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Dental Hygienist
| Duties and Responsibilities: |
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Dental hygienists provide preventive treatment for oral health problems.
They also educate patients and promote dental health. They may be
employed in health departments, nursing homes, hospitals, dental school,
or school districts, but usually they work in private dental offices and
clinics. Dental hygienists:
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Screen patients for dentists.
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Take and develop radiographs.
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Remove calculus and plaque from teeth.
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Apply preventive treatments to teeth.
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Counsel patients on oral health and teach them appropriate dental health
procedures.
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Perform dental office management duties.
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| Average Salary: $22,000 - $35,000 |
| Educational Requirements: |
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Dental hygienists must have a high school diploma or GED certificate
before participating in dental hygiene education programs.
Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate's Degree at a community
college or private school. To practice, they must also earn a license
by passing the Dental Hygiene National Board examination.
Some hygienists earn Bachelor's or Master's degrees if they want to
teach, do research, or broaden their scope into public health issues. |
| For More Information: |
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American Dental Hygienists' Association
444 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3400,
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 440-8900
mail@adha.net |
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