Dental Hygienists

Description

Career Cluster:

Health Science

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.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Dental Hygienists

Education

Required Level of Education

• Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 78.53%
• Bachelor's Degree = 20.70%
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master = 0.76%

Related Work Experience

• None = 51.28%
• Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 33.54%
• Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 7.30%
• Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 3.57%
• Up to and including 1 month = 2.12%
• Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 1.40%
• Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 0.78%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

• None = 63.16%
• Up to and including 1 month = 14.88%
• Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 12.08%
• Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 6.90%
• Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 1.58%
• Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 1.40%

On-the-Job Training

• None or short demonstration = 54.27%
• Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 20.57%
• Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 11.56%
• Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 5.78%
• Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 5.62%
• Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 2.20%

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Dental Hygienists

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

• Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
• Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
• Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
• Feel lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer.
• Apply fluorides or other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
• Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
• Expose and develop x-ray film.
• Remove excess cement from coronal surfaces of teeth.
• Administer local anesthetic agents.
• Record and review patient medical histories.
• Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
• Maintain dental equipment and sharpen and sterilize dental instruments.
• Maintain patient recall system.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

• Make impressions for study casts.
• Conduct dental health clinics for community groups to augment services of dentist.
• Remove sutures and dressings.
• Place and remove rubber dams, matrices, and temporary restorations.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Dental Hygienists

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

• Dental laboratory air abrasion units (Air abrasion equipment)
• Teeth cleaning devices or accessories (Air-driven dental polishers)
• Teeth cleaning devices or accessories (Air/water syringes)
• Amalgam carriers
• Dental cutting or separating discs (Angle formers)
• Dental syringes or needles or syringes with needles (Aspirating syringes)
• Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Autoclaves)
• Dental scalers or accessories (Autoscalars)
• Dental bite blocks or wings or tabs (Bite wings)
• Dental probes (Calculus explorers)
• Dental lasers (Caries detection aids)
• Dental probes (Caries explorers)
• Dental scalers or accessories (Cavitron equipment)
• Scanners (Computer scanners)
• Dental tongs (Cotton pliers)
• Dental examination chairs or related parts or accessories (Dental chairs)
• Dental scalers or accessories (Dental curettes)
• Dental lasers
• Dental syringes or needles or syringes with needles (Dental needles)
• Teeth cleaning devices or accessories (Dental polishers)
• Dental film processors (Dental x ray development equipment)
• Dental x ray units (Dental x ray machines)
• Digital cameras
• Dental x ray units (Digital dental x ray units)
• Electronic blood pressure units
• Dental hygiene instruments (Electronic calculus detectors)
• Medical radiation films or badges (Film badges)
• Dental scalers or accessories (Hand scalers)
• Dental scalers or accessories (Hollow handle scalars)
• Dental impression trays (Impression trays)
• Dental instrument sharpening accessories (Instrument sharpening devices)
• Digital cameras (Intraoral dental cameras)
• Medical radiological shielding aprons or masks or drapes (Lead aprons)
• Mercury blood pressure units (Manual blood pressure cuffs)
• Dental matrices or sets (Matrices/matrix retainers)
• Dental amalgamators (Mechanical mixers)
• Mechanical stethoscopes or accessories (Mechanical stethoscopes)
• Mercury blood pressure units
• Microscope slides
• Teeth cleaning devices or accessories (Motor-driven dental polishers)
• Dental probes (Nabers furcation probes)
• Dental lasers (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Nd:YAG dental lasers)
• Oxygen therapy delivery system products accessories or its supplies (Nitrous oxide administration equipment)
• Notebook computers
• Oxygen therapy delivery system products accessories or its supplies (Oxygen administration equipment)
• Dental x ray units (Panoramic dental x ray units)
• Dental radiology film (Periapical films)
• Dental probes (Periodontal probes)
• Personal computers
• Dental x ray units (Portable dental x ray units)
• Dental pulp or vitality testers (Pulp testers)
• Dental operatory retraction cords (Retraction cords)
• Attachments or replacement parts for dental instruments (Rotating caps)
• Dental dam supplies (Rubber dams)
• Dental saliva ejectors or oral suction devices or supplies (Saliva ejectors)
• Dental scalers or accessories (Solid handle scalars)
• Dental saliva ejectors or oral suction devices or supplies (Suctioning equipment)
• Dental scalers or accessories (Ultrasonic scalers)
• Ultrasonic cleaning equipment (Ultrasonic sterilization units)

Technologies Include:

• Accounting software

• Dental billing software

• Calendar and scheduling software

• Scheduling software

• Electronic mail software

• Email software

• Internet browser software

• Web browser software

• Inventory management software

• Inventory management software

• Medical software

• Dental charting software
• Dental clinical records software
• Dental digital radiology software
• Dental imaging software
• Dental intra-oral imaging software
• Dental office management software
• Henry Schein Dentrix software
• Voice-activated perio charting software

• Word processing software

• Word processing software

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Dental Hygienists

Special Requirements

In order to practice as a dental hygienist in the state of Virginia you must:

- Possesses a valid license from the Board of Dentistry. The licensee shall have the right to practice dental hygiene in this Commonwealth for the period of his license as set by the Board, under the direction of any licensed dentist.

- An application for such license shall be made to the Board in writing, and shall be accompanied by satisfactory proof that the applicant is of good moral character and a graduate of an accredited dental hygiene program approved by the Board and offered by an accredited institution of higher education.

- A licensed dental hygienist may, under the direction or general supervision of a licensed dentist and subject to the regulations of the Board, perform services which are educational, diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventive. These services shall not include the establishment of a final diagnosis or treatment plan for a dental patient.


Application for Licensure:

Applicants for licensure as a Dental Hygienist or Dental Hygienist Instructor In Virginia must apply for licensure. A completed application shall include the following unless otherwise stated below. An incomplete application and or fees could result in the delay of the processing or return of your application.

All of the following must accompany the enclosed application for licensure:

   •   Passport - type photo (full face and no older than 6 months);
   •   Form A - completed by dental hygiene school which granted degree or certificate;
   •   Form B - chronology, follow instructions on form;
   •   Form C - licensure verification from any jurisdiction in which you have or ever held a license to practice dental hygiene, copies of licensure permits are not accepted. Verifications cannot be older than 6 months;
   •   An original grade card issued by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations submitted directly to the Board from the Joint Commission. Scorecards will be kept on record for one year;
   •   Verification of degree issued from an accredited dental hygiene school (FINAL transcript bearing SEAL, date degree received and registrar’s signature;
   •   Passing score on jurisprudence exam. Contact PSI Examination Services at 1 - 800 - 733 - 9267 or www.psiexams.com for an application, dates and locations. Applicants for teacher’s license are not required to take the jurisprudence exam;
   •   Passing score on the Southern Regional Clinical Dental Exam;
   •   Certified check, cashier’s check or money order, made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia in the amount of $135 by exam and $135 by endorsement.




License Renewal:

Every person holding an active or inactive license or a full-time faculty license shall, on or before March 31, renew his license. Every person holding a teacher's license, temporary resident’s license, a restricted volunteer license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene or a temporary permit to practice dentistry or dental hygiene shall, on or before June 30, request renewal of his license.

Required Fees:

Renewal fee of an active license or permit to practice or teach dental hygiene	$ 75
Renewal fee of an inactive license	$40
Application fee for a temporary resident’s license	$60
Annual renewal fee	$35
Late renewal of licensure fee	$15
Reinstatement fee (after 1 year)	$ 200
Reinstatement fee (revoked)	$ 500
Reinstatement fee (indefinite suspension)	$ 400
Application fee for licensure by exam	$ 175
Application fee for licensure by endorsement	$ 275
Duplicate wall certificate	$ 60
Duplicate license	$ 20
Licensure certification	$ 35
Restricted license	$ 285
Returned check	$ 35
Inspection fee	$ 350

For More Information, Contact:

Virginia Department Of Health Professions
Board Of Dentistry
6603 West Broad St., 5th Floor
Richmond, VA 23230-1717
Phone: 804.662.9906
Phone: 800.533.1560
TTY: 804.662.7197
Fax: 804.662.7244
http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/dentistry/

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.

Dental Hygienists

Additional Resources

For information on a career in dental hygiene and the educational requirements to enter this occupation, contact:

Division of Professional Development
American Dental Hygienists' Association
444 N. Michigan Ave.
Suite 3400
Chicago, IL 60611
http://www.adha.org

For information about accredited programs and educational requirements, contact:

Commission on Dental Accreditation
American Dental Association
211 E. Chicago Ave.
Suite 1814
Chicago, IL 60611
http://www.ada.org

The State Board of Dental Examiners in Virginia can supply information on licensing requirements.
http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/dentistry/

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.

Dental Hygienists

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
92.75	Medicine and Dentistry	Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
84.75	Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
70.75	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
62.75	Psychology	Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
60.00	Biology	Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
59.75	Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
52.75	Sales and Marketing	Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Dental Hygienists

Skills

%	Subject	Description
72.00	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
65.50	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
62.50	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
53.00	Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
53.00	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
53.00	Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.
53.00	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
53.00	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
50.00	Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.
50.00	Persuasion	Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
50.00	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
50.00	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
50.00	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
50.00	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Dental Hygienists

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
75.00	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
75.00	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
72.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
72.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
65.50	Finger Dexterity	The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
62.50	Arm-Hand Steadiness	The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
56.25	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
56.25	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
56.25	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
53.00	Manual Dexterity	The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
53.00	Control Precision	The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
53.00	Selective Attention	The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
53.00	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
53.00	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
53.00	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
50.00	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
50.00	Time Sharing	The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
50.00	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Dental Hygienists

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
89.00	Assisting and Caring for Others	Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
87.50	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
86.25	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
85.00	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
76.00	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
75.75	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
75.50	Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
75.00	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
73.00	Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
72.25	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
71.00	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
69.50	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
65.75	Handling and Moving Objects	Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
63.50	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
63.00	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
63.00	Controlling Machines and Processes	Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
62.50	Interacting With Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
62.00	Scheduling Work and Activities	Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
58.50	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
54.50	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
52.75	Developing Objectives and Strategies	Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
52.00	Performing General Physical Activities	Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
51.25	Selling or Influencing Others	Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
51.00	Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Dental Hygienists

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
92.75	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
90.25	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
90.25	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
88.75	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
86.25	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
81.75	Self Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
77.75	Social Orientation	Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
76.75	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
76.75	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
75.25	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
73.00	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
71.25	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
68.25	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
60.25	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
57.50	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
56.75	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Dental Hygienists

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
94.50	Relationships	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
66.67	Support	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
61.17	Independence	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
58.33	Working Conditions	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
55.50	Achievement	Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Dental Hygienists

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
100.00	Exposed to Disease or Infections	How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
100.00	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets	How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
100.00	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
99.80	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
99.00	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls	How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
97.40	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
97.40	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
94.80	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions	How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
92.80	Exposed to Radiation	How often does this job require exposure to radiation?
92.60	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
91.20	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks	How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
90.20	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
88.00	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
87.80	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
85.80	Exposed to Contaminants	How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
84.20	Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body	How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
81.80	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
79.60	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
78.00	Deal With External Customers	How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
76.00	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
76.00	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	How do the decisions an employee makes impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company?
74.80	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
74.60	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
73.60	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
70.20	Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable	How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
70.00	Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions	How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
68.40	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
66.40	Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People	How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
65.20	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
55.40	Exposed to Hazardous Conditions	How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
53.40	Frequency of Conflict Situations	How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
51.00	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Dental Hygienists

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

• Overall Experience
  • Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
• Job Training
  • Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
• Examples
  • These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, occupational therapy assistants, and medical assistants.
• Education
  • Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Dental Hygienists

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$47,880.00	$71,110.00	$85,310.00
Virginia	$53,360.00	$81,110.00	$92,870.00
Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Bay Consortium	$76,399.00	$86,757.00	$88,893.00
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	$51,819.00	$82,560.00	$86,313.00
Central VA/Region2000	$57,467.00	$68,813.00	$74,372.00
Crater Area	$83,108.00	$86,946.00	$85,951.00
Greater Peninsula	$68,738.00	$80,587.00	$84,399.00
Hampton Roads	$68,641.00	$72,028.00	$75,360.00
New River/Mt. Rogers	$52,004.00	$58,623.00	$66,505.00
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington	$87,331.00	$107,115.00	$110,658.00
Piedmont Workforce	$68,629.00	$78,815.00	$83,242.00
Shenandoah Valley	$49,484.00	$80,128.00	$85,564.00
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	$52,175.00	$64,115.00	$67,414.00
West Piedmont	$45,536.00	$67,834.00	$69,690.00
Western Virginia	$61,721.00	$73,223.00	$78,369.00

* Earnings Calculations:

 Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

 National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.

Dental Hygienists

Employment Projections

National	2012	2022	% Change
United States	192,800	256,900	+ 33.3%
State	2012	2022	% Change
Virginia	4,295	6,356	+ 48.0%
Region	2010	2020	% Change
Bay Consortium	230	397	+ 72.6%
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	558	804	+ 44.1%
Central VA/Region2000	110	152	+ 38.2%
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	246	345	+ 40.2%
Hampton Roads	703	998	+ 42.0%
New River/Mt. Rogers	191	255	+ 33.5%
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington	1,452	2,363	+ 62.7%
Piedmont Workforce	230	376	+ 63.5%
Shenandoah Valley	188	280	+ 48.9%
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	91	114	+ 25.3%
Western Virginia	243	313	+ 28.8%

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.

Dental Hygienists

Related Occupations

Related Occupations

• Dentists, General
• Orthodontists
• Prosthodontists
• Respiratory Therapists
• Surgical Technologists
• Radiologic Technicians
• Dental Assistants

 

Careers in Therapeutic Services Pathway:

• Clinical Psychologists
• Counseling Psychologists
• Psychologists, All Other
• Neuropsychologists and Clinical Neuropsychologists
• Chiropractors
• Dentists, General
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• Orthodontists
• Prosthodontists
• Dietitians and Nutritionists
• Optometrists
• Pharmacists
• Anesthesiologists
• Family and General Practitioners
• Internists, General
• Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Pediatricians, General
• Psychiatrists
• Surgeons
• Physicians and Surgeons, All Other
• Allergists and Immunologists
• Dermatologists
• Hospitalists
• Neurologists
• Nuclear Medicine Physicians
• Ophthalmologists
• Pathologists
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
• Preventive Medicine Physicians
• Sports Medicine Physicians
• Urologists
• Physician Assistants
• Anesthesiologist Assistants
• Podiatrists
• Occupational Therapists
• Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Radiation Therapists
• Recreational Therapists
• Respiratory Therapists
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Registered Nurses
• Acute Care Nurses
• Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
• Critical Care Nurses
• Clinical Nurse Specialists
• Nurse Anesthetists
• Nurse Midwives
• Nurse Practitioners
• Audiologists
• Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners, All Other
• Acupuncturists
• Naturopathic Physicians
• Orthoptists
• Dental Hygienists
• Dietetic Technicians
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Psychiatric Technicians
• Respiratory Therapy Technicians
• Surgical Technologists
• Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
• Opticians, Dispensing
• Orthotists and Prosthetists
• Hearing Aid Specialists
• Athletic Trainers
• Genetic Counselors
• Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other
• Midwives
• Home Health Aides
• Psychiatric Aides
• Nursing Assistants
• Orderlies
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Occupational Therapy Aides
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Physical Therapist Aides
• Dental Assistants
• Medical Assistants
• Pharmacy Aides
• Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
• Endoscopy Technicians
• Dental Laboratory Technicians
• Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Dental Hygienists

View Videos

The following videos are available for this occupation:

• Health Science (7.03 Mb)
• Dental Hygienists (2.42 Mb)



Macromedia Flash is required for viewing the videos. If you do not have the Flash plugin, it is freely available for download.

En Español:

• Dental Hygienist (2.04)



Quicktime 5 is required for viewing the Spanish videos. If you do not have the Quicktime plugin, it is freely available for download.

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee.

Dental Hygienists

Military Training

The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:

• Dental Care, General
• Dental Hygiene
• Not Occupationally Qualified, General

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center.

Dental Hygienists

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Assisting and Caring for Others	4.5
Getting Information	4.5
Documenting/Recording Information	4.5
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	4.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.0
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	4.0
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	4.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	4.0
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	4.0
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	4.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.0
Handling and Moving Objects	3.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	3.5
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	3.5
Controlling Machines and Processes	3.5
Interacting With Computers	3.5
Scheduling Work and Activities	3.5
Processing Information	3.5
Training and Teaching Others	3.0
Developing Objectives and Strategies	3.0
Performing General Physical Activities	3.0
Selling or Influencing Others	3.0
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People	3.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	3.0
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others	3.0
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization	3.0
Coaching and Developing Others	3.0
Analyzing Data or Information	3.0
Thinking Creatively	3.0
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	3.0
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	3.0
Developing and Building Teams	2.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	2.5
Performing Administrative Activities	2.5
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	2.0
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	2.0
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	2.0
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	2.0
Staffing Organizational Units	2.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	1.5

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Dental Hygienists

Titles

• Dental Hygienist
• Dental Nurse
• Hygienist
• Oral Hygienist
• Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Dental Hygienists

Related Schools

• Central Virginia Community College
• Northern Virginia Community College
• Old Dominion University
• Thomas Nelson Community College
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• Virginia Western Community College
• Wytheville Community College

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.