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Dental Hygienist

Miami Dade College

Nikita Modi

Introduction to

Healthcare
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A dental hygienist is an essential member of the dental care team, focusing on the

prevention of oral diseases and the education of patients on how to maintain good oral health.

Their responsibilities include conducting thorough patient assessments, which encompass

reviewing medical histories, measuring blood pressure, and examining the mouth for any signs

of disease. They are adept at performing professional dental cleanings, removing plaque and

tartar from teeth, and applying treatments such as fluoride to protect teeth from decay.

Additionally, they are trained to take dental X-rays, which are critical for diagnosing various

dental problems. A significant part of their role involves educating patients on proper oral

hygiene practices, including effective brushing, and flossing techniques, and offering advice on

nutrition and lifestyle choices that affect oral health. They also engage in deep cleaning

procedures for patients with gum disease, involving scaling and root planning to remove tartar

below the gum line and smooth out tooth roots (Lee et al., 2019). Maintaining accurate patient

records and ensuring the dental office adheres to strict infection control standards are also key

aspects of their job. Dental hygienists must continually update their skills and knowledge

through ongoing education to stay current with the latest in dental care practices and

technologies. By collaborating closely with dentists and other healthcare professionals, dental

hygienists play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive comprehensive oral health care.

Although dental hygienists have a wide variety of responsibilities, there are certain

limitations to their scope of practice. These limitations include a task reserved exclusively for

dentists. Similarly, prescribing medications, such as antibiotics or painkillers, falls outside their

purview. Dental hygienists are also restricted from performing irreversible procedures that alter

the tooth or jaw structure, like extractions, dental implant placements, or conducting root canal
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treatments (Lim & Park, 2019). While they contribute significantly to patient care through

assessments and education, the development and finalization of treatment plans remain the

dentist's responsibility. Moreover, dental hygienists typically cannot operate a dental practice

independently, as they are required to work under a dentist's supervision, although exceptions

exist in certain settings like community health clinics, which vary by jurisdiction. The scope of

practice for dental hygienists is subject to regional laws and can expand with additional training

and certification, emphasizing the importance of staying current with legal and professional

standards to maximize their role in dental health care.

The code of ethics for dental hygienists serves as a foundational guide for professional

conduct and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of integrity, patient care, and

collaboration within the healthcare field. This ethical framework prioritizes the health and well-

being of patients, ensuring that all treatments and preventive care are delivered with the utmost

respect, confidentiality, and competence. Dental hygienists are expected to continually advance

their knowledge and skills to provide the highest standard of care. They should also foster

positive relationships with patients, colleagues, and the community, promoting oral health as an

integral part of overall wellness. Additionally, they are committed to acting fairly and honestly,

avoiding conflicts of interest, and upholding the trust placed in them by patients and the public.

This code underscores the profession's dedication to ethical practice, patient advocacy, and the

pursuit of excellence in all aspects of dental hygiene.

The education and registration process for dental hygienists is designed to ensure that

these professionals possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to provide high-

quality oral health care. Aspiring dental hygienists begin by completing prerequisite coursework

in key science subjects such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy, before being admitted to a
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dental hygiene program. These prerequisites ensure that students have a solid foundation in the

sciences relevant to dental care. Aspiring dental hygienists must graduate from an accredited

dental hygiene program. These programs can be found at community colleges, technical

colleges, dental schools, and universities. They typically receive an associate degree in dental

Hygiene, which takes about two years to complete. However, some institutions offer bachelor’s

and even master’s degrees in dental hygiene, which may open up further career opportunities,

including teaching, research, and advanced clinical roles. The curriculum in a dental hygiene

program covers a wide range of topics, including dental science (such as periodontology,

pathology, radiography), clinical dental hygiene, local anesthesia, pharmacology, ethics, and

community health.

To practice as a dental hygienist, candidates must first pass the NBDHE in the United

States or an equivalent national board examination in other countries. This exam evaluates their

knowledge and understanding of dental hygiene and related sciences. After passing the national

board exam, candidates must also pass a state or regional clinical board examination. This

practical exam assesses their clinical dental hygiene skills and competencies. Once these exams

are successfully completed, the candidate can apply for licensure in the state or region where

they intend to practice. The requirements for licensure can vary, but they typically include proof

of education, examination scores, and sometimes a background check. To maintain their

licensure, dental hygienists are required to complete continuing education courses regularly.

These requirements differ by jurisdiction but are essential to ensure that dental hygienists stay up

to date with the latest in dental science, techniques, and ethics. This structured education and

registration process ensures that dental hygienists are well-prepared to contribute effectively to

dental care teams, focusing on preventive care, patient education, and the promotion of oral

health.
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The job outlook and employment prospects for dental hygienists are promising, reflecting

the growing demand for preventive dental care and oral health services. According to the U.S.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow faster

than the average for all occupations, with a projected growth rate of 13% from 2020 to 2030.

This growth is attributed to several factors, including an aging population that retains more of

their natural teeth and an increased emphasis on the importance of oral health in overall well-

being. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 Dental Hygienists made a

median pay of $76,220 per year. Per hour, they made $36.65. Aside from the clinical role in

dental practices or hospitals, a dental hygienist can practice in the corporate world, public health

sector, research, education, and administrative fields (Ohara et al., 2021).

The American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) is the most prominent

professional group in the United States. ADHA is an umbrella organization that brings together

various state-based component groups. Unlike many other professional groups, the American

Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) is concerned with dental hygienists and students

interested in working there. Students who join ADHA must pay a $65 yearly membership fee

(Min, Choi & Yun, 2019). Organizations are excellent for career advancement because they

allow professionals to share experiences and find practical solutions to difficulties such as work-

life balance. As a result, the body is ideal for career growth. Students with this membership also

can access a broad choice of reading materials, including periodicals, at a reasonable price. Apart

from the ADHA, students may volunteer for local organizations such as the South Florida Dental

Hygienists Association.

My career plan begins with acquiring the necessary prerequisites to enroll in the dental

hygienist program at Miami Dade College. Upon completion of the program, my goal is to work

in a pediatric dental office, as I have a passion for working with children. Additionally, I aspire
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to participate in philanthropic missions, aiding with dental surgeries in other countries. After

gaining several years of experience in the field, I aim to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Eventually, I

am considering attending Dental School to fulfill my dream of becoming a dentist. I am eagerly

anticipating the opportunities for growth and learning that this rewarding profession will offer.
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References

Academics. (2020) Miami Dade College. https://www.mdc.edu/dentalhygiene/ ADA. (2020). Dental

Hygienist Education and Training Requirements.
https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/dental-team-careers/dental-
hygienist/education-training-requirements-dental-hygienist.

ADHA, (2019, May). CE Requirements for Dental Hygiene Licensure Renewal. Chicago; AMERICAN
DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION. https://www.adha.org/resources-
docs/7512_CE_Requirements_by_State.pdf

ADHA. (2019). Code of Ethics. PDF. Chicago, IL; AMERICAN DENTAL HYGIENISTS’
ASSOCIATION.

ADHA. (2020, October). Dental Hygiene Practice Act Overview: Permitted Functions and Supervision
Levels by State. https://www.adha.org/scope-of-practice.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental Hygienists.
(2020) https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm
Dental Hygienists Jobs in Miami, FL. (2020) https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=dental+hygienist. Dental
Assisting & Dental Hygiene. (2020) https://www.broward.edu/academics/health-
sciences/dental/index.html.

Florida Board of Dentistry. (2020) Licensing, Renewal, Resources, Meetings, and Information.
Florida Board of Dentistry. https://floridasdentistry.gov/.

Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. (2020). NDHBE Examinee Guide. Chicago.
https://www.ada.org/~/media/JCNDE/pdfs/nbdhe_examinee_guide.pdf?la=en

McKay, D. R. (2020) Dental Hygienist Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More.
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/dental-hygienist-526006.

Membership. ADHA. https://www.adha.org/types-of-membership.

National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
(NBDHE): Pearson VUE. https://home.pearsonvue.com/nbdhe.