0
How do I become a dental hygienist, what are their duties, and how much can I make as one in the state of Pennsylvania?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
To become a Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania, you will need a two-year associate's degree or a bachelor or master's degree from an accredited Dental Hygiene program. To receive your license, you will need to pass both exams from the North East Regional Board and the National Board Dental Hygiene. At $52K, the annual average Dental Hygienist's is 12 % lower than the national average.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What are the Duties of an Dental Hygienist?
Dental hygienist works as a advice provider to the dentist. They also provide tips of hygiene to the patients, works in dental cleaning, hygiene maintenance, good oral routine provider to the patients etc.
About Dental Hygienist Training?
The dental hygienist is an important figure in any dental office. The job of a dental hygienist encompasses a wide variety of different tasks, and may include instructing patients about how to care for their teeth and mouth, performing teeth cleanings on patients, and providing other dental care of a preventive nature. A dental hygienist may also occasionally perform more complicated duties such as taking x rays of the mouth and root work on the teeth.Depending upon the state in which the dental hygienist practices, a hygienist may even perform many of the same duties that a dentist typically performs. Such duties can include administering anesthesia to patients, filling cavities, and removal of stitches following oral surgery. Dental hygienists may perform these duties on their own or work as a team with a dentist.To be a practicing dental hygienist, a student must attend classes at an accredited school of dental hygiene. After graduation from a dental hygiene school, each student must pass a two part exam. The written portion of the exam will consist of textbook material, while the practical portion of the examination will consist of caring for patients according to proper procedures. The examination, typically given by the American Dental Association Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, will be given at a state testing facility. After passing an examination, a student can receive dental hygienist certification. In certain states, dental hygienists must also undergo a test regarding the legalities in the dental field.Dental hygienist training may take from two to three years. In most cases, dental hygienist programs will accept students who are high school graduates and who have completed entrance tests for the dental hygienist program. Many dental hygienist programs prefer that students have at least one year of college, especially studying subjects such as math, chemistry, and biological sciences. Any person who is interested in becoming a dental hygienist will benefit from school coursework focusing on math and the sciences since these areas will be examined in much more detail during their training.Because dentistry is a growing field, dental hygienists are very much in demand. Even recent graduates of dental hygienist schools will generally be able to secure jobs with relative ease. A dental hygienist will often have a flexible schedule, perhaps even working for more than one employer, and this is considered by many to be a benefit of the job.
Selecting a Rewarding Dental Employment Position?
Someone who's looking for dental employment has plenty of occupations to choose from. In most dentist offices, there are dental assistants who do a lot of the preparation work. Some of those duties include setting up a tray of dental instruments, making sure a patient has a bib on for clothing protection, and retrieving patients' files. A secretary in a dentist's office sits at the front desk to greet patients and make sure they have filled out all of the proper paperwork. A dental hygienist also plays an important role in the workings of a dentist's office. Please read on to find out the duties of a dental hygienist. Cleaning a patient's teeth and examining the health of a patient's gums are two of the most important tasks of a dental hygienist. A dental hygienist will take note of any problems he or she sees with a patient's teeth and gums in order to inform the dentist. In addition, when a dentist is performing a dental procedure a dental hygienist may be present to assist. A dental hygienist also may be found teaching patients how to keep their teeth healthy or explaining any problems with the patient's oral health. An individual who wants to become a dental hygienist must be a high school graduate. He or she must also graduate from a dental hygiene school. In addition, a dental hygienist must take an exam in order to become licensed to practice in any state. A person who is a successful dental hygienist is able to use small instruments to accomplish precise work on patients' teeth. This is a growing occupation in the field of dental employment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the annual median salary of dental hygienists in May 2008 was $66,570. Furthermore, dental hygienists whose salaries fell within the lowest ten percent earned $44,180 or less (BLS). The salaries vary for dental hygienists depending on whether they work in a large dental practice or perhaps a small, private one. Either way, a successful dental hygienist will be dedicated to helping patients achieve the best level of dental health possible.
Can dental assistant administer anesthesia?
The legal duties of a dental hygienist are spelled out in each individual state's dental practice act. Most states do allow dental hygienists to administer local anesthetics, provided they have appropriate training to do so. To see if a particular state does permit hygienists to administer local anesthetics, check with that state's dental licensing board.
A dental assistant holding a valid polishing permit may remove supragingival calculus.?
no."The following duties are considered Expanded Function Duties and may be performed only after the dental assistant complies with the requirements of 818-042-0080:(1) Polish the coronal surfaces of teeth with a brush or rubber cup as part of oral prophylaxis to remove stains if a licensed dentist or dental hygienist has determined the teeth are free of calculus;"
Can a dental assistant holding a valid polishing permit may remove supragingival calculus?
no."The following duties are considered Expanded Function Duties and may be performed only after the dental assistant complies with the requirements of 818-042-0080:(1) Polish the coronal surfaces of teeth with a brush or rubber cup as part of oral prophylaxis to remove stains if a licensed dentist or dental hygienist has determined the teeth are free of calculus;"
Dental Assistants Are In Demand In Nashville?
According to the latest estimates the number of dental assistant and dental hygienist positions in the Nashville area will increase over the next decade. This field is specialized and job security is quite good. Those interested in becoming a dental assistant or dental hygienist may be required to complete some formal training before being hired. A dental assistant can legally perform a number of duties without certification, however a dental hygienist must be licensed by the State of Tennessee to legally perform work involving radiology and oral treatments.Specific Duties Of Dental AssistantsA dental assistant must become familiar with all of the instruments used, topical solutions and gels, sanitizing procedures and recordkeeping functions. He or she prepares the examination rooms for the patients and lays out the appropriate tools and instruments for any particular procedure. Dental assistants also perform front desk work, interact with patients and help resolve billing questions. Many individuals enter the field of dentistry as a dental assistant, often an internship while still attending college or technical school.A dental hygienist is often the person responsible for performing simple oral exams, teeth cleaning and the taking of x-rays. He or she must be certified by the state if conducting most types of oral treatment. This includes preventative dentistry procedures as well as periodontal exams.Educational RequirementsNashville dental assistants are usually hired because of their education rather than professional experience. Dentists favor those individuals who have undertaken postsecondary study in the areas of biology and health science. College math credits are also a big plus. Dental training programs offered by colleges and universities to graduate students generally take about two years to complete but will result in certification and a greater number of job opportunities in the local area. Many private technical and health institutes also offer training compliant with certification and licensing requirements.Salaries And BenefitsIn the Nashville area dental assistants can expect a starting salary of about $29,000 if the position is considered entry level. Benefits vary and are offered through the dentist's insurance package. If the job applicant has completed some formal training in dental assistance the salary may be as much as 15 percent higher. A dental hygienist earns on average twice the salary of a dental assistant. The license required to perform hygienist duties is valid only in Tennessee and is not accepted by other states.
What role does a dental hyienist play in a dental office?
A Dental Hygienist performs duties such as routine dental prophylaxis (teeth cleaning), more advanced periodontal cleanings, may change periodontal dressings after surgery, takes x-rays, and examines patients for the presence of dental diseases, and cancer. She / he may set up, break down, and clean the exam room. In some cases there is an assistant for that. They DO NOT administer injections, or nitrous oxide. That has to be done by a doctor.
Dental Hygienists?
Becoming a dental hygienist is a great job for anyone looking for a permanent career, or a flexible job that leaves time to pursue other opportunities. Dental Hygienists can work full time, part-time, evenings and on weekends. They generally work in private dental offices, hospitals or public health organizations. To become a dental hygienist, one must enroll in a dental hygienist program at an accredited school. Most community colleges offer a two year program that results in an Associate’s degree, a four year program at a university where you will obtain a bachelor’s degree, or you can advance further and obtain a master’s degree. Courses for the dental hygienist focus primarily in the sciences. Anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, microbiology, pathology and nutrition are all required to graduate from both the two and four year program. However, with a higher degree, you will take more courses in the humanities, such as psychology and sociology. Obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree will allow you even more opportunities for advancement in this career. If you are seeking dental hygienist jobs in the public sector, you will most likely be required to have a bachelor’s degree. These jobs are great for the career-minded person because you will have more stability and they generally provide better benefits than a private dental office. Additionally, with a more advanced degree, you can conduct research and teach in a dental hygienist program. Once you have successfully graduated from the dental hygienist program, you will be required by whatever state you wish to practice in to take written and clinical exams to obtain a license. Most states also require you to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and an examination on the legalities of being a hygienist. Dental hygienists work directly with the patients to teach them about proper oral health care and ways to prevent diseases and infections to their teeth and gums. Other duties include removing plaque and tartar, inspecting patients’ mouth and neck for signs of infection and disease, applying sealants to prevent cavities, performing x-rays on patients, installing fillings, and sometimes administering anesthetics. The starting salary of a dental hygienist ranges from $20,000.00 to $30,000.00. The average salary of a more experienced hygienist ranges from $57,000.00 to $74,000.00.
Dental Assistant Opportunities In Alaska?
Dental assistant job opportunities in Alaska are expected to increase over the next decade. The population of the state is growing and as a result new dental clinics are opening up. Those interested in entering the field of dental assistance work can improve their chances of being hired if a training program is completed. Candidates with training in the areas of radiology and oral hygiene will satisfy state requirements for expanded job duties.A Second Pair Of HandsA dental assistant works closely with the dentist while oral examinations, teeth cleaning and x-rays are being conducted. He or she must be familiar with not only the various instruments and their use but also how to sanitize and prepare them. Keeping patients' mouths dry and clear of saliva, applying topical anesthetics and making casts of the teeth are some of the more common duties of the dental assistant.A dental hygienist must be licensed to perform certain duties. Unlike a dental assistant the dental hygienist has been trained to provide general oral care for patients. This includes removal of foreign material, the administering of local anesthetics, taking root measurements and operating x-ray equipment.Training Programs For Alaska Dental AssistantsAlaska does not require a license for general dental assistance work. However applicants seeking this position will have a better chance of becoming employed if a college education involving biology, math and health science has been completed. The Certified Dental Assistant Credential may be acquired by completing a CODA-accredited dental education program or by having been employed as an entry level dental assistant for more than two years. Opportunities for advancement in this field are limited unless formal training is completed at some point. In Alaska the duties of a dental assistant may require training while on the job, however a good number of programs exist allowing the assistant to continue working while taking classes.Salaries For Dental Assistants And Dental HygienistsEntry level salaries for Alaska dental assistants will average about $33,000 per year. This figure increases steadily if the individual shows competency in the field. Licensed assistants may find jobs paying in excess of $35,000 as a starting salary. A dental hygienist will have opportunities for well-paying jobs if the licensing process has been completed. The average starting salary for these individuals is above $60,000. A dental hygienist license is good only for the state in which it was issued. Those considering certification in Alaska should carefully examine the expected number of job openings because competition for these positions can be quite fierce.
What is the advantage and disadvantage of PAN?
Pennsylvania Association of Notaries (PAN) is dedicated to helping notaries public in Pennsylvania perform their professional duties correctly, responsibly
What are the duties of an orthodontists?
orthodontist are dental specialist who help correct malfunctions of the mouth,including crooked or misplaced teeth or misaligned jaws.As a dental professional doctor, orthodontists perform a variety of duties to treat their patients. duties include 1. Consultation 2.examination 3.treatment plan 4.Treatment
