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Variety in Dental Hygiene Jobs
Those looking into dental hygiene jobs will find themselves in an industry very much in demand. Postings for hundreds of jobs in the dental health industry appear every day. Dentists usually prefer to hire hygienists and assistants with experience. However, in some cases with assistants, prospective hires may receive on the job training. This industry is overwhelmingly female with women comprising about 96% of all dental hygienists and 96% of all dental assistants. Still, anyone can work in dental health.
Dental assistants and dental hygienists are two very different jobs. However, both jobs require a variety of skills. Dental assistants need to know everything from running a front office to assisting the dentist during oral health procedures. Assistants are essential to keeping a dentist’s office running efficiently and smoothly and may also provide an extra set of hands to a dentist. Many assistants also perform expanded functions such as taking x-rays. These expanded functions will vary according to skill level as well as the state in which the assistant works.
Dental hygienists specialize in many preventive oral health care functions. They must explain general oral hygiene practices both before and after patients must undergo treatments. Hygienists work directly with patients to examine the gums and teeth and can make note of abnormalities and diseases. They also clean and polish teeth as well as perform other tasks such as procedures in periodontal therapy and applying preventative agents for cavities. In some states, hygienists can even administer anesthetics.
Whether an assistant or a hygienist, these jobs are performed under the supervision of a dentist. Prospects usually have to actively seek a position although sometimes they are recruited. Online job sources list hundreds of potential jobs. Many are on sites specific to the medical or dental health industry. Others are on popular job sites that have no specialties. There are also many jobs listed in professional publications, so it is a good idea to peruse these publications every once in a while. Job hunters may also check with local professional organizations, dental auxiliary placement services, job boards at schools, temp agencies and other networking sources to find the ideal position.