinical nature of the work, dental hygienists often work part-time or varied schedules to accommodate their practice's hours. It's also worth noting that dental hygienists spend a lot of time on their feet and should be comfortable wearing protective equipment, like gloves and safety glasses, for a good portion of their workday.