As a dental hygienist how can I know if I am being paid fairly?
If you’re unsure about what salary is appropriate for a position, visit Indeed's Salary Calculator to get a free, personalized pay range based on your location, industry and experience.
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Can a dental hygienist work anywhere else besides a dental office?
Most dental hygienists choose to work in general dental offices. However, there are other options too such as surgical dental offices. nursing homes and hospitals.
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How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?
To become a dental hygienist, you are required to obtain a dental hygiene certification. This certification will take two years at a minimum. If you would like to receive further education, you can remain in school and receive a bachelor's or master's degree. This means it can take anywhere from two to six years to become a dental hygienist.
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What is the job outlook for a dental hygienist?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, during the years 2018 to 2028, the number of dental hygienists that will be needed to fill positions in dental offices is expected to grow by approximately 11%.
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How often does a dental hygienist usually work?
Dental hygienists generally work 3 to 4 days a week for a full 8 hour day. If they work in general dental clinics, they will typically work with one patient an hour. Some dental hygienists can choose to be assigned to work in more than one dental office throughout the work week.
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How much do similar professions to dental hygienists get paid?
Please see Indeed career pages for detailed pay ranges:
What skills are needed to become a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills since they regularly work with nervous patients who need to be kept calm. They handle numerous tasks at once so they are also expected to have strong organizational and time management skills.
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Who can become a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists should have strong critical thinking, speaking and listening skills. It is also a requirement that they are socially perceptive, service oriented and should have manual dexterity. One need to have an associate or bachelor's degree in dental hygiene to get a job in this field.
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Why do you want to be a dental hygienist?
To educate patients about the importance of oral health
Help patients lead healthier lives
Dental hygienists earn a competitive salary
Can continually advance their careers by getting their bachelor's and master's degrees in dental hygiene
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Is it hard to get a job as a dental hygienist?
There are many job opportunities for a dental hygienist, but it depends on the market situation and it varies from state to state.
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Is a dental hygienist a good career choice?
Yes, a dental hygienist's job is so much more than cleaning teeth and educating people about gum disease. It can brighten a day, a smile, or even a life. Many hygienists choose careers in dental hygiene for the flexibility and so they can maintain a healthy work life balance.
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Which subjects do you study to become a dental hygienist?
The curriculum for a dental hygienist program covers classroom coursework, laboratory studies, and clinical practice. Courses cover topics such as anatomy, chemistry, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, radiography, periodontology, oral pathology, dental materials, histology.
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How to get the qualification to become a dental hygienist?
You can pursue dental hygienist programs from:
Community colleges
Vocational schools
Trade schools
Technical schools
State universities
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Can I become a dental hygienist online?
Yes, you can pursue a dental hygienist's degree online. Online dental hygienist programs are available in the form of bachelor's and master's degrees. Those who have a bachelor's in another healthcare or related field but who have no dental hygiene training can also pursue a master's degree in dental hygiene online.
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Can you become a dental hygienist in two years?
Yes, you can become a dental hygienist in 2 years by completing a degree at various schools like community colleges, vocational institutes or dental schools. To become a dental hygienist, one need to through classroom and clinical instruction. Dental hygienists usually hold an associate's degree, such as an Associate for Applied Science in Dental Hygiene.
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What to know before becoming a dental hygienist?
Many special skills and knowledge are required in order to become a dental hygienist. These include:
Attention to detail
Interpersonal skills
Communication skills
Awareness of techniques to take care of patients
Knowledge of equipment
Diagnostic/analytical skills
Clinical knowledge
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How can I be the best dental hygienist?
Some tips to be the best dental hygienist include:
Be humble and gracious
Continue your education to learn
Volunteer in activities
Stay connected with the patients
Stick to your guns with difficult patients
Keep your private business off social media
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What kind of jobs can a dental hygienist do?
With a dental hygiene degree you can get into various sectors outside dental hygiene such as education, public sector jobs, instructor etc. Dental hygienists can also get into sales departments where they get the opportunity to sell products related to their knowledge such as pharmaceutical and dental supplies.
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Should I become a dental assistant before a hygienist?
It is not mandatory to be a dental assistant before becoming a hygienist. Although, if you do choose to get an assisting degree you will be one step ahead. You can start out as an assistant and if you enjoy it you can then decide to invest the time into qualifying to become a hygienist.
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Can you change your career from being a dental hygienist to a dentist?
The answer is yes. However, there are some extra courses to complete in order to become a dentist. Hygienists first need to acquire a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene and then apply for a four year doctoral program to pursue a "Doctor of Dental Surgery" or "Doctor of Dental Medicine".
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Are dental hygienists in high demand?
Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow rapidly, much faster than the average for other occupations. As the population ages, demand for dental services will increase and oral health will continue to link to overall health.
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Is it hard to be a dental hygienist?
It's not easy to become a dental hygienist. It's not simply a case of completing a certification program that you will pass easily just by showing up. You will need to have a bachelor's degree which is something you will need to work hard to succeed at.
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What qualities should a dental hygienist have?
Below are the qualities that will help you become a great dental hygienist:
Empathy for pain
Concerns of patients
Attention to Detail
Optimism
Great communication skills
Flexibility
Interpersonal skills
Confidence
Problem-solving skills
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What are the duties of a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienist's daily duties include:
Removing plaque and polishing a patient's teeth during a routine checkup
Screening patients and reviewing a patient's oral health history
Teaching appropriate brushing and flossing techniques
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What are the pros of being a dental hygienist?
Below are the pros of being a dental hygienist:
Growing employment
Great salary
Flexibility and great work life balance
Steady pay-check
People-oriented atmosphere
Opportunities for a dental hygienist are strong in the market
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What are the cons of being a dental hygienist?
Below are the cons of being a dental hygienist:
Not much career variety compared to other jobs
Work can be repetitive
Occasionally serving unpleasant patients might be a challenge
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How many hours does a dental hygienist work in a week?
Most dental hygienists have the liberty to choose to work 3-4 days per week. Most dental hygienists work in clinical practice where they typically treat one patient each hour during a 7-8 hour day.
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Can dental hygienists work part time?
Yes, many dental hygienists choose to work part-time. Having this option available to you will depend on the individual hospital or employer.
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Can a dental hygienist work from home?
Generally dental hygienists cannot work from home but due to Covid-19 many people have been prompted to adopt remote working practices where possible. Some dental hygienists who normally work from dental clinics which have now been closed, may explore other alternatives such as online instructor or sales rep for dental products.
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Can dental hygienists work in any state?
There shouldn't be issues with a dental hygienist working from any location. The basic duties and resposibilties are same everywhere irrespective of the city you live in. Any dental hygienist who has graduated from an accredited school of dental hygiene, passed national boards and at least one regional clinical exam should be allowed to practice in any state.
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Are dental hygienist generally happy with their career?
Dental hygienists have flexibility, low stress levels and a very good work life balance in their profession. They also have solid prospects to improve, learn and get promoted so that they can earn a higher salary.
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Do dental hygienists get paid weekly or biweekly?
Payment occurs either weekly or biweekly. Frequency of payment for dental hygienist depends on which state the job is in.
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Why do dental hygienists make so much money?
Dentist hygienists earn good money day to day. Often depending on the circumstances, patient fees go up to cover increased overheads.
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How do dental hygienists negotiate salary?
Below are a few steps to successfully negotiate salary as a dental hygienist:
Decide the salary you want
Do some market research
Wait for the right time
And then negotiate
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How often do dental hygienist get raises?
Most dental hygienists get a raise after a year. Very few dental hygienists get raises before a year although it usually depends on the years of experience and performance.
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Do nurses make more money or dental hygienists?
Pay varies based on the place and on the diverse work environment. It also depends on the hospitals where the dental hygienists work. However a registered nurse typically earns more than a dental hygienist.
