A Day In The Life
Health Sciences Industry
Salary Breakdown
Dental Hygienists
Average
$74,450
ANNUAL
$35.79
HOURLY
Entry Level
$59,640
ANNUAL
$28.68
HOURLY
Mid Level
$77,030
ANNUAL
$37.03
HOURLY
Expert Level
$95,740
ANNUAL
$46.03
HOURLY
Projected Jobs
Dental Hygienists
5,370
Projected job openings through 2030
Sample Career Roadmap
Dental Hygienists
Supporting Programs
Dental Hygienists
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis/Columbus
Bachelor's Degree
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis/Fort Wayne
Bachelor's Degree
Top Expected Tasks
Dental Hygienists
01
Record and review patient medical histories.
02
Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
03
Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
04
Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
05
Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
06
Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
07
Expose and develop x-ray film.
08
Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
09
Apply fluorides or other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
10
Maintain dental equipment and sharpen and sterilize dental instruments.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Dental Hygienists
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Medicine and Dentistry
KNOWLEDGE
Customer and Personal Service
KNOWLEDGE
Psychology
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
KNOWLEDGE
Education and Training
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Critical Thinking
SKILL
Speaking
SKILL
Monitoring
SKILL
Service Orientation
ABILITY
Arm-Hand Steadiness
ABILITY
Finger Dexterity
ABILITY
Near Vision
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
ABILITY
Oral Comprehension
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