A dental hygienist is primarily responsible for the cleaning of a patient’s teeth.  During the cleaning of the teeth the hygienist removes the soft and hard deposits from the teeth while examining the gums in order to record any noticeable disease or abnormality.  They may also perform a number of additional tasks such as the removal of calculus, stains and plaque, they do root planning as therapy for periodontal patients, take and develop x-rays and apply fluoride and sealants.  Hygienists normally perform accelerated tasks that require special training but in some instances they may assist the doctor with duties normally performed by the dental assistant.  These tasks could include administering anesthetics, application of filling materials, periodontal dressings, removal of sutures and the smoothing and polishing of metal restorations.

It is also the job of the hygienist to education patients on the practice of good oral hygiene.  They instruct on the proper brushing techniques that include brushing near the gum line and both sides of the tooth and inform patients on flossing importance and use.  It is with the hygienist that many people learn about preventative dental care.  Children are often taught the importance of proper brushing and flossing also.  The hygienist may also implement strategies in conjunction with the patient to develop and maintain good oral health.  They explain the correlation between diet and oral health and are also instrumental is helping a patient choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste.

There are a number of instruments used by a dental hygienist.  There are hand and rotary instruments that are used to clean and polish teeth that require technique to use safely.  The use of a syringe is prevalent for the use of anesthetics so it is important for a hygienist to be knowledgeable about measurements when administering drugs.  Dental hygienists are also required to understand the workings of the x-ray machine in order to properly take dental pictures for a closer look at the dental work.  In explaining oral hygiene, it may also be necessary for a hygienist to use a model of teeth as a display.

Dental hygienists must also be informed and educated as to the proper safety devices that may be used.  When using the x-ray machine it is important to follow procedure precisely so as not to cause harm to oneself or the patient.  Safety glasses, surgical masks and gloves are also worn to protect against any infectious diseases and to maintain a sanitary workplace.

Dental hygienists must be licensed in order to obtain a position in a dental office.  In order to become licensed, it is mandatory for individuals to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school as well as pass a written and clinical test.  Every state requires the same passing score on the tests that are administered and monitored by the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.  Some states may also require a candidate to successfully pass an exam that pertains directly to the legal aspects of a dental hygienist.

Dental hygienist programs are offered at certification programs, vocational or community colleges and universities.  Along with a successful test score, applicants must also have a minimum of an associate’s degree or a 2-year certification.  This basically allows a hygienist to work in a private dental office.  Those hygienists who are interested in specializing in research, training or clinical practice in public or school health programs must maintain at least a bachelor’s degree and sometimes a master’s degree.

In order to be admitted into a program for dental hygienists, a high school diploma and college entrance test scores are required.  There are many dental hygienist programs that prefer their applicants to have at least a minimum of 1 year of college before enrolling.  At times there may even be a waiting list.  Students in the program are educated in laboratory, clinical, and classroom instruction.  They learn anatomy, physics, chemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, histology, period ontology and pathology.  There is also specific instruction that is geared toward aspects of dental hygiene as well as dental equipment and materials
It is necessary for hygienists to work well with other as well as an understanding of customer service.  Social and behavioral sciences are also required courses.  These courses touch on situations dealing with people and are supposed to help hygienists work with the public.

There is little room for error when it comes to being a hygienist.  This means that it is mandatory for hygienists to be familiar with dental tools, instruments, materials and equipment.  Safety precautions will ensure that there is no harm caused.  The clinical evaluation or examination is established to verify the competence of candidates who seek to be hygienists.  In order to obtain a position in a dental office it is mandatory that this section of the test is passed as well.  Along with the knowledge in written form, it is necessary for candidates to prove their skills with a hands-on evaluation.

One of the major attractions and benefits to being a dental hygienist is the ability to set a specific schedule.  Dental hygienists typically work 2-3 days a week when it is convenient for them.  Dental office receptionist will schedule appointments for patients based on the availability of the hygienist.  Salaries, in this case may depend on how busy the dental office is, and how many days a week the hygienist is available to work.  It is possible to be employed for an office that has the need for a hygienist on a daily basis just as it is common to work in an office that only schedules patients for these procedures on specific days of the week.  The ability to earn more or less is often times up to the individual hygienist.

Dental hygienist’s have the potential to earn a substantial yearly salary.  Once again, they are responsible for establishing their own schedule in most offices.  The average yearly salary will depend on many things such as education level and scheduling, but it is also common to be compensated differently based on the city or state of residence. 

Hygienists typically earn in the range of $41,300 per year to $65,870 per year depending on the state of occupancy.  Here is a breakdown of some individual states and the average yearly earning associated with the work of a dental hygienist.

California     $55,020 per year

Ohio      $45,180 per year

Florida     $44,000 per year

Minnesota     $51,560 per year

New York     $47,600 per year

Washington     $65,870 per year

The actual city of employment will also significantly affect the yearly wages.  Many cities pay in accordance to the cost of living associated with it.  Dental offices and private practices will charge patients accordingly.  Here is a breakdown of some cities and average yearly salaries.

Denver     $50,000 per year

Nashville     $50,000 per year

Richmond     $60,000 per year

San Antonio     $45,000 per year

Austin      $45,000per year
Virginia Beach     $47,500 per year

It is important to also note that different offices will charge different prices, therefore affecting the amount a hygienist makes per year.  Before applying to a specific office, this may be a detail to compare.  Those hygienists who are looking to increase their yearly salaries may do so by continuing their education for a chance to earn more by researching or teaching.  Those who excel at responsibility and capability may also choose to seek supervisory or management positions.  Education is essential in this business as may be continued learning on advancements in technology.