Dental Hygienists
Did You Know:
- A degree from an accredited dental hygiene school and a state license are required for this job.
- Dental hygienists rank among the fastest-growing occupations.
- Job prospects are expected to be favorable in most areas, but strong competition for jobs is likely in some areas.
- About half of all dental hygienists work part-time, and flexible scheduling is a distinctive feature of this job.
Industry Areas
- Offices of Dentists
- Offices of Physicians
- Employment Services
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
- Record and review patient medical histories.
- Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
Overall Kind of Work
Dental hygienists remove soft and hard deposits from teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene and provide other preventive dental care. They examine patients' teeth and gums, record...
Work Environment
Civilian
Dental hygienists work in clean, well-lighted offices. Important health safeguards include strict adherence to proper radiological procedures and the use of appropriate protective devices when adm...
Military
Dental specialists in the military usually work indoors in dental offices or clinics. Some specialists may be assigned to duty aboard ships.
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 14.07% (0-20 Hours)
- 39.14% (21-34 Hours)
- 22.99% (35-39 Hours)
- 23.80% (40 Hours)
This data also pertains to Dental hygienists (29-2021)
Type of Work
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Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
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Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
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Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 92.93% (Private For-Profit)
- 2.58% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 1.30% (State and Local Govt)
- 0.64% (Federal Government)
- 2.54% (Self-Employed)
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
645 Dental Hygienists in the military