Health Care Careers Dental Hygienists

Health Care has been one of the fastest growing industries for years and is a trend that is expected to continue according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Another great career choice within the health care profession is a Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienists are in high demand and are licensed health care professionals who promote and support oral health and wellness.  They treat patients on oral hygiene and educate their patients on preventive oral care. The dental hygienist is the dentist’s’ first line of defense against gum disease and other oral diseases and assist in the treatment and care of the patients’ teeth and gums.

Hygienists examine a patient’s oral cavity and adjacent areas removing hard and soft deposits from teeth and provide other preventive dental care. The dental hygienist removes plaque, calculus, and stains from teeth, expose and develop dental X-rays, apply cavity-prevention agents such as fluorides and sealants, and in some states they are licensed to administer local anesthetics and nitrous oxide and perform other functions generally associated with being a dentist.  Dental hygienists also prepare clinical and laboratory tests for the dentist to interpret and work chair-side with the dentist during treatment.

Dental Hygienists earn exceptional incomes based on the highly flexible hours they work.  Often Hygienists work only two or three days a week and have the flexibility to earn more by working in other offices or can spend more time with their families as their jobs don’t require them to work typical full time hours.

If you would like more information on careers that are in high demand, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information on the health care careers and other in-demand professions.  It is a great resource and has tons of information available to research and explore.