DENTAL HYGIENIST
Dental hygienists are licensed members of the dental team who are responsible for educational, preventive and therapeutic services. They perform oral-health care that includes reviewing patients’ health histories, dental charting, oral cancer screening and taking and recording blood pressure. They also expose and process dental X-rays. They remove plaque and calculus (tarter) from the teeth (above and below the gum line) and apply cavity preventive agents such as fluorides and sealants to teeth. They teach patients proper oral-hygiene techniques and counsel patients on the importance of good nutrition for maintaining optimal oral health.
Education
A high school diploma or GED is required. Formal training includes a minimum of two years of study in an accredited dental hygiene program. You may be required to take college courses before entering the dental hygiene program. Eighty-eight credit hours are earned in all Florida dental hygiene programs.
Degree
An Associate of Science (AS) degree is required.
Availability of Programs
There are 18 accredited dental-hygiene programs at community colleges in Florida.
Cost of Education
The average cost of two years of dental-hygiene education is $4,500.
Licensure Requirements
Students must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program to become licensed. They also must pass the national dental hygiene written board and the Florida dental hygiene clinical board. After passing the state board, the student becomes a registered dental hygienist (RDH).
Job Opportunities
Job opportunities are available throughout the state. There is a higher demand for dental hygienists in some areas than others. According to the Florida Agency for Workforce Development, the estimated amount of job openings for dental hygienists averages around 370 openings per year. The annual growth rate for dental hygienists is 3.4 percent higher than other health-related occupations.
Salary
According to the Florida Agency for Workforce Development, the median hourly earnings for dental hygienists were $25.06 in 2004. Entry-level positions average $15.91 and experienced dental hygienists can expect $40.67. Earnings vary by geographic location, employment setting and years of experience. Dental hygienists who work in private dental offices may receive a salary or be paid hourly, daily or on commission.
Benefits
Benefits vary in each dental office. The most common benefits are continuing-education course fees, paid vacation and sick leave, medical and hospitalization insurance, pension plans (401K), professional association dues, profit sharing or bonus plans, life insurance and malpractice insurance.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Private, state and federal loans and scholarships are available to help qualified applicants with dental hygiene education costs.
