Dental Hygienist Occupations in Alberta alis from alis.alberta.ca
Introduction
Are you interested in pursuing a career in the dental field? Do you enjoy working with people and have a keen eye for detail? If so, you might want to consider becoming a dental hygienist. A dental hygienist is a licensed healthcare professional who works as a part of a dental team to provide preventive and therapeutic care to patients. In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take to become a dental hygienist in 2023.
What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
Dental hygienists play a crucial role in maintaining oral health. Their primary responsibilities include cleaning teeth, examining patients for oral diseases, taking X-rays, and educating patients about oral hygiene. They also assist dentists during procedures, such as fillings, extractions, and root canals.
Education Requirements
To become a dental hygienist, you must complete an accredited dental hygiene program. These programs typically take two to three years to complete and result in an associate degree or certificate. You will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent to apply for these programs. Some programs may also require prerequisites, such as college-level courses in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.
Licensing Requirements
After completing a dental hygiene program, you must pass a national board exam and a clinical exam to become licensed. The national board exam assesses your knowledge of dental hygiene theory and practice, while the clinical exam evaluates your clinical skills. You will also need to pass a state or regional exam to practice in your state.
Job Outlook and Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. As of 2023, the median annual wage for dental hygienists is $77,090.
Skills Required
To be a successful dental hygienist, you must have excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well with others. You must also be physically fit and able to stand for long periods.
Work Environment
Dental hygienists work in a variety of settings, including private dental offices, clinics, and hospitals. They usually work full-time and may have to work evenings or weekends to accommodate patients' schedules.
Advancement Opportunities
As a dental hygienist, you can advance your career by pursuing higher education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree in dental hygiene or a related field. You can also specialize in areas such as periodontics, pediatric dentistry, or public health.
Conclusion
Becoming a dental hygienist is an excellent career choice for those who enjoy working with people, have a passion for oral health, and want to make a positive impact on patients' lives. With the right education, licensure, and skills, you can become a successful dental hygienist in 2023 and beyond.