Dental Hygienists
Career Snapshot
Dental hygienists provide dental care that promotes good oral health and aids in the prevention or repair of dental issues in patients. Examining patients' teeth and gums for cavities and disease, cleaning and polishing teeth, and teaching them basic brushing and flossing procedures are all part of a regular day. Hygienists wear gloves, safety glasses, and surgical masks at all times and adhere to strict safety standards. Most dentists take x-rays of their patients' teeth. You must be detail-oriented and able to work well with your hands to be successful in this field. You can anticipate to interact with folks from various walks of life on a daily basis. While nearly all dental hygienists work in dentist offices, around half work part-time. Because dentists sometimes engage hygienists for a few days each week, several hygienists work for multiple dentists to achieve full-time hours in the field. This job requires an associate's degree in dental hygiene, which typically takes three years to finish. Dental hygienists must also be licenced in all states. In this line of work, you have your patient's back... or rather, their teeth!