Top Five Reasons to Become a Dental Hygienist

Is a Dental Hygienist Career for You?

As you chat with your dental hygienist during your six-month check-ups, do you wonder if this career might be a good match for you? Dental hygienists obviously have a paycheck to look forward to every two weeks, but their jobs provide many other reasons to smile on their way to work. Read below for the top five benefits of becoming a dental hygienist.

1. Dental Hygienist Schedules Allow Flexibility

One of the biggest perks of working as a dental hygienist is the flexible scheduling. In this field, many different types of work schedules are common, including full-time, part-time or just weekends. Many dental hygienists are even employed at multiple offices, working one or two days per week in each one. While you might occasionally have to tweak your personal schedule to fit the demands of a busy dental office, most dental hygienists are able to set their own work hours to meet the needs of their hectic lives.

2. Competitive Salary for Dental Hygienists

When you enroll in a program to become a dental hygienist, you will soon learn that you'll have many responsibilities to balance in your new career. The good news? Since the dental industry needs reliable staff members who have expertise and the ability to manage a variety of tasks, the compensation is well worth your efforts. In May 2008, the median annual salary of dental hygienists was $66,570, with the highest ten percent earning more than $91,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

3. Dental Hygienists Work in a People-oriented Atmosphere

The priority for most dental offices is to make the patients feel as relaxed as possible while teaching them how to properly care for their teeth and gums. As a dental hygienist, you can expect to work in a comfortable, friendly work environment where you'll interact with a lot of different people on a daily basis. If you recognize the importance of oral health and love helping others, a career as a dental hygienist could be a perfect fit for you.

4. Employment Stability in Dental Hygienist Careers

As a dental hygienist, you can rest assured that you'll be a significant asset of any dental team. Due to population increases and preventative care being placed at a higher priority, this career path is ranked as one of the fastest growing occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 36 percent through 2018. What this means for you: a continuously high demand for your services, whether you're just finishing a certification program or in the midst of your career as a dental hygienist.

5. Advancement Opportunities for Dental Hygienists

In general, to work in a private office as a dental hygienist, you'll need either a certificate or associate's degree at the minimum. While heading back to school may seem daunting, these training programs are well-organized so students can complete them efficiently and with plenty of hands-on experience. Even better, once you're working as a dental hygienist, you can take classes to complete a bachelor's or master's degree. With either of these, you will have plenty of advancement opportunities ahead of you, including careers in research or teaching the practice of dental hygiene.

Getting Started in a Dental Hygienist Career

If you're ready to start the training you'll need for this exciting career, learn more about dental hygienist schools in your area. Request information about their degree programs, and get started today.