Session #1 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.
Session #2 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.
Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventative dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health.
Almost all dental hygienists work in dentists’ offices. Hygienists work closely with dentists and dental assistants.
Dental hygienists typically need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Every state requires dental hygienists to be licensed; requirements vary by state. The median annual wage of dental hygienists was $68,250 in May 2010.
Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow by 38 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Ongoing research linking oral health and general health will continue to spur the demand for
preventative dental services, which are often provided by dental hygienists.