What is a Dental Hygienist?

A dental hygienist is a preventive oral health care professional licensed to provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services
to the public.

What do Dental Hygienists do?

Though most dental hygienists are employed by private dental practitioners (dentists), dental hygiene offers a variety of career options.
As clinicians, dental hygienists:
take health histories, examine head, neck and oral tissues
for disease
perform oral cancer and blood pressure screenings
remove hard and soft deposits from tooth surfaces above
and below the gingival (gums)
provide non-surgical periodontal therapy
provide supportive periodontal therapy
provide oral health care instructions
apply preventive agents (fluoride, antimicrobials, sealants)
provide dental dietary counseling
expose, process and interpret dental radiographs (x-rays)

Employment Opportunities

Career options may vary according to various state practice act restrictions. In addition to private practice, other clinical practice opportunities include  hospitals, HMO's, long term care facilities
and public health facilities. Dental hygienists may also serve in
non-traditional roles as educators, administrators/managers, consultants,  research, consumer advocates, school systems, community health programs, dental product marketing and sales
and others. Please visit the web site of the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA.org) for a more detailed description
of employment opportunities in dental hygiene.

Compensation for dental hygiene services varies with individual positions and geographic locations. Skill and motivation also affect earning potential. Clinical dental hygienists may receive compensation from dentists in the form of salary, percentage of production or a combination of both. Benefits vary with the position and employer.