A Day In The Life
Health Sciences Industry
Health Sciences
Dental Hygienists
Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease.
Salary Breakdown
Dental Hygienists
Average
$65,000
ANNUAL
Entry Level
$46,000
ANNUAL
Mid Level
$63,000
ANNUAL
Expert Level
$80,000
ANNUAL
Projected Jobs
Dental Hygienists
5,540
Projected job openings through 2028
Top Expected Tasks
Dental Hygienists
01
Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
02
Record and review patient medical histories.
03
Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
04
Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
05
Expose and develop x-ray film.
06
Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
07
Maintain dental equipment and sharpen and sterilize dental instruments.
08
Feel lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer.
09
Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
10
Apply fluorides or other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
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
English Language
KNOWLEDGE
Psychology
KNOWLEDGE
Biology
SKILL
Speaking
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Critical Thinking
SKILL
Writing
SKILL
Monitoring
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
ABILITY
Near Vision
ABILITY
Oral Comprehension
ABILITY
Oral Expression
ABILITY
Finger Dexterity
Related Careers
Health Sciences
Not sure where to begin?
Match Careers with Interests
Career Exploration
Browse by Industry