Katie+Palmer

Dental Hygienists

Important Qualities
 * 1) Removes tartar, stains, and cleans the teeth
 * 2) $68,250 per year
 * 3) $32.81 per hour
 * 4) Entry level education is a associates degree in dental hygiene
 * 5) Growth of 38% which is much faster then average
 * 6) Employment change is 68,500
 * 7) Keep track of patient care and treatment plans
 * 8) Teach patients oral hygiene
 * 9) Flexible work schedule
 * 10) Most work part time
 * 11) Have to wear safety gear, like a mask, goggles, and gloves
 * 12) Students in high school should take courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics
 * 13) You have to be licensed
 * 14) Apply sealants and fluorides to help protect teeth
 * 15) The lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,000, and the top 10 percent earned more than $93,820.
 * 16) Take and develop dental x rays
 * 1) Compassion. Sometimes patients are in extreme pain or mental stress, and the hygienist must be sensitive to their emotions.
 * 2) Detail oriented. Dental hygienist must follow specific rules and protocols to help diagnose and treat a patient. In rare cases, dental hygienists work without the direct supervision of a dentist.
 * 3) Dexterity. Dental hygienists must be good at working with their hands. They generally work in tight quarters on a small part of the body using very precise tools.
 * 4) Interpersonal skills. Dental hygienists must work closely with dentists and patients.
 * 5) Stamina. Dental hygienists should be comfortable performing physical tasks, such as bending over patients for a long time.
 * 6) Technical skills. Dental hygienists must understand how to operate complex machinery, including x-ray machines and powered instruments.

What They Do
 * 1) Remove tartar, stains, and plaque from teeth
 * 2) Apply sealants and fluorides to help protect teeth
 * 3) Take and develop dental x rays
 * 4) Keep track of patient care and treatment plans
 * 5) Teach patients oral hygiene, such as how to brush and floss correctly
 * 6) Use a lot of tools
 * 7) Power tools as well as no power tools

Work Environment
 * 1) Almost all dental hygienists work in dentists’ offices
 * 2) which are clean and well-lit. They work closely with dentists and dental assistants.