Career Options
After graduating with an Associate’s Degree, the dental
hygienist primarily provides preventive and therapeutic services in a
dental office setting or clinic. They may also provide their services in
public health settings, schools, skilled nursing facilities and mobile
clinics.
Those with a baccalaureate degree or higher may also serve
as an administrator/manager for community dental health programs or
dental product companies; an educator in dental hygiene or dental school
programs; or a researcher in a university or corporate setting.
EMPLOYMENT Opportunities
- Full/part time hours
- Private practice/public health/ outreach settings
- Teaching/administration in dental hygiene and dental assisting programs
- Legislative advocacy
- Corporate representative/clinical educator
- Research
Salary and Benefits
- Varies depending on geographic location, type of practice, employment setting, and responsibilities
- Benefit packages may be provided through employers and/or as a member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association
Lifestyle
- Very portable profession
- Prestige/Professional - highly skills discipline
- Variety - work with diverse populations and cultures
- Creativity - education/motivating diverse populations and various settings
- Flexibility - full-part time employment available to match your lifestyle
- Security - employment opportunities available year round
Career Development
- Life-long learning is essential to maintain current knowledge of techniques and materials
- Local, state, and national dental organizations offer professional development opportunities
- Bachelor/Master's degree completion programs offered at colleges and universities - many online