Dental Hygienist Salary
Do you love working with people, but don’t want a job where you do the same thing day in and day out? If so, you may wish to consider becoming a dental hygienist. No two days will ever be identical. While performing the duties of a dental hygienist, you will be asked to remove deposits from the teeth, examine the gums and teeth to record any abnormalities and diseases and teach patients the basics of good oral hygiene. Other tasks may be taken on by a dental hygienist as allowed by the state in which you reside and your dental hygienist salary will reflect what you are asked to take on.
Dental Hygienist Salary
The job outlook for dental hygienists is favorable as this field only continues to grow. The median annual wage for those who work in this field as of May 2008 was $66,570. Your salary will depend on a number of factors. Where you work, where you live and how many years you have been working in the field all influence your pay.
Dental Hygienist Education and Training
A dental hygiene program must be completed to work in this field. As of 2008, the Commission on Dental Accreditation has approved 301 dental hygiene programs across the country. Most of these programs lead to an associate degree although some do allow you to obtain a certificate or an advanced degree. If you wish to work in a dental office, a certificate or associate degree is usually all that is required. For those who wish to teach or work in research, an advanced degree will likely be needed. Your dental hygienist salary is based in part on which field you choose to pursue and what education you have obtained.
Dental Hygienist License
In order to work in this field, you must be licensed by your state. To obtain licensure, graduation from an accredited school and passing scores on clinical and written exams are required. The written exam is administered by the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. A state or regional testing agency is responsible for the clinical portion. Your dental hygienist salary will increase along with your education and those who work outside of the traditional dentist office tend to make more than those who work within a dental practice.
Job Growth Outlook For Dental Hygienists
The future looks incredibly bright for those looking to be dental hygienists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this career path will grow by 36% between 2008 and 2018.. This is faster by far than most other jobs in the U.S. Dental hygienists will be in great demand around the country and is therefore a fantastic choice for anyone interested in dentistry.
Working as a dental hygienist is a great career for those who love to interact with others. You can go far in this field if you are willing to further your education and work outside of a traditional dental practice. Those who do receive a higher dental hygienist salary so take this into consideration when deciding if this is the field for you.
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