Dental Hygienist Career, Training and Employment Information.Parts 2

*Career job information for job seekers and find good  employment  job

There were some 265 dental hygiene programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation in 2002. An associate degree is offered by the majority of programs, though some award bachelor’s and master’s degrees or certificates. To practice in a private dental office requires at least an associate degree or certificate. A four-year or advanced degree is typically necessary to teach, research, or work in public health programs.

One year of college experience was preferred by approximately half of hygiene programs. Subjects studied during hygiene school include physiology, microbiology, radiography, gum diseases (periodontology), dental material, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition, clinical dental hygiene, and tissue structure (histology).

Pre-dental hygiene students should pursue courses of study in life sciences and math. Interpersonal skills and good manual dexterity are essential skills for hygienists.

Dental Hygienist Job and Employment Opportunities

Demand for hygienists is expected to increase at significantly faster than average as more people seek dental care and hygienists take over roles previously filled by dentists. Through 2012 dental hygiene is projected to be one of the fastest growing employment fields.

Demand will also be spurred as the population grows and more people keep their natural teeth. Newer dentists are more likely to employ hygienists than are older dentists who will be retiring soon. Increased work loads for dentists will translate into more opportunities for hygienists as dentists will need more help to keep up with the growth.

Historical Earnings Information

The highest and lowest ten percent of hygienists earned about $40 and $17 per hour, respectively. The middle quartiles earned between $21.96 and $32.48 an hour. The median earnings in 2002 were $26.59 per hour.

Payment options for hygienists may include salary, hourly, daily, or on commission. Pay rate is affected by location, experience, and type of employment.

Hygienists employed by governmental agencies typically receive excellent benefits. Those employed with private offices may or may not receive benefits, usually depending on full time status. Nine out of ten full time hygienists had dental coverage, while nearly all had paid time off.

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