5 Reasons You Should Become A Dental Hygienist
Looking for a viable career path? Consider becoming a dental hygienist! Dental hygienists have stable careers, with a set but flexible hours, plenty of opportunity for growth, and above-average wage. Plus, training for the profession is shorter compared to other professions. Programs vary in length but range from two months to two years. You could be working in your dream job in no time! If you’re still on the fence about it, learn more about the perks of being a dental hygienist below.
1. Job Security
The field of dental hygienists is field, and as such it offers job security. Dental offices will always need dental hygienists. Job opportunities are always opening up. There are also dental hygienist job opportunities anywhere there are dental offices—so most cities. Whether you want to live in a small town or a big city, there are likely employment opportunities for dental assisting.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2012, over 300,000 people were employed as dental hygienists. Employment opportunities are expected to grow by 25% by the year 2022.
2. Above Average Income
The average income for dental hygienists varies based on the location. Overall, the average income is high. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May of 2018, the median income for dental hygienists was $74,820. This ranged with the lowest 10% less than $51,930 and the highest 10% above $101,820.
3. Opportunity for Growth
There are plenty of opportunities in the field of dental hygienists. Whether you want to move up to dental office management or potentially become a dentist, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.
4. Flexible Schedule
As a dental hygienist, you’ll likely have flexible work hours. Your work hours will differ based on the office you work in. Hours of a dental assist tend to be set hours but with flexibility. Most dental offices also observe most major holidays. Dentists are not exactly in high demand on Thanksgiving.
5. Work with People
Dental hygienists spend much of their day with people. They educate patients on proper dental care, help patients to feel comfortable, and in some offices work with patients to secure their insurance and schedule appointments. Dental hygienists are typically the ones that interact with the patients the most—giving the first and biggest impression of the dental office.
If you’re interested in learning more about the field of dental hygienists, contact Dental Essentials School of Dental Assisting. We are dedicated to your success! We have a ten weeks program that allows students to attend school in the evening—giving them a chance to still work at their current jobs. You can be working in a dentist’s office in a matter of months. Contact us today to learn more and start down your new career path.