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Dental Hygienists

Also called: Dental Hygienist, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), Hygienist

Where in the Air Force? In the Air Force: Dental Assistant Apprentice; Dental Assistant Craftsman, Dental Hygienist; Dental Assistant Helper; Dental Assistant Journeyman; Dental Assistant Journeyman, Dental Hygienist

What they do:
Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.
On the job, you would:
  • Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
  • Record and review patient medical histories.
  • Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.

Knowledge

Health
  • medicine and dentistry
Business
  • customer service
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Math and Science
  • psychology

Skills

Basic Skills
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • talking to others
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Verbal
  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say
Hand and Finger Use
  • put together small parts with your fingers
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Self Control
  • Concern for Others

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Medical software
  • Dental charting software
  • Dental office management software
Electronic mail software
  • Email software
Accounting software
  • Dental billing software

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
associate's degree or
bachelor's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Find Certifications Eligible for the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program

Job Outlook

Bright Outlook
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Salary
$69,280
per year, on average
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about dental hygienists.