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Profession: Dental Health

Dental Hygienist: Dental Hygienists remove hard and soft deposits from teeth, teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene, and provide other preventive dental care. Hygienists examine teeth and gums; record the presence of disease and abnormalities; take and develop x rays, perform root planing; and apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluoride and pit and fissure sealants. In some states, hygienists administer anesthetics; place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings and periodontal dressings; remove sutures; and smooth and polish metal restorations. Although hygienists may not diagnose diseases, they can prepare clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests for the dentist to interpret. Most dental hygienists work in dental offices; others may work in public health settings. Hygienists sometimes work chair side with the dentist during treatment.

Salary Range: $45,000 - $91,470

Salary Notes: Many dental hygienists work part-time. In Vermont, a dental hygienist can expect to earn $45,000 - $91,470 per year for full time work.

Where you can study:
Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA
Cape Cod Community College, West Barnstable, MA
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, Boston, MA
Middlesex Community College, Bedford, Bedford, MA
Mount Ida College, Newton, MA
Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA
NHTI, Concord's Community College, Concord, NH
Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA
Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA
University of Maine at Augusta, Augusta, ME
University of New England - Portland, Portland, ME
Vermont Technical College - Williston Campus, Williston, VT

Where you might work:
Dental Sales Education - Private Dental Practices - Public Health - Public Schools and Clinics -

Job Outlook: According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, dental hygiene is among the 30 occupations expected to grow the fastest over the next ten years.

Education, Licensing and Certification: High school course work should include college preparatory courses with an emphasis on science and math. An associate in science degree in Dental Hygiene and successful completion of licensing examinations are necessary pre-requisites to licensure and to practice dental hygiene in Vermont and most all other states.

Professional Organizations:
American Dental Hygienists' Association 312-440-8913 www.adha.org
Vermont Dental Hygienists' Association www.vdha.org