Dental Hygienist Careers
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How to become a Dental hygienist
Dental hygienists work in dentists’ offices to provide preventive dental care. Some of the tasks they perform are:
- Removing deposits from teeth
- Performing fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants
- Taking x-rays
- Examining teeth and gums
- Assisting dentists during other procedures
Manual dexterity is a key qualification to become a dental hygienist.
Dental hygienist licensing
All dental hygienists must be licensed by their states. Requirements for licenses vary from state-to-state. Typically you obtain a license after graduating from an accredited dental hygiene school (usually an associate degree program) and passing the following exams:
- A written exam given by the American Dental Association's Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations
- A clinical exam, given by your state or regional testing office
- An exam on legal aspects of dental hygiene
Most dental hygienists work in dentists' offices and many work part-time.
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Dental Hygienist/Assistant
Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 Edition; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor