Individuals that are looking for a rewarding career that allows them to help others will find their expectations met by pursuing a job as a dental hygienist. Of course in order to actively take the steps needed to become employed in this position in the dental field, it is helpful to know what a person in this job is required to do as well as the requirements/qualifications an ideal candidate must have.
The role of a dental hygienist is very hands-on and involves working with both patients as well as providing assistance to the dentist. Everyday duties include preparing diagnostic tests for the dentist, updating and charting a patient's oral health history, applying local anesthetics to patients as well as cleaning the patient's teeth during an appointment. Because of their extensive knowledge in oral hygiene, this job also entails educating patients about how to maintain their oral health. Although these responsibilities are similar to that of a dental assistant, it is important to note that the major difference between the two jobs is the education and training required.
Many assistants have previously been trained on the job, although these days, there's a growing number of people who undergo formal training offered by community and junior colleges. These training programs usually take one year to complete and should be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Employers usually hire these formally trained assistants and offer them a higher dental salary. Since most States regulate the functions and duties that medical assistants can perform, they also usually require licensure or registration before any medical assistant can perform these expanded tasks. Certified Dental Assistants, those that have passed the CDA examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), are also typically given priority when it comes to hiring and are given better salary.
The key to becoming successful as a dental hygienist is the education and degree(s) obtained. Individuals that have studied this field typically complete either a two-year associate's degree or a four-year bachelor's degree. In order for dental hygienists to practice professionally, they are also required to get a license through the state they live in, which means meeting an additional set of criteria. Those aiming to achieve a higher salary upon employment in the field even go as far as to complete a master's degree.
Thus, you can estimate how much you can earn, if you presently involve yourself into a career considering the fact that dollar values are rising with economy and time. You may start earning at approximately $37,000 per year and with more experience, the figures become higher. As for an intermediate, which is soon after three years, you may draw above Dental hygienist salary$47,000. Similarly, after 5 to 7 years, you may draw $60,000 or above. Thus the wages go on increasing with expertise and experience gained in the field.
The role of a dental hygienist is very hands-on and involves working with both patients as well as providing assistance to the dentist. Everyday duties include preparing diagnostic tests for the dentist, updating and charting a patient's oral health history, applying local anesthetics to patients as well as cleaning the patient's teeth during an appointment. Because of their extensive knowledge in oral hygiene, this job also entails educating patients about how to maintain their oral health. Although these responsibilities are similar to that of a dental assistant, it is important to note that the major difference between the two jobs is the education and training required.
Many assistants have previously been trained on the job, although these days, there's a growing number of people who undergo formal training offered by community and junior colleges. These training programs usually take one year to complete and should be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Employers usually hire these formally trained assistants and offer them a higher dental salary. Since most States regulate the functions and duties that medical assistants can perform, they also usually require licensure or registration before any medical assistant can perform these expanded tasks. Certified Dental Assistants, those that have passed the CDA examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), are also typically given priority when it comes to hiring and are given better salary.
The key to becoming successful as a dental hygienist is the education and degree(s) obtained. Individuals that have studied this field typically complete either a two-year associate's degree or a four-year bachelor's degree. In order for dental hygienists to practice professionally, they are also required to get a license through the state they live in, which means meeting an additional set of criteria. Those aiming to achieve a higher salary upon employment in the field even go as far as to complete a master's degree.
Thus, you can estimate how much you can earn, if you presently involve yourself into a career considering the fact that dollar values are rising with economy and time. You may start earning at approximately $37,000 per year and with more experience, the figures become higher. As for an intermediate, which is soon after three years, you may draw above Dental hygienist salary$47,000. Similarly, after 5 to 7 years, you may draw $60,000 or above. Thus the wages go on increasing with expertise and experience gained in the field.
