Who they are: The dental hygienist is a licensed healthcare professional who provides educational, clinical, and therapeutic services in order to promote optimal oral health.
What they do: They are skilled in preventing diseases such as dental caries (cavities), periodontal (gum) disease and oral cancer through education and treatment. The dental hygienist is a clinician, an educator, a researcher, a change agent and consumer advocate, and a manager.
Where they work: A dental hygienist is a partner in the dental healthcare team, and works in a variety of settings, from private dental offices and clinics; to federal, state, and local health departments; to school districts and departments of education. With advanced education, dental hygienists play an important role in teaching and research, as well as in the administration of education and public health programs.
Outlook: Employment of dental hygienists in Minnesota and nationally is expected to grow due to the increasing demand for dental care and the active role hygienists play in preventative dental care activities (such as cleaning). Population growth and greater retention of natural teeth will stimulate demand for dental hygienists. Click here for salary and employment trend data.They are skilled in preventing diseases such as dental caries (cavities), periodontal (gum) disease and oral cancer through education and treatment. The dental hygienist is a clinician, an educator, a researcher, a change agent and consumer advocate, and a manager.
Most dental hygienists are educated through a Bachelor of Science or Masters of Science program. The professional program also includes courses in dental and head neck anatomy; preclinical and clinical dental hygiene; communication skills; patient assessment; cariology and periodontology; oral radiology; pathology; biomaterials; public health; pharmacology; local anesthesia and pain control; research methods; orthodontics and pediatric dentistry; geriatrics; and advanced clinical rotations. A wide range of theoretical and clinical experiences in treating traditional and special-needs patients is provided. Students also participate in a number of community-based clinical and education programs with diverse patient populations.
For licensure/registration in Minnesota, dental hygienists must graduate from a dental hygiene school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation, pass the National Board Examination for dental hygienists, pass the clinical examination administered by the Central Regional Dental Testing Service within five years of application for licensure, pass the Minnesota Jurisprudence examination covering the statutes and rules of the Board within five years of application for licensure/registration, and submit an application fee for licensure/registration.