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photo by steed media service
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One of the most important attributes on your face is
your teeth. More specifically, your smile is one of the
most important forms of communication, verbal or nonverbal,
that often affect your overal interaction between
you and others. People eagerly spend thousands of dollars
and endure countless cumbersome procedures to
perfect that smile, which is why the dental profession is
always in high-demand. One popular dental profession
is that of a hygienist. Dental hygienists are oral health
professional who treat and prevent oral diseases and
educate patients on proper hygiene. Hygienists clean
patient’s teeth, remove potentially harmful stains,
plaque, bacteria, as well as hard and soft deposits.
They also apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides.
In addition to those duties, they also take and
develop dental X-rays. In some states, hygienists oversee
anesthetics, carve filling materials, and place temporary
fillings. Still not convinced that this career might
be for you? Here are some great reasons to consider
dental hygiene as a career.
Ample opportunity for employment and growth –
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), by
2014, the demand for dental hygienists will grow exponentially.
With dentists’ increased workloads, more
hygienists will be needed to perform dental care, such
as cleaning, freeing the dentist to devote time to more
profitable procedures.
Great compensation – The average pay for a dental
hygienist, according to BLS, is $28.05 an hour.
Less daunting educational requirements – Most medical
occupations mandate at least eight years of education.
You can become a dental hygienist with as little as
an associate’s degree. You must then pass both a written
and clinical examination. The American Dental
Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental
Examinations administers the written examination,
which is accepted by all states and the District of
Columbia.
Versatile profession – Dental hygienists may obtain
further training and become involved in research,
teaching, or the administration of dental hygiene educational
programs.
Cosmetic dentistry is popular – Repairing chipped
and rotten teeth and closing gaps are some of the most
commonly performed cosmetic procedures. People are
also getting their teeth whitened and avoiding unattractive
silver for cavities. There is also a need to for proficiency
in applying veneers, gold and even platinum
grills.- adrienne gadling and terry shropshire
