Employment
Dental Hygienist
Summary
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.

Educational Requirements and Resources
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.

Dental Hygienist

For More Information
Job Line:
(419) 226-7020

Fax
(419) 226-9870

E-mail
javantilburgh@health-
partners.org

Map & Directions Map & Directions