Oral Care Professional

Duties and Responsibilities

Some of the services provided by dental hygienists may include:

Ø  patient screening procedures; such as assessment of oral health conditions, review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dental charting and taking blood pressure and pulse

Ø  taking and developing dental radiographs

Ø  removing calculus and plaque  from all surfaces of the teeth

Ø  applying preventive materials to the teeth

Ø  teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health

Average Salary:  $70,210

Educational Requirements

An associate degree in dental hygiene is the usual requirement for starting a career as a dental hygienist. Dental hygiene associate degrees include courses in basic medical science, anatomy and physiology, dental materials, radiology, and clinical skills. Along with these major courses, students are also required to complete fundamental science courses in areas like chemistry and biology, which are relevant to all health workers.