Cut Your Teeth on a Dental Hygiene Career
By Karen Lawson
karen.lawson@careerschooldirectory.com
Career School Directory Columnist
Dental hygienists perform dental and periodontal cleaning and educate patients about proper care of their teeth and gums. Although going to the dentist is no one's idea of a good time, the right care and a good "bedside" manner can help a nervous patient get through an appointment without too much fuss. Dental hygienists provide important services to patients while working with dentists to provide preventative oral care, maintenance, and treatment.
A Medical Career without Years of Schooling
Dental hygienists are trained to evaluate and clean patients' teeth. Using a variety of instruments, dental hygienists examine the mouth visually and through the use of sophisticated imaging equipment. Computerized programs assist dental hygienists in preparing thorough dental records and images. As a hygienist, you'll work with dentists to establish a treatment plan and provide scheduled oral exams and dental and periodontal cleanings for your patients. During these procedures, hygienists may also discover more serious dental conditions such as the deterioration of existing dental fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Flexible Scheduling is Highlight of Dental Hygienist Career
Dental hygienists usually complete a minimum of an associate's degree. All 50 states require state licensure based on passing an examination. Your
degree program will include courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biology, math, and the behavioral sciences. You'll learn to use the latest dental equipment and radiological imaging machines. Coursework also includes classroom learning, clinical practice, and laboratory work. A great benefit of
your career in dental hygiene is scheduling flexibility. Many dentists offer evening and weekend scheduling, and you may work with multiple practices. This can help you meet other obligations while enjoying and building a professional career in dental hygiene.
Source
About the Author
Karen Lawson is a freelance writer whose interests include topics in higher education and the humanities. She holds an MA degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Posted on March 26, 2007 at 9:31 AM
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