Getting Paid for the Perfect Smile: Jobs in Dental Hygiene

By Gabriel Traverso
Career Training Directory Columnist

With job growth and flexible scheduling, a dental hygienist career could be the ideal choice for today’s busy moms. More than half of the people in this field work part-time, and all you need is a certificate or degree to get started.

There is a growing need for dental hygienists. Dental care is becoming more of a priority for people, and teeth are lasting longer. In addition, today’s dentists divert much of the routine care and cleaning to their hygienists, focusing instead on the complex procedures that are most profitable to them.

All this adds up to a rosy career outlook for dental hygienists. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, dental hygiene is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States. Flexible scheduling is a well-known feature of this job, which could perfect for you if you have a busy schedule taking care of your family.

Getting Started in Dental Hygiene

The requirements for dental hygiene jobs are straightforward: you must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program and then take a written and clinical exam to get licensed. Some dental hygiene programs will grant you an associate’s degree, others might offer a certificate or a bachelor’s degree. Most private dental practices will require only a certificate or associate’s degree.

Dental Jobs Pay Well

The pay for dental hygienist jobs is usually quite good, especially considering that you can work part-time. In May of 2004 the Department of Labor reported median hourly earnings of $28.05 for dental hygienists. Some jobs paid as much as $40.70. For those who work full-time, paid vacation and healthcare are standard benefits. According to the American Dental Association, 9 out of 10 hygienists received dental coverage.

A program in dental hygiene might take you two to four years to complete, depending on the certificate or degree offered. Programs are easy to find and some classes are even offered online. If you’re looking for a way to balance your busy life as mom and chauffeur with a career, a job as a dental hygienist might be the perfect answer for you.

Source

U.S. Dept. of Labor

About the Author

Gabriel Traverso is a freelance writer, independent musician, and artist. He resides in Reno, NV.