Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals who have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program in an institution of higher education, licensed in dental hygiene to provide educational, clinical, research, administrative and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of optimum oral health.
In performing the dental hygiene process of care, the dental hygienist assesses the patient’s oral tissues and overall health determining the presence or absence of disease, other abnormalities and disease risks; develops a dental hygiene diagnosis based on clinical findings; formulates evidence-based, patient-centered treatment care plans; performs the clinical procedures outlined in the treatment care plan; educates patients regarding oral hygiene and preventive oral care; and evaluates the outcomes of educational strategies and clinical procedures provided.
Job Description
A dental hygienist assesses the dental condition and needs of the patient and reports to dental staff. They deliver direct dental cleaning to patients including dental polishing, x-rays and application of sealants and fluorides to the teeth. The dental hygienist makes impressions of teeth for study casts, mouth guards or trays.
Education
A dental hygienist must have an Associateʼs Degree in Dental Hygiene although a Bachelorʼs Degree is preferred. A current state license is required.
Experience
A dental hygienist may have three plus years experience as a dental hygienist or five plus years experience as a Dental Assistant. Experience working with children is a plus. Understanding HIPAA privacy rules and a current certification in CPR is required.
Career Progression
- Lead
- Pediatric
- Registered Dental Hygienist
Salary
$59,379 per year in Oklahoma full time—some dental hygienists work part time
Oklahoma Schools (partial list)
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist Associateʼs Degree at Rose State College
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist Masterʼs Degree at Southwestern Oklahoma State
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist Associateʼs Degree at Tulsa Community College
(Most of this information was taken from the http://www.indeed.com)
Colleges
Midwest City, Oklahoma (https://rose.edu)
University in Weatherford, Oklahoma (https://www.swosu.edu)
Tulsa, Oklahoma (http://ce.tulsacc.edu)
