The major focus of dental hygiene care emphasizes assessment of patients' needs; development of a comprehensive treatment plan based on individual or group needs and ultimately delivery and evaluation of this plan. Consultation with other health care professionals is an integral part of dental hygiene care.
As stated in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), typical duties of a dental hygienist included cleaning teeth, examine patients for oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventative dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health.
Dental hygiene has been listed as one of the top ten careers for this decade offering opportunities in private dental offices, public health agencies, research, industry, hospital dentistry and dental education.
- Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for dental services will increase as the population ages and as research continues to link oral health to overall health.
- The BLS reports median pay 2020- 77,090 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).
If you have strong communication skills, good manual dexterity and a desire to work with people, dental hygiene may be the career for you!