Do More than Assist as a Dental Hygienist

A dental hygienist is responsible for teaching patients about proper oral care and hygiene, for removing soft and hard deposits from the patient’s teeth, and for providing other types of preventive dental care.  A dental hygienist typically examines the patient’s teeth and gums and makes notations of any abnormalities or diseases he or she observes.  The dental hygienist also removes stains, calculus, and plaque from the patient’s teeth.

A dental hygienist may also perform root planing in the case of periodontal therapy and my take and develop x-rays of patients’ mouths.  In addition, he or she may apply pit and fissure sealants, as well as cavity-preventive agents to the patient’s teeth. 

Other duties of the dental hygienist vary from State to State in accordance with rules and regulations.  Where permitted, the dental hygienist may also administer anesthetics and place and carve temporary fillings, periodontal dressings, and other filling materials.  The dental hygienist may also polish and smooth metal restorations.  In order to perform these duties, the dental hygienist may use rotary and hand instruments, as well as ultrasonics to assist with cleaning and polishing teeth.  He or she may also use x-ray machines and syringes with needles.

There are no states that permit a dental hygienist to diagnose disease. He or she may, however, prepare the laboratory and clinical tests that will be interpreted by the dentist.  In addition, the dental hygienist may work beside the dentist in order to complete procedures.

Aside from directly assisting the dentist, the dental hygienist may also assist patients in the development of an oral health plan.  To do this, the dental hygienist may explain the relationship between oral health and diet.  Or, he or she may teeth patients how to select the right toothbrush or how to properly brush and floss their teeth.  To assist in educating patients, the dental hygienist may use models of teeth.

In order to become a dental hygienist, one must become licensed in the State where he or she works.  In order to obtain the proper licensure, a dental hygienist must graduate from a dental hygiene school and pass a clinical and a written examination.  This exam is provided by the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, but it is administered in regional testing centers. 

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists earned a median hourly salary of $28.05 in 2004.  The highest paid dental hygienists earned more than $40.70 per hour.  The exact earnings of a dental hygienist depends on where the practice is located and the number of years experience the person has.  In addition, some dental hygienists are paid on a salary or commission basis.
Benefits supplied to dental hygienists also vary from practice to practice.  The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that nearly all full time dental hygienists receive paid vacation time.  In addition, the association reports that nine out of ten full and part-time dental hygienists receive dental benefits.  Dental hygienists working for public health agencies, school systems, State agencies, and the Federal government typically receive very attractive benefits packages. 

Another perk to employment as a dental hygienist is the flexible scheduling.  Most dental hygienists can work part-time, full-time, evenings or weekends if they desire.  Most only work two to three days a week, however, and find other employment outside of the dentist office.