Dental hygiene is a physically and mentally demanding profession. It requires precise movements and excellent time management, interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills. Dental hygienists must be knowledgeable in the dental language and understand the care process being provided to the community. Training programs to become a dental hygienist can be done by earning an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree.
The physical demands of dental hygiene can be taxing. Dental hygienists don't run marathons every day, but they do use their neck, back, arms and hands for very precise movements. This repetitive movement can take its toll over time. Dental hygiene school is fast-paced with many classes per semester and clinics that require many hours of study outside of school hours.
At City Tech, students get the practice hours needed to obtain the dental hygiene license in the patient care clinic, which is supervised by a licensed dental hygienist and dentist. The advantage of a bachelor's degree program is that it prepares you not only to work as a dental hygienist, but also for more advanced positions such as administration, research or teaching. As the population continues to age and people understand that good dental care is key to keeping their teeth, the demand for dental hygienists increases. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities with potential for higher than average salaries. When discussing dental treatment with patients in the dental office, dental hygienists consult them about postoperative instructions for procedures such as tooth extractions. To learn about the requirements for obtaining or renewing a license in your state, contact your state's Board of Dental Examiners. There are challenging aspects of dental hygiene where you'll focus on your head, neck and mouth instead of your entire body.
If you want to know more about exhaustion as a dental hygienist, there are publications available that provide all the information you need. The median salary for a dental hygienist is $74,820 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Dental hygiene is an excellent career choice for those who are interested in a satisfying, well-paid career in health care. If you're considering becoming a dental hygienist, it's important to understand what it entails and what kind of training is required.
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