Top 5 Dental Hygienist Jobs & Career Pathways

For individuals attending a program that will result in a Bachelor’s of Science or Master’s in Dental Hygiene, there are several different dental hygienist jobs available to them upon degree completion.

• The role of a dental hygienist has become an integral part of public and private dental facilities in recent years. As more people have decided to make the investment in oral and dental health, hygienists have been able to assist dentists in handling a larger patient roster. Their daily responsibilities include removing the hard and soft deposits from teeth, examining teeth and gums for potential issues and recording the data in patient charts. Hygienists also teach their patients how to practice good oral hygiene. They need to be able to provide education to their patients, in easy to understand terms.
• Dental health educators very often have a dental hygiene degree. Those individuals who thrive on teaching their patients about dental care often have careers outside of the traditional dentist office setting. In elementary and secondary schools, they may administer fluoride to students and teach proper oral care techniques. They function within the educational system’s health department.
• Public Health Administrators have advanced, non-clinical dental hygiene degrees. In community groups and government agencies, their duties may include developing programs to meet the needs of the community. They require high-level problem solving skills to find solutions and answers to issues that arise in the local dental health arena. Grant writing to fund the program may also be necessary. They are employed in research institutions, colleges and universities, public health departments and private foundations.
• A dental hygienist who works with individuals who have physical or mental disabilities is called an Advocate. They personalize oral health programs and remove barriers that prevent quality care, such as gaps in the provision of dental services. A minimum of a Bachelor’s is required, but most advocates carry at least a graduate degree.
• A Dental Tech Hygienist is also sometimes referred to as a clinician. It is a secure, in-demand career and can begin with an associate’s degree or certificate. A license from the state in which they are practicing is a requirement. It is a good place to start in the dental health industry, especially if the individual is interested in dentistry, but does not wish to become a dentist. They handle tasks that cannot be performed by a dental assistant.

There are several dental hygienist jobs and career pathways in today’s dental health industry. A dental hygienist is employed in a public or private practice. Educators, advocates and administrators have advanced degrees and spend their careers in an office, rather than a clinical setting. Regardless of the path you choose, there is a stable career with advancement potential awaiting.