Health Careers Spotlight:
Dental Hygienist

 

Dental Hygienists work with dentists as part of the dental health team to help patients sustain and improve their personal oral health. Most oral diseases, such as dental decay and gum diseases, are actually chronic infections that can be prevented. Hygienists help patients learn about these oral diseases and teach personal self-care procedures to help them understand, prevent and treat these conditions. Hygienists provide direct patient care such as examining the teeth and gums, cleaning the teeth, applying fluorides and sealants, and making diagnostic x-rays.

The job outlook for dental hygienists is excellent. According to the U.S. Department of Labor statistics, dental hygiene is among the 30 occupations expected to grow the fastest over the next ten years. Many dental hygienists work part-time. In Vermont, a dental hygienist can expect a starting wage of about $18 per hour, or about $37,000 per year for full-time work. Experienced dental hygienists can earn up to $40 per hour, or as much as $83,000 per year for full-time work. Salaries in this field depend heavily on geographic location and experience.

For more information on a career in dental hygiene or another health career, please call 802-527-1474.

 

Tracy Tessier is a Dental Hygienist. Tracy graduated from the University of Vermont in 1991 with an Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. She began her dental hygiene career at Vermont Dental Care in Winooski, VT, where she practiced full-time until March of 2003.

In 1993, while working at Vermont Dental Care, she served as an adjunct faculty member to the University of Vermont and coordinated the senior clinical rotation. In 1994, she received her Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Certification from Manor College in Jenkintown, PA.

During the 2002-2003 school year, Tracy worked at the UVM Dental Hygiene Clinic with 2nd year students. Last year she passed her CDA exam and accepted a full-time teaching position at the Center for Technology, Essex Dental Assisting program.

Tracy is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in General Education Studies through Johnson State College, and is working toward her teaching certification at Vermont Technical College. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends and outdoor activities. We recently emailed Tracy to discuss her experiences working in the healthcare field.

Q How did you become interested in the field of Dental Hygiene?
A Really by chance. After one year as a Biology major at St. Michael’s College, I was hoping to transfer to UVM into the Physical Therapy program. I was not accepted into the PT program and began investigating alternatives. I knew that I wanted to be in the healthcare field. A friend of our family, who is a dentist, suggested Dental Hygiene to me.

Q How long have you been working in Dental Hygiene?
A Thirteen years.

Q What other alternatives did you consider?
A Physical Therapy.

Q Did any person influence your decision? Who?
A A friend of our family, who is a dentist, suggested I consider dental hygiene.

Q What personal needs are satisfied by your occupation?
A I would have to say my desire to help others and affect change is the number one personal need that is satisfied by my role as a dental hygienist. I also value the flexibility and level of independence that is associated with this profession. It is a personally rewarding and challenging career.

Q In what ways has your occupation changed you as a person?
A Dental Hygiene has offered me so many opportunities for personal growth and new experiences. I have become actively involved in my professional organization throughout the years, currently serving as president of the Vermont Dental Hygienists’ Association, this has given me the opportunity to travel, meet new people and be involved in my profession on a National level. This has been an incredible experience. There are so many ways that dental hygienists impact health care. They practice in a variety of settings across the United States.

Q If you could have chosen any occupation, what would it be?
A I was always interested in a health care career.

Q If you didn’t have to work, would you anyway?
A YES! I thoroughly enjoy my work.

Q Describe the demands of your job, including hours per week, pressures, job complexity and people problems.
A A typical full-time workweek in dentistry is 32 hours per week. Many dental offices work a 4-day workweek. I would average about 32-35 hours per week treating patients, and keeping up with the other duties that go along with the clinical aspect (sterilization of instruments, writing up charts, etc).

As far as job pressures, keeping on schedule, and time management are both very important in dental hygiene. This can prove to be challenging when relying on others schedules and the challenges and changes that everyday life brings.

As far as job complexity, hygienists are very skilled clinically and perform a variety of procedures and services. The complexity comes into play when you take into account the variety of patients that we treat. Every patient presents a unique opportunity. As a dental hygienist, I take into account the entire person, not just the mouth! The overall person, personality and medical history have to be considered.

Dental hygiene is very much a combination of psychology and clinical practice.

Q What does a typical work day look like for you?
A As a full-time hygienist, I worked 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. This allowed me to continue my education and work toward my baccalaureate degree. I would arrive at the office by 7:30 a.m. and set up my operatory for the day, restock my supplies and review my charts. I would work through until 2:00 p.m., seeing a variety of patients throughout the day, including elderly patients, adults and kids, as well as medically compromised patients.

My duties included patient education, taking radiographs, placing dental sealants, scaling, periodontal charting, seating and dismissing patients, sterilization, restocking supplies, and confirming and scheduling patient appointments.

Q Do you supervise the work of others?
A No.

Q What personal characteristics are desirable to be good at this job?
A You should be compassionate, organized, efficient, flexible, and a good sense of humor.

Q What special knowledge and skill does a person in this job need?
A The dental hygiene curriculum is a comprehensive didactic and clinical program. It is a challenging course of study. Aside from the educational requirements to become a dental hygienist, I think you need to have patience, understanding and flexibility.

Q What kind of people do you work with?
A Co-workers, clients, patients…I was very fortunate to work with Dr. Chuck Seleen at Vermont Dental Care in Winooski, VT. I came to work at Vermont Dental Care right after I graduated in 1991. I had done a clinical rotation at VDC during my senior year in dental hygiene school and really enjoyed the unique practice opportunity that VDC offered. I worked with a dedicated group of dental professionals whose main goal was to serve the dental needs of all Vermonters.

My patients included the insured, non-insured and Medicaid clientele. This offered me a tremendous variety of patient experiences, and has enriched my life experience both professionally and personally. Dr. Seleen’s work ethic, philosophy, and practice management style has inspired me, and kept my enthusiasm, passion and dedication to this profession growing stronger by the year.

Q What do you like best about the career of dental hygiene?
A The variety of opportunities and experiences it has given me.

Q What aspects of this position cause the most frustration or dissatisfaction?
A Dealing with patients who don’t value their dental health is frustrating. People who don’t realize that overall health and oral health are connected.

Q What high school classes should be taken to prepare for this health career?
A Strong science-based courses.

Q What requirements exist, in addition to schooling? Training? Certification and license?
A Dental hygienists are required to pass a written National board exam, a clinical board exam and a state board exam before becoming licensed. We are also required to complete 12 hours of CE biannually as well as maintain our CPR certification for license renewal.

Q What are the career ladder possibilities in this field?
A Dental hygienists can become certified in Expanded Functions, which allow them to practice from a restorative aspect in working with a dentist. They may decide to pursue a career in dental hygiene education, dentistry, and public health or become involved in their professional association on a state or national level.

Q Can a person specialize within this field?
A Yes. There are a variety of specialty practice settings including periodontics, orthodontics, pedodontics, and public health opportunities.

Q What advice would you give someone who is planning to enter this field?
A Go for it! You will never regret the experiences both professional and personal that dental hygiene has to offer.

Q What changes are occurring in this field?
A With the access to care issue facing Vermont, I think that dental hygienists will be called upon more and more to fill voids and will be utilized to their maximum potential in a variety of different practice settings.

Q What other occupations are related to this health career?
A Dental assisting, expanded function dental assisting and dental lab technician.

Q Can a person work flexible hours as a dental hygienist?
A Yes. Dental hygiene offers a great deal of flexibility.

Q Do you encounter any problems combining your job with your family life?
A No. Dental hygiene has offered me the flexibility and financial stability to lead a very fulfilling, rewarding life with many opportunities and challenges.

Q Do you have ample time for leisure activities?
A Yes. I enjoy many outdoor activities, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and continuing my education. I am currently working toward completing my baccalaureate degree and teaching certification.