The job of a dental hygienist is a necessary component of your oral health regimen. In fact, there are a number of facts that most people aren’t aware of about dental hygienists, here are a few.
Facts About Dental Hygienists
A Dental Hygienist Goes Through a TON of Education!
Before getting accepted into a top dental hygiene school, you need at least 2 years of prerequisites. Generally, prerequisites to get accepted into a dental hygienist program include courses like biology, anatomy and physiology and even courses in psychology!
After getting accepted into a dental hygiene program, dental hygienists in training goes through a rigorous training program where they study courses like:
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Radiology
- Preventative Dentistry
- Anesthesia
After becoming a licensed professional, a dental hygienist can continue their education. Dental hygienists often go on to pursue a master’s and even doctoral degree in the dental hygiene profession.
They Can Give an Anesthetic to a Patient
As previously mentioned, dental hygienists take specific courses for pharmacology and anesthesia. Because they take those types of courses, in some states, dental hygienists are permitted to administer local anesthesia to a non-sedated patient who is 18 years of age or older. Under the observation of a licensed Dentist of course.
“Cleaning Teeth” Isn’t the Only Thing They Do
Dental hygienists do much more than clean teeth. These dental professionals do things such as:
- Record medical histories
- Record blood pressure
- Take and develop radiographs
- Check bone levels
- Review and analyze gum health
- Give detailed home care instructions
Outside of those duties, a hygienist performs a personalized “teeth cleaning” based on the patient’s oral requirements.
The Employment Outlook for Dental Hygienists is More Than Promising
The projected employment outlook for dental hygienists is more than promising. In the 10-year period between 2016 and 2026 the projected employment rate for dental hygienists is projected to grow 20 percent annually. At a 20 percent per year growth rate, the job outlook for dental hygienists far exceeds the average growth rate for ALL occupations. As the population gets older, the demand for dental services will increase as there are continued developments in oral hygienic science.
There’s a Difference Between a Dental Hygienist a Dental Assistant and a Dental Technologist
The job of a dental hygienist is to deliver treatment to patients under the general supervision of a licensed dentist. While a dental assistant can perform a limited number of services for the patient. The dental assistant normally assists the dentist at their side. And a dental technologist is not responsible for direct patient treatment. The dental technologist performs procedures that are outlined by a licensed dentist.
Dental Hygienists are Dedicated to Your Oral Care
Dental Hygienists are health care professionals that have decided to make a commitment to the oral health of their patients. Dental Office Training by Lynn is the best place to begin a career in the dental industry. If you are interested in a profession in the allied dental field, give us a call at 317-585-9015.