Dental hygienists are oral healthcare professionals who provide essential services, offering therapeutic care and education to the patients they see. Plus, there are a lot of opportunities, both now and in the future, for aspiring dental hygienists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow seven percent by 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, resulting in an average of about 16,400 job openings yearly.

Yet, that is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the advantages of being a dental hygienist.

Below, we’ll outline even more benefits of being a dental hygienist, including the ability to help others in need, the lucrative salary potential, room for growth, flexibility, and good working environments, to name a few.

What is a dental hygienist?

Dental hygienists are highly skilled, adept, and knowledgeable professionals providing routine preventive care, screening for dental diseases, and educating patients on oral health.

They work with patients directly and use various advanced equipment, such as hand, power, ultrasonic, and sometimes lasers, as well as techniques to clean, polish, and protect patients’ teeth. They also examine patients for signs of oral diseases, like gingivitis.

To become a licensed dental hygienist, candidates must:

• Graduate from an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited dental hygiene program (programs typically last two years if taken full time)
• Complete one of the following clinical performance examinations: Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (formerly NERB), Council of Interstate Testing Agencies, Southern Regional Testing Agency, or Western Regional Examining Board
• Complete the National Board Examinations

Note that the entry-level requirements to become a dental hygienist vary by state, so be sure to research what is required of you in the state you wish to practice in.

4 key advantages of being a dental hygienist

Oral health is directly related to overall health, and dental hygienists are a prime example of how they can use their skills to positively impact and save lives.

Plus, being a dental hygienist means earning an excellent salary with a shorter drive to the career destination.

1. Helping others in need

Oral health has a significant impact on a person’s overall health. In fact, good dental hygiene not only stops bad breath and cavities, but also significantly reduces the risk of diseases like endocarditis, stroke, and heart disease.

Furthermore, dental hygienists play a pivotal role in reducing these risks. These individuals provide patients with routine preventive care, dental disease screening, and oral health education. They also use their skills and compassion to ease patients’ nerves.

Additionally, dental hygienists are one of the main lines of support to dentists. Along with patient care, dental hygienists help in the following ways:

• Assist dentists during procedures by passing instruments to the dentist and comforting the patient
• Manage patient records by updating patient medical histories, recording treatment plans, and documenting procedures performed
• Taking x-rays so dentists have a detailed view of a patient’s mouth

As you can see, dental hygienists can profoundly impact a dental office and the lives of their patients.

2. High salary potential

In addition to a personally satisfying and fulfilling career, dental hygienists are very well compensated. The median annual salary for dental hygienists is $87,530, with the highest then percent earning more than $118,400.

Additionally, the median annual salaries wages for dental hygienists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

• Dentist offices – $88,450
• Physicians offices – $80,340
• Government – $71,030

Download our free information sheet to see how we can help you accomplish your personal and academic dental hygiene goals!

3. Room for growth

Considering the anticipated employment growth, the demand for trained and qualified dental hygienists is more critical than ever. The increasing job outlook results from a number of factors, such as a record-breaking, aging baby boomer population and their need for dental care, more awareness of oral health care, and improved access to dental services.

Lastly, some states offer dental hygienists the opportunity to grow their careers by obtaining additional training to provide restorative services, such as extracting primary teeth and placing temporary crowns or pursuing research and teaching roles.

4. Flexibility and good working environments

Dental hygienists have a ton of flexibility, both in their degree programs and in their careers.

Candidates should look for career-focused, flexible, and accredited associate degree programs in Dental Hygiene. These programs, like ours at Goodwin University, allow students to develop a course schedule during days and evenings at a pace that works best for them and often can be completed in as few as two years.

Goodwin University also provides comprehensive services like counseling and wellness programs so students receive holistic support to manage stress, maintain good health, and achieve optimal work-life balance.

The flexibility and overall advantages of being a dental hygienist do not end at graduation, as they have a steady and stable work schedule.

Many dental hygienists work part-time. Dentists may hire hygienists to work only a few days a week, so some hygienists work for more than one dentist.

In turn, this flexibility leads to a healthy work-life balance and great working environments, making studying dental hygiene and a career as a dental hygienist a great choice.

Start your journey to being a dental hygienist at Goodwin University

Dental hygiene is a rewarding career where professionals provide high-quality services to prevent health diseases, help others in need, and assist in maintaining a person’s overall well-being.

To achieve these outcomes and reap the benefits of being a dental hygienist, candidates must start with an accredited associate degree in Dental Hygiene.

At Goodwin University, our expert faculty will make sure you practice what you learn in the classroom by helping the community through our Dental Hygiene Clinic. You’ll also gain invaluable clinical experience at our state-of-the-art dental hygiene facilities — all from working with actual patients in community health centers, preschools, senior centers, and addiction facilities.

The bigger question is, what are you waiting for?

Apply now or contact us today to learn more about our in-demand Dental Hygiene program.

We’re ready when you are!