Overview

Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals who have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program in an institution of higher education, licensed in dental hygiene to provide educational, clinical, research, administrative, and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of optimum oral health.

In performing the dental hygiene process of care, the dental hygienist assesses the patient's oral tissues and overall health determining the presence or absence of disease, other abnormalities and disease risks; develops a dental hygiene diagnosis based on clinical findings; formulates evidence-based, patient-centered treatment care plans; performs the clinical procedures outlined in the treatment care plan; educates patients regarding oral hygiene and preventive oral care; and evaluates the outcomes of educational strategies and clinical procedures provided.

Clinical procedures provided typically include removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from the teeth, exposing and processing dental X-rays, applying cavity-preventive agents, such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants, and administering antimicrobial agents. In some states, they also administer local anesthetics and nitrous oxide; place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings; remove sutures; perform root-planing as a periodontal therapy; and smooth and polish restorations. In addition, they can provide clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests for interpretation by other health professionals.

To learn more, watch the video profile of "Dental Hygienists" and hear why ADEA Video Mentors decided to pursue careers in allied dentistry.

You can download, save and print a PDF of this career profile:

Dental Hygienist September 22, 2010 [PDF 54KB]

To learn more about courses you can take in high school to help prepare you for a career as a dental hygienist, you can download, save and print a PDF of the following academic pathway chart:

Dental Hygienist Academic Pathway Chart 15 Nov 2010 [pdf, 112 KB]

Working Conditions

Dental hygienists provide clinical services in a variety of settings such as private dental practice, community health settings, nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, schools, faculty practice clinics, state and federal government facilities, and Indian reservations. In addition to clinical practice, there are career opportunities in education, research, sales and marketing, public health, administration and government. Some hygienists combine positions in different settings and career paths for professional variety. Working in education and clinical practice is an example.

Flexible work hours can be a feature of this profession, with some hygienists working full-time, others part-time.