As our population continues to grow, the demand for access to preventive health care services will increase and the career opportunities for dental hygienists will expand throughout the nation.

Advantages of the Profession

• Satisfaction of helping people
• Status of a healthcare professional
• Flexible work schedule - full or part-time
• Variety of settings - private office, institutions, research, education
• Direct patient care
• Good income potential
• Career potential and stability

Clinical Duties and Responsibilities

Each state has its own regulations, but California allows hygienists to perform specific duties including the following:

• Patient screening, medical history, dental charting
• Examination of the head, neck and oral cavity for disease
• Exposing, developing and interpreting radiographs (x-rays)
• Application of fluoride and protective sealants
• Removal of calculus (tartar), stain and plaque from above and below the gumline
• Administer local anesthetics and nitrous oxide
• Provide nutritional counseling, and self-care programs to prevent disease

Educational Requirements
Admission requirements and prerequisites vary among the dental hygiene programs. Most include prerequisites in sciences, nutrition, psychology, sociology, English, and speech.

For specific program requirements and application process, it is necessary to contact the particular dental hygiene school.

Programs
Upon completion of the program required prerequisites and acceptance in the dental hygiene program, the curriculum is 16 months to two years full-time and offers a certificate, associate degree or a baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene.

Baccalaureate and Master's level degree programs are also offered for hygienists who are interested in education, research, public health or administration at private and state colleges and universities.

>> Accredited California Dental Hygiene Schools