There is a high demand for dental hygienists with a variety of positions available; while some of these roles offer stable incomes and job security, few of these positions can be slow before bringing in the best incomes. Regardless of the income associated, the dental hygienist can be considered a good career path.
A dental hygienist is a qualified professional who specializes in health care and is also concerned with treating and preventing disease. They provide oral cleanings, deep periodontal scaling, and other dental procedures to patients who require such care.
Often times they offer advice, instructions, and treatments to their patients. The job of a dental hygienist is to maintain healthy teeth and prevent difficulties and complications from the teeth, complications which include smelly teeth, Gum Disease, and oral cancer.
As a dental hygienist you will be tasked to provide excellent care for the teeth, usually by polishing, cleaning, performing, taking radiographer, or conducting a periodontal therapy, which will result in the reduction of risks of developing a decayed tooth or gum disease. They also provide treatments for the teeth, such as antibacterial, antibiotics, and others.
Getting a job as a dental hygienist is not as difficult as it may seem from a distance. when you develop the right skills and experience, you can easily get the job of your choice in this industry. Having a degree will help you have an edge in the industry but attaining a degree, skills and abilities will help you in the long run.
overview will give you an insight into everything you need to know about the best online jobs for a dental hygienist.
Table of contents
- Who is a Dental Hygienist?
- What are the Benefits of Becoming a Dental Hygienist?
- What are the qualifications required for a dental hygienist?
- How long does it take to become a Dental Hygienist?
- Skills required for a Dental Hygienist
- 20 online jobs for a Dental Hygienist
- #1. Dental Assistant:
- #2. Medical Assistant:
- #3. Pharmacy Technician:
- #4. Radiology Technologist
- #5. Surgical Technologist:
- #6. Dental Hygiene Health Scientist:
- #7. Dentists:
- #8. physical Therapist Assistant:
- #9. Dental Hygienist professors:
- #10. Clinical Instructor:
- #11. Public Health physician
- #12. Veterinary assistant:
- #13. Laboratory Technician
- #14. Health Educator:
- #15. Dental product developer:
- #16. Dental Hygienist Writer:
- #17. Dental treatment coordinator:
- #18. Dental personal trainer:
- #19. Occupational therapist:
- #20. Dental Supplier:
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
Who is a Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a professional who advises and educates their patients on how to care for their teeth and encourages them on brushing their teeth. When a patient visits the dentist for a routine checkup, the dental hygienist will address him/her before the main dental appointment.
Although dentists and dental hygienists work side by side when a patient requires their services, they share information about patients and select what instructions and treatments will work best for them. They are usually tasked with patients to help them with their treatments. They also recommend good dental hygiene which helps prevent difficulties in the mouth area.
Occasionally, a dental hygienist offers advice and help educate patient on how to care for and provide good oral hygiene to their teeth. They also ensure and observe the growth and improvement of the teeth and Gum, while they help by preventing medical emergencies for patients.
One of the major responsibilities of a dental hygienist is to provide preventive dental care, examine and test patients for any sign or symptom of oral disease, conduct oral screening, and also take radiographs.
Since they work closely together, a dental hygienist usually decides treatment description for a dentist, provides periodontal treatment, and they also handle dental emergencies.
A dental hygienist monitors the supplies of medicine in the office/clinic, promotes good oral health practice, they Disinfect dental instruments before surgeries or treatments. They also collect medical reports and dental reports or histories and maintain patients’ health records.
A dental hygienist removes and disinfects bacteria from the teeth by applying anti-bacteria materials, they Apply covering to protect broken teeth, and also inspire and educate patients on how to protect their teeth from germs and diseases.
What are the Benefits of Becoming a Dental Hygienist?
It is no doubt that becoming a dental hygienist is a good career path that comes with a lot of benefits for both the dental hygienist and the patients.
The healthcare industry offers a plethora of opportunities, and there is room for growth as a dental hygienist. Just like any other job, there is no equality; while some dental hygienist earns more annually, some earns less. But with the right skills and experience, you’ll have an edge in this ever-evolving sector, with the opportunity to live a luxurious life.
As a dental hygienist, You can choose to work full time or part-time, or even have your dental clinic. With the right degree, you have a lot to benefit from becoming a dental hygienist.
There are plenty of employment openings in this rapidly expanding area to assist you in finding work. Because many dental hygienists can work part-time, this career offers a lot of flexibility.
What are the qualifications required for a dental hygienist?
To become a successful dental hygienist, you need the right degree and meet basic requirements.
Here is a list of basic requirements needed to become a dental hygienist:
- Licenses: To become a certified dental hygienist, you need to earn national and state licensing.
- Degree: You need to earn a three/four-year degree in oral health science or other related major. This can be an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree.
- Associate degree: A dental hygienist needs an associate degree in other to get a job or enter the profession. An associate degree can help you achieve licensure to become a dental hygienist. Having an associate degree helps secure a good job as a dental hygienist.
- Bachelor degree: You may be wondering why a bachelor’s degree is important for a dental hygienist, however, a bachelor’s in dental hygiene helps prepare you to work with a dental specialization in a community clinic or a dental office.
- Master’s degree: In other to be an expert in this field you need a master’s degree. A master’s degree in dental hygiene will improve your knowledge, dependability, and acceptance. A master’s degree helps you gain understanding in this field, and in other to be an expert in this field you need a master’s degree.
How long does it take to become a Dental Hygienist?
If you are hoping to become a professional dental hygienist, you should know that the program will take three to four years to round up an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, and one to two years for a master’s degree. You can always decide to further after this, and this gives you enough time to learn the skills.
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Skills required for a Dental Hygienist
Skills required for a dental hygienist usually include:
- Interpersonal skills: This will help you become friendly and professional-mannered towards patients. Having good communication skills will help you in the long run of being a dental hygienist.
- Good eyesight: You need to have unique eyesight to quickly detect gum issues.
- Concentration: You need to have the ability to concentrate for a long period and also have effective listening and advising skills.
What is the Job Outlook for Dental Hygienists?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental hygienists was projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth was attributed to an aging population, an increased emphasis on preventative dental care, and the expansion of healthcare access in general.
Additionally, dental hygienists typically work in clean, well-lit environments and enjoy flexible schedules, which can be attractive to many job seekers. However, it is important to note that job outlooks can change over time and may be affected by a variety of factors, including;
- Population demographics: As the population ages, there is an increased demand for dental services, which can lead to more job opportunities for dental hygienists.
- Advances in technology: New technologies can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of dental services, which can increase demand for dental hygienists who are trained in their use.
- Changes in healthcare policy: Changes in healthcare policy, such as the expansion of insurance coverage, can increase access to dental services and create more job opportunities for dental hygienists.
- Economic conditions: Economic downturns can lead to reduced demand for dental services and fewer job opportunities for dental hygienists.
- Shifts in consumer preferences: Changes in consumer preferences for dental services, such as an increased focus on preventative care, can increase demand for dental hygienists who are trained in providing these services.
20 online jobs for a Dental Hygienist
A dental hygienist is in high demand for individuals looking forward to becoming an expert in this field. A dental hygienist is not only a good career path, but it also comes with various job opportunities for those who want more than becoming a dental hygienist.
Here is a list of online jobs available for dental hygienists:
#1. Dental Assistant:
One of the best online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a dental assistant. They specialize in helping the dentists with basic needs during treatment and after the treatment of patients
Who is a dental assistant? A dental assistant is a certified medical professional who helps dentists provide quality care for patients, instruments, and supplies. They also listen and communicate with patients about their condition and provide oral health care to them. As a dental assistant, you need to develop your communication skills, listening skills, interpersonal skills, and administrative skills.
Average salary: Dental assistant earns an average of $41,200 annually.
#2. Medical Assistant:
One of the best online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a medical assistant. They often work hand in hand with medical doctors to provide patients with basic support.
Who is a medical assistant? A medical assistant assists dentists by taking care of medical records and standardly explaining the treatment procedure. As a medical assistant, you need to develop your medical knowledge, communication skills, good listening skills, and adaptability.
Average salary: Medical assistant earns an average of $37,725 annually.
#3. Pharmacy Technician:
One of the best online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a pharmacy technician. They specialize in assisting pharmacists/ dental hygienists.
Who is a pharmacy technician? A pharmacy dental technician works in a pharmacy and carries out pharmacy-related functions by receiving a prescription and they also advise patients on when and how to take their medications as a pharmacy technician you need to develop your communication skills, computer skills, and other skills required.
Average salary: Pharmacy technician earns an average of $19 per hour.
#4. Radiology Technologist
One of the best online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a radiology technologist. They are medical experts who make use of specialized imaging equipment on patients.
Who is a radiology technologist? A radiology technologist is a health care professional who conducts medical exams by the use of x-rays examinations, scans, and computed tomography scans. As a radiology technologist, develop your computer skills, examination skills, interpersonal skills, and medical skills.
Average salary: Radiology technologist earns an average of $63,710 annually.
#5. Surgical Technologist:
One of the best online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a surgical technologist. They are part of the medical teams that provide surgical care and support to patients.
Who is a surgical technologist? A surgical technologist is a medical professional who aids in many operating functions and prepares sterile operating rooms for surgeries. As a surgical technologist, develop your communication skills and be on alert all the time.
Average salary: Surgical technologist earns an average of $51,510 annually.
#6. Dental Hygiene Health Scientist:
One of the best online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a dental hygiene health scientist. They work with the medical team to make research on health-related issues.
Who is a dental hygiene health scientist? A dental hygiene health science provides structure and functions to the human. Some health care work in laboratories, clinics/hospitals, and some investigate diseases. As a dental hygiene health scientist, develop your communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, and other relevant skills.
Average salary: Dental hygiene health scientist earns an average of $76,630 annually.
#7. Dentists:
One of the best online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a dentist. They are experts who examine their patient’s teeth and diagnose or identify any dental problems.
Who is a dentist? A dental is an expert who develops medications for teeth diseases and/or processes x-rays on the tooth’s condition. As a dentist, you should develop your communication skill, leadership skills, prescribing skills, and other relevant skills.
Average salary: Dentists earn an average of $164,010.
#8. physical Therapist Assistant:
One of the best online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a physical therapist assistant. They render therapist services to patients under the supervision of the physical therapist.
Who is a physical therapist assistant? A physical therapist assistant is a person trained by a physical therapist, they assist with preparing equipment, and they give care to patients with diseases or injuries so they can heal properly, they treat patients through exercise or massage. As a physical therapist assistant, you should develop your interpersonal skills.
Average salary: Physical therapy assistant earns an average of $59,770.
#9. Dental Hygienist professors:
One of the best and top-paying online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a dental hygienist professor. Who is a dental hygienist professor? A dental hygienist professor is an expert who offers clinical and laboratory teaching, they prepare and develop a variety of assignments comprising clinical instruction and evaluation. As a dental hygienist professor, you should pay attention to details and be equipped with unique communication skills.
Average salary: Dental hygienist professor earns an average of $90,850.
#10. Clinical Instructor:
One of the highest paying jobs in dental hygiene is to become a clinical instructor.
Who is a clinical instructor? A clinical instructor provides students with clinical instructions and also motivates students with effective instructions and help. As a clinic instructor, you should improve your communication and teaching skills.
Average salary: Clinic instructor earns an average of $104,750.
#11. Public Health physician
One of the best and top-paying online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a public health physician.
Who is a public health physician? A public health physician is a trained physician who focuses on the improvement of health in a community. They also help prevent disease. As a public health physician, you should develop your communication and analytical skills.
Average salary: Public health physician earns an average of $244,216.
#12. Veterinary assistant:
One of the best and top-paying online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a veterinary assistant.
Who is a veterinary assistant? A veterinary assistant provide food and care for animals, they also pertain to animals, and their injuries or diseases. As a veterinary assistant, you should develop your empathy and communication skills.
Average salary: Veterinary assistant earns an average of $31,825.
#13. Laboratory Technician
One of the best and top-paying online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a laboratory technician.
Who is a laboratory technician? A laboratory technician is a member of a dental team who repairs or creates dental devices. As a laboratory technician, develop your laboratory operating skills, communication skills, and also time management skills.
Average salary: Laboratory technician earns an average of $54,180.
#14. Health Educator:
One of the best and top-paying online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a health educator.
Who is a health educator? A dental health educator provides people with information, they also provide knowledge about oral health to communities. As a health educator, you should be professional and also develop your communication skills.
Average salary: Health educator earns an average of $67,911.
#15. Dental product developer:
One of the best and top-paying online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a dental product developer.
Who is a dental product developer? A dental product developer creates new medication for use in dentistry. They develop a new product for basic hygiene needs. As a dental product developer, you should develop your creativity, be confident, and also develop your research skills.
Average salary: Dental product developer earns an average of $74,718.
#16. Dental Hygienist Writer:
One of the best and top-paying online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a dental hygienist writer.
Who is a dental hygienist writer? A dental hygienist writer is the one who writes down the conditions and disease of a patient. As a dental hygienist writer, develop your research and communication skills
Average salary: Dental hygienist writer earns an average of $25.15 per hour
#17. Dental treatment coordinator:
One of the best and top paying online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a dental treatment coordinator.
Who is a dental treatment coordinator? Dental treatment coordinators are the ones who assist the patient by presenting the suggested costs and details of paperwork, and they also schedule an appointment. As a dental treatment coordinator, you should develop your communication skills.
Average salary: Dental treatment coordinator earns an average of $42,116 annually.
#18. Dental personal trainer:
One of the best and top paying online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a dental personal trainer.
Who is a dental personal trainer? A dental personal trainer creates programs for their patients/clients and gives advice and guides them to achieve their goals. As a dental personal trainer, you should have the ability to inspire and motivate your clients. Having excellent communication skills will be an advantage in this profession.
Average salary: Dental personal trainer earns an average of $52,736 annually.
#19. Occupational therapist:
One of the best and top-paying online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become an occupational therapist.
Who is an occupational therapist? An occupational therapist is a professional who helps patients develop customized treatments for the improvement of patients. They specialized in activities that involve hand-eye coordination. An occupational therapist should develop skills that are helpful to the betterment of patients.
Average salary: Occupational therapist earns an average of $86,280 annually.
#20. Dental Supplier:
One of the best and top-paying online jobs for a dental hygienist is to become a dental supplier.
Who is a dental supplier? A dental supplier is someone involved with the sales of dental products and they have the chance to assist the dentist with treatments for the teeth. They also sell and recommend products. As a dental supplier, you should have eyes for goods and also potential experience with dental procedures.
FAQs
Yes. You can become an online dental hygienist.
The duration of each educational program varies. It usually ranges from two to five years.
No. An associate or bachelor’s degree with a license is okay for a dental hygienist, you can decide to further with a master’s degree.
A dental hygienist earns an average of $77,691 annually.
Conclusion
Dental hygienists are important individuals in our society today. Their services cannot be undermined. They take care of patients and care for their dental issues. Some online jobs perfect for dental hygienists are above, you should become a dental hygienist.
References
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