Rankings. Do you enjoy writing? You're … Then why not submit a few pieces for publication in dental magazines? Dental Hygiene Workforce Issues: A Minnesota Study. American Dental Hygienists' Association January 2007, 81 (1) 11; You are no longer limited to the same old clinical role! Earn a bachelor's or a master's degree in dental hygiene if you want to advance your career. The chart below details some common career jumps for dental hygienists. Myofunctional therapists are often licensed as dental hygienists or speech-language pathologists and integrated into various clinical care teams. Melissa can be reached at MelissaTurnerLLC [at] gmail.com. Thankfully, the dental hygiene profession has reached a pivotal moment where there are now countless non-traditional career opportunities both in and out of the clinical setting. High Compensation. Do you consider it a personal strength? You can also find job opportunities by contacting your dental hygienist school's career center. Some hygienists combine positions in different settings and career paths for professional variety. MELISSA TURNER, BASDH, RDH, EFDA, has practiced clinically across the country and is a valued thought leader and dental advisor. profiling dental hygienists working in unique settings. Since each state has its own specific regulations regarding their responsibilities, the range of services performed by hygienists varies from state to state. Comparing these two pictures side by side, you see two very different people. Examples of clinical settings include: Consider expanding your responsibility into any of the following non-traditional roles that are currently trending among our colleagues: Quickly gaining in popularity, myofunctional therapists specialize in dealing with disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. … According to BLS, top paying industries in insurance ($86,460), dentist offices ($81,400), and management ($77,040). But don’t limit yourself to just dental-related publications—consider other avenues like blogs, local newspapers, and even magazines and journals geared towards other healthcare professions. Dental hygienists typically need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Next: ... For those thinking about a complete career change, we've compiled a list of jobs that offer a strong salary, good … Pay. Dental hygienists in a clinical role assess, diagnose, plan, implement, evaluate and document treatment for prevention, intervention and control of oral diseases, while practicing in collaboration with other health professionals. But scaling teeth day in and day out, week after week, can get pretty old, pretty fast for some. PRO: Growing Employment. From providing oral health education to nurses and other medical professionals, to patient advocacy and helping medical patients navigate their oral health needs, to providing preventive and therapeutic treatment in medical facilities, oral health practitioners in medical settings are vital to the future of healthcare. For today’s dental hygiene professional, there are many other career pathways to explore as well. Stay tuned for Part 2 where we continue exploring other innovative roles for dental hygienists everywhere! © Today's Digital Media, LLC d/b/a Today's RDH, 5 Non-Traditional Career Opportunities for Dental Hygienists, Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, International Association of Orofacial Myology, Expand Your Dental Hygiene Career by Thinking Like an Entrepreneur, Using Social Media to Advance Your Dental Hygiene Career. Entrepreneurial opportunities developed by dental hygienists include: Learn more about the education, licensure, and training required for dental hygiene career options. The Path to a New Career The Roles of a Dental Hygienist. With starting salaries typically lower than a full-time dental hygienist’s salary, career advancement may actually mean a step backwards financially. Career path and progression. Dental hygiene career paths can lead to employment in a number of diverse settings, such as government education, research, sales and marketing, or public health. This is an exciting time to be a dental hygienist. Connective Tissue Disorders: Tailoring Dental Appointments for CTD Patients, New AAP Periodontal Classification Guidelines, QUIZ: Test Your Periodontal Instrumentation Knowledge, Mental Nerve Block: A Welcomed Alternative in Mandibular Anesthesia, How Hygienists can Bridge Cultural Differences during Appointments, The RDH Detective: Discovering Sleep Disordered Breathing in Adults, Behcet’s Disease: What Dental Hygienists Should Know & Look For, Frenums: Checking for Frenum Abnormalities During Oral Hygiene Exams. A typical day involves examining patients’ teeth and gums for cavities and disease, cleaning and polishing teeth, and teaching patients proper brushing and flossing techniques. With experience, you could specialise in dealing with particular groups like people with additional needs, or move into dental practice management. Examples of corporate positions include: Community Health programs are typically funded by government or nonprofit organizations. There are so many careers out there, that it's hard to know which one is right for you. Q: Are there new career options on the horizon? The median annual wage for dental hygienists was $76,220 in May 2019. Examples of public health opportunities include a variety of roles and settings: Research conducted by dental hygienists can be either qualitative or quantitative. Becoming a dentist takes years of training and … Since the first thing on the page will be the resume objective, this section is critical. Corporations also employ educators who provide continuing education to licensed dental hygienists. Other -- In addition to the above, dental hygienists have ventured in diverse categories with a wide range of formal training, time, and financial commitment. The profession of dental hygiene is at the crossroads of change, and the variety of career opportunities are expanding as never before. Job Outlook On the other hand, consultants tend to work with a team of oral health professionals at their specific workplace and focus on developing efficient in-house programming to increase practice revenue, improve patient retention, and create customer satisfaction. Skills To Put in a Dental Hygienist Resume Objective. Leaders throughout the dental industry often employ dental hygienists due to their clinical experience and understanding of dental practice. Sarah Verville Basile and David O Born. Examples of education positions may be full time or part time and include: Dental hygienists in administrative positions apply organizational skills, communicate objectives, identify and manage resources, and evaluate and modify programs of health, education and health care. If you desire a change from your daily routine, then why not use your dental hygiene degree to explore a non-traditional opportunity? Dental hygienists have become clinic directors, health-care administrators, and even elected politicians to effect change. Quantitative research involves conducting surveys & analyzing the results, while qualitative research may involve testing a new procedure, product, or theory for accuracy or effectiveness. These positions often offer an opportunity to provide care to those who otherwise would not have access to dental care. Colleges and universities throughout the U. S. require dental hygiene instructors who use educational theory and methodology to educate competent oral health care professionals. One of the main benefits of a career in dental hygiene is job security. She is executive moderator of the Dental Peeps Network and has vast experience providing direct services as a mobile clinician. Read more about how we rank the best jobs. But scaling teeth day in and day out, week after week, can get pretty old, pretty fast for some. Reach for the stars… your degree in dental hygiene can and will take you places! Dental hygienists may want to transition into a career as a postsecondary health specialties teacher and share their expertise with students in dental hygiene programs. A: Yes! Never before has there been more opportunity for professional growth. Let’s face it, as dental hygienists we love what we do! For those with a passion for dental hygiene who do not wish to practice clinically, there are many career paths outside of the operatory available in education, research, administration, public health and corporate business. The dental hygiene field is growing rapidly , as are opportunities for employment. In most states, hygienists can only provide direct services to underserved individuals and must be an employee of a dentist. Median salary: $74,820 Stress level score: 6.0 Work-life balance score: 10.0 If you're a dental hygienist, you're cleaning patients' teeth. Examples of research settings include: Dental Hygiene educators are in great demand. She launched I Heart Mobile Dentistry, a Facebook support group for clinicians practicing mobile dentistry, and is co-founder of the first annual National Mobile Dentistry Conference on February 28-29, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. Worki… Examples of clinical settings include: Corporate dental hygienists are employed by companies that support the oral health industry through the sale of products and services. Thinking about leaving clinical dental … In addition to clinical practice, there are career opportunities in education, research, sales and marketing, public health, administration and government. Dental hygienist: In 2019, dental hygienists had an average pay of $77,230, with the top 10% earning more than $103,340 . However, complete hygiene independence is gaining traction and, in a few states like Colorado and Maine, dental hygienists are able to own dental practices and provide services to anyone, in any place, at any time. Career changers make this decision later in life and some have been out of school for many years working in another profession before they realize that dentistry is their true calling. Career change. The field of dental hygiene is displaying a projection of rapid growth. In order More than ever before, dental hygienists find themselves leading initiatives, managing teams, directing programs, advising policy, influencing legislation, and bridging the medical-dental divide. Because there is no governing board overseeing the industry, myofunctional therapists do not necessarily have to be certified—however, there are two well-known organizations that do provide multi-day certification courses: Many dental hygienists are passionate about educating others on the oral-system link, and are now exploring creative ways to bridge the great medical-dental divide. Dental assistants perform many tasks, ranging from providing patient care and taking x rays to recordkeeping and scheduling appointments. Do you need a break from your daily clinical routine? SEE ALSO: Expand Your Dental Hygiene Career by Thinking Like an Entrepreneur, DON’T MISS: Using Social Media to Advance Your Dental Hygiene Career. Some common places for dental hygienists to work include: Hygienists have … All states require dental hygienists to be licensed; requirements vary by state. Hygienists might work in research or for manufacturing firms that produce dental equipment or supplies. I am a young dental hygienist who graduated over 6 years ago, and now my clinical career is hanging on by a thread (literally). With a past minor injury to my upper neck and lower back, clinical dental hygiene combined with a few bad choices has become the ultimate career killer. I mean, they’re both me of course but my surety and wit are completely different. It generally takes a hiring manager about six seconds to decide, based on the resume, whether a person has all necessary qualifications for a job. Keeping a Grateful Heart in Dental Hygiene, Barodontalgia: How Pressure Changes can Cause “Tooth Squeeze” Pain, Entrepreneur Hygienist Ingrid Adeogun Launches PANGA with Eco-Friendly Homecare Products, VIDEO: Com-Fit Plush Natural Fit Mask Application, Today’s RDH Honor Awards 2019 Recipient: Mandy Macachor, RDH, Today’s RDH Honor Awards 2019 Recipient: Jennifer Geiselhofer, RDH, 8 Reasons to Stop Being a Clinical Dental Hygienist. Registered Dental Hygienist to Medical Doctor: My Career Change at (almost) 30. Depending on your particular state’s statutes, dental hygienists may be able to own or manage mobile dental programs in non-traditional practice settings like universities, corporate workplaces, hospitals, schools, or even patients’ homes. Let’s face it, as dental hygienists we love what we do! Clinician: Dental hygienists in a clinical role assess, diagnose, plan, implement, evaluate and document treatment for prevention, intervention and control of oral diseases, while practicing in collaboration with other health professionals. Do you feel underpaid in your current job? Here’s Why. Hygienists work to keep your teeth clean and protect your overall health. Dental hygienists provide clinical services in a variety of settings such as private dental practice, community health settings, nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, schools, faculty practice clinics, state and federal government facilities and Indian reservations. These disorders routinely effect speaking, breathing, eating, sleeping, and virtually every other aspect of the patient’s life. Learn more about dental hygienists. Independent coaches tend to work one-on-one with the client and focus on particular areas such as health coaching, motivational life coaching, or professional career coaching. The opportunities are endless! Dental Hygienists rank #1 in Best Healthcare Support Jobs. SEE ALSO: 5 Non-Traditional Career Opportunities for Dental Hygienists Programs usually take 3 years to complete. The answer: Whatever you want it to be. The dental industry is always changing—and more importantly—the dental hygiene profession is on the forefront of this change! Or just from private practice. It’s not a nice feeling, and it may … Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, MS, is owner of Seminar's for Women's Health, past president of the ADHA, and a dental hygiene key opinion leader. Take the Fast Track from Student to Professional. Examples of administrative positions include: By using imagination and creativity to initiate or finance new commercial enterprises, dental hygienists have become successful entrepreneurs in a variety of businesses. With further training you could teach student dental hygienists. Elected Leadership & Appointed Committees Information, Constituent & Component Officer Update Form, COVID-19 Resource Center for Dental Hygienists, Clinical Director, statewide school sealant program, Program Director, dental hygiene educational program, Dean of Health Sciences, educational institution, Executive Director, state association staff. We know this is an issue, but do not know where to start. A dental hygienist or oral hygienist is a licensed dental professional, who assess oral health, perform oral therapeutic services, and assist the dentist. Let your dental hygiene education and experience open doors to YOUR career path and consider the possibilities…, The Path to a New CareerThe Roles of a Dental Hygienist. Jobs are ranked according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors. Is there anyone out there that has successfully changed careers away from dental hygiene. A career as a dental hygienist offers a wide range of challenges. To work as a dental hygienist, the following may be required of you: Earn an associate's degree from an accredited dental hygiene school. Take a look around, and you will discover how dental hygienists are participating in innovative roles, both in and out, of the op. Amber Auger, RDH, MPH, is a practicing dental hygienist and clinical innovations implementation specialist.With 14 years' experience in the dental industry, Auger works with practices to provide customized protocols, refocus on the patient experience, and … Dental hygiene program students and graduates often think of clinical practice in a dental office or clinic as a singular career path. Career Options. Many hygienists find new career directions built on the foundation of their solid health-care education and experience in the field. Hygienist Confession: Yeah, I Leave Stain. In fact, e mployment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 20 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Transcript: Dental hygienists provide dental care that promotes good oral health and helps prevent or repair problems with patients’ teeth. You could also move into a related area like orthodontic therapy or health promotion. It’s tough to be a dental hygienist nowadays, and more and more of them … Working in a private dental office continues to be the primary place of employment for dental hygienists. That can make a career change a difficult choice. Look for dental hygienist positions using job-search resources like Indeed.com, Monster.com, and Glassdoor.com. In the dental office, the dentist and the dental hygienist work together to meet the oral health needs of patients. Thankfully, the dental hygiene profession has reached a pivotal moment where there are now countless non-traditional career opportunities both in and out of the clinical setting. I am a young 47 y/o single Mom, to two school age kids, who already … What exactly is an independent coach or consultant? How and where you work today is up to you. Dental hygienists can find employment in a variety of work environments, including medical clinics and offices and educational facilities. Dental Hygienists Save Lives Known for impeccable teeth cleaning, a dental hygienist does more than clean teeth. Dental Hygienist (career change) Looking to change careers and do better for my kids and myself and was looking to attend Dental Hygienist school in the San Antonio, TX area. Change, 2019-29; Percent Numeric; Dental hygienists: 226,400: 239,700: 6: 13,300: Careers Related to Dental Hygienists [About this section] Dental Assistants. You can also visit specialized online job portals, such as The American Dental Hygienists Association's job board. Peroxide Use in Dentistry: Is it Safe for Oral Health Care?