The Profession
As licensed professional oral health educators and clinical operators, dental hygienists practice as members of the dental team, utilizing knowledge of biomedical, dental, and clinical sciences to assist individuals and groups in achieving and maintaining optimum oral health. The hygienist provides preventive services including preliminary examinations, x-rays, sealants, preventive periodontal therapy, fluoride treatments, and patient education. Depending upon individual state laws, the role of the hygienist has broadened to include procedures which are beyond this traditional scope of responsibility such as the administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide, and/or certain restorative procedures. As specialists, the dental hygienist serves as one member of the dental team who plays an integral role in ensuring quality, comprehensive care for dental patients.
There are numerous career opportunities for licensed dental hygienists. Those who choose to enter private dental practice work in collaboration with a licensed dentist performing preventive dental services.
The increased emphasis on community health activities in district health departments, Native American health care, migrant worker clinics, and other state, federal, or privately funded public dental care programs has opened a comparatively new and challenging field for dental hygienists. As health professionals, they participate with a team that is responsible for total commitment and involvement in community dental health.
Many hygienists select other non-traditional work settings to practice dental hygiene. Examples of such settings might include: military service, overseas employment, Veterans Administration or other hospitals, nursing homes, and home health services. Some dental hygienists also function as managers or consumer advocates.
Dental hygiene teaching and research are two other career opportunities available to hygienists. With an advanced degree, dental hygienists might consider employment as instructors or administrators of educational programs. As numerous studies continue in the many aspects of dentistry, dental hygienists interested in science and the challenge of research can utilize their skills in both clinical and laboratory research.