Who is a Dental Hygienist?
Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral diseases – both to protect teeth and gums, and also to protect patients’ total health. They are graduates of accredited dental hygiene education programs in college and universities, and must take written and clinical exams before they are allowed to practice. In addition to treating patients directly, dental hygienists also work as educators, researchers, and administrators.
What do Dental Hygienists do?
Each state has its own specific regulations and the range of services performed by dental hygienists varies from one state to another. In Texas, dental hygienists may perform the following services:
- Perform oral health care assessments that include reviewing
patients’ health history, dental charting, oral cancer
screening, and taking and recording blood pressure;
- Expose, process and interpret dental x-rays when diagnosed
by a dentist;
- Remove plaque and calculus (tarter) – soft and hard
deposits from above and below the gumline;
- Apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and sealants
to the teeth when diagnosed by a dentist;
- Teach patients proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain
healthy teeth and gums;
- Counsel patients about plaque control and developing individualized
at-home oral hygiene programs;
- Counsel patients on the importance of good nutrition for
maintaining optimal oral health.
Where do Dental Hygienists work?
Dental hygienists can work in a variety of settings, dental offices, schools, public health clinics, hospitals and institutions are traditional settings. Dental hygienists may also work in sales & marketing or as consultants.
How much can I expect to make as a dental hygienist?
Recent graduates working in the Houston area report salaries $200.00-$300.00/day depending on the area of town and benefits package.
How can I get more information?
The following links will provide you with more information concerning dental hygiene as a career, general educational preparation, expected salary as a dental hygienist and a link to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.