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Dental hygienists function as members of the dental team by caring for patients and
providing services that help to prevent, detect, and treat oral diseases. A typical
dental hygienist works in a dentist?s office doing such things as taking medical and
dental histories, examining oral regions to include the head, neck, and mouth,
cleaning and polishing teeth and gums to include removing hard and soft deposits
from the crowns and roots of teeth, providing fluoride treatments, placing dental
sealants, and taking x-rays. However, opportunities are broad and individuals can
take other career avenues doing such things as research, working with insurance
claims, selling dental products, working for public health institutions, etc.
With additional training, approved through a state dental board, a dental hygienist
can be qualified to perform expanded duties. These duties may include the placement
of dental restorations and fillings that have been prepared by a dentist.
In terms of education, this position requires a minimum of an associate?s degree
(approximately two years in length) from an accredited dental hygiene program.
Individuals who are interested in doing research, teaching, managing or working
in administrative atmospheres will also want to obtain a bachelor?s degree or
master?s degree in dental hygiene. Individuals must be licensed in the state
of Ohio in order to practice as a dental hygienist. To view the list of national
and regional boards of certification, visit
The American Dental Hygienists'
Association website. Additional information about pursing a career as a
dental hygienist can be found at the
American Dental Association. Please use the links provided below to learn
more about specific educational programs pertaining to this field.
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