Dental Hygienist Careers

Dental Hygienists work with dentists to make sure that not only are patient’s teeth repaired, but that they remain as healthy as possible for as long as possible. They do this by teaching patients how to practice good oral hygiene, removing deposits from teeth and applying cavity preventative agents. They can also in some States do some of the more simple procedures that dentists do such as temporary fillings and dressings.

Dental hygienists have to undergo a licensing procedure in order to be able to practice. They have to have either a two year or a four year degree from an accredited dental hygiene school, and then pass written and clinical examinations. For some situations, such as working in research or in laboratory work, it may be necessary for applicants to have a Masters degree.

There is an increasing demand for dental work, and as the dental hygienist increasingly substitutes for the dentist in the more routine tasks of dental care, this is likely to speed up during the next ten years. At the moment the pool of qualified dental hygienists is relatively small, so job prospects are very good for well qualified people.

Earnings reflect this shortage of well qualified dental hygienists, with a median salaries of around $51,000 according to the US Department of Labor, and for some of the better paid people earnings can be as high as $74,000.

Directory of Dental Hygienist Schools

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Dental Hygienist

Job Duties

Dental hygienists provide dental support services to the patients of dentists. They examine teeth and gums for abnormalities, teach proper oral hygiene, and remove stains, plaque, and calculus from teeth. They also perform root planning; take and develop dental x rays; and apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. Some States allow dental hygienists to administer anesthetics; place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings; remove sutures; and smooth and polish metal restorations. They may prepare clinical and laboratory tests but are not allowed to diagnose diseases. During certain dental treatments, dental hygienists work alongside dentists.

Dental hygienists use many types of equipment in their work, including hand and rotary instruments, ultrasonics, x-ray machines, syringes, and models of teeth. They also work with patients to help them understand the basics of sound oral health. They may assist patients in selecting toothbrushes, explain the realities of how diet affects teeth, or demonstrate good brushing and flossing techniques.

Job Skills

Dental hygienists need to have good manual dexterity because tiny errors while working in a patient's mouth could have drastic consequences. They should have good communication skills and be able to work well as part of a team.

Income

In 2002, dental hygienists earned a median hourly wage of $26.59. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $17.34, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $39.24. Earnings varied depending on such factors as geographic location, employment setting, and level of experience.

Training and Education

Dental hygienists are required to obtain a license in the State in which they work. In order to obtain a license, candidates must first graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school and then pass written and clinical tests through the American Dental Association Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations and regional or State testing agencies. In most States, candidates are also required to pass an exam covering the legal aspects of the practice. There are about 265 programs in the U.S. accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Most award an associate degree, while some offer a certificate, bachelor's degree, or a master's degree. An associate degree or certificate in dental hygiene is the minimum requirement for positions in private dental offices.

Requirements for admission to dental hygiene programs vary greatly, but more than half prefer applicants to have at least 1 year of college competed. Courses in these programs include anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, radiography, histology (the study of tissue structure), periodontology, (the study of gum diseases), pathology, dental materials, clinical dental hygiene, and social and behavioral sciences.

Employment

In 2002, dental hygienists held about 148,000 jobs. More than 50% worked part-time, and almost all worked in offices of dentists.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of dental hygienists is expected to increase much faster than the average. More and more tasks that were previously the responsibility of dentists will be performed by dental hygienists, creating high demand for this occupation. A general increase in the demand for dental care will also add to job growth. In fact, this is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations, which will result in excellent job opportunities.

For more information on becoming a dental hygienist, please see our directory of Dental Hygienist Schools.

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Dental Assistant Education

Dental assistants perform a variety of different tasks that surround the role of the dentist. They work with the dentist, assisting him during treatment on patients, handing instruments, making sure the patient is kept as comfortable as possible, and keeping the patient’s mouth dry and clear of obstructions. They also do much of the preparation and clean-up tasks, being responsible for sterilization of equipment and instruments. In some cases they will undertake simple procedures such as applying anesthetics, taking X-Rays and other independent processes. They may also be responsible for making appointments and other office work, and for necessary laboratory work.

Dental assistants usually enter the profession by taking a course in college or dental school, either a one year diploma or a two year associate degree. This gives students the background knowledge of health education and dental procedures that make individual processes much easier to learn, and will give them some experience in dental clinics and offices.

Individual States have different policies for licensing and for the tasks that dental assistants are allowed to do. In some States they require individual exams from the Dental Assisting National Board for procedures such as taking X-Rays, and similar procedures.

Median earnings are around $26,000 according to the US Department of Labor and dental assistants can earn as much as $38,000. Pay is often dependent on where a dental assistant is employed, in a dental practice, a clinic or a hospital, or on full-time or part-time employment.

Directory of Schools Offering Dental Assistant Education

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Clinical Laboratory Technologist

Job Duties

Clinical laboratory technologists are responsible for complex medical tests that are of a chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, or bacteriologic nature. Using microscopes, they examine blood, tissue, and other bodily materials. They determine the presence of bacteria, fungi parasites, or other types of microorganisms by creating cultures from bodily fluids or tissue samples. They determine such things as blood glucose and cholesterol levels by analyzing the results of these various tests. They match blood samples for transfusion. They are responsible for setting up and overseeing testing programs and procedures. Some supervise the work of clinical laboratory technicians.

Tests from clinical laboratories are an integral part of the process of detection, diagnosis, and treatment of various diseases. Clinical laboratory technologists operate various types of automated equipment and instruments that are capable of executing many different tests at one time. They also use microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment. In recent years, their work has become more and more automated. This has changed the nature of their activities, decreasing the amount of time they spend completing hands-on tasks and increasing the analytical aspects of their jobs.

Job Skills

Clinical laboratory technologists need to be able to pay extremely close attention to detail, as tiny differences in test results can substantially alter the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They should have good manual dexterity and color vision. They must have good analytical judgment and be able to work well when pressure is high. In addition, computer skills are becoming increasingly important in the automated environment in which they work.

Income

In 2002, clinical laboratory technologists earned a median annual salary of $42,910. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $30,530, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $58,000. The following shows the median earnings for the industries employing the highest numbers of clinical laboratory technologists:

• General medical and surgical hospitals -- $43,340
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories -- $42,020
• Offices of physicians -- $38,690

Training and Education

Most entry-level clinical laboratory technologist positions require a bachelor's degree in medical technology or life sciences. However, it is possible to obtain employment with specialized and on-the-job training. The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act requires all technologists who perform certain advanced tests to have at least an associate degree. Bachelor's degree programs are found at universities and hospitals and include courses in chemistry, biological sciences, microbiology, mathematics, statistics, and specialized clinical laboratory courses. Most programs also include courses in business, management, and computers.

There are 467 educational programs in the U.S. that are fully accredited by the National Association Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools also accredit programs. In some States, clinical laboratory technologists are required to be licensed or registered. Certification is voluntary, but usually required by employers. Clinical laboratory technologists can advance to supervisory positions in laboratory work or become chief medical or clinical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers in hospitals. Advancement usually happens faster with a graduate degree in medical technology or the life sciences.

Employment

In 2002, clinical laboratory technologists, including technicians held about 297,000 jobs. More than 50% worked in hospitals. Most of the rest worked in offices of physicians and in medical and diagnostic laboratories.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of clinical laboratory technologists is expected to increase about as fast as the average. New types of tests and an aging population will keep demand high for this type of work. Job opportunities will be excellent because the number of job seekers will be lower than the number of job openings. Employment will grow faster in medical and diagnostic laboratories, offices of physicians, and other health care services, although most workers will continue to be employed by hospitals.

For more information on becoming a clinical laboratory technologist, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training.

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Clinical Laboratory Technician

Job Duties

Clinical laboratory technicians perform tests and laboratory procedures that are less complex than the tests performed by clinical laboratory technologists. In fact, they are often supervised by technologists. They prepare specimens, operate automated analyzers, and perform manual tests. They may specialize in one area of the laboratory, or they may work as general technicians in multiple areas. Specializations include histotechnicians, who cut and stain tissue specimens for microscopic examination, and phlebotomists, who collect blood samples.

Tests from clinical laboratories are an integral part of the process of detection, diagnosis, and treatment of various diseases. Clinical laboratory technicians operate various types of automated equipment and instruments that are capable of executing many different tests at one time. They also use microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment. In recent years, their work has become more and more automated. This has changed the nature of their activities, decreasing the amount of time they spend completing hands-on tasks and increasing the analytical aspects of their jobs.

Job Skills

Clinical laboratory technicians need to be able to pay extremely close attention to detail, as tiny differences in test results can substantially alter the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They should have good manual dexterity and color vision. They must have good analytical judgment and be able to work well when pressure is high. In addition, computer skills are becoming increasingly important in the automated environment in which they work.

Income

In 2002, clinical laboratory technicians earned a median annual salary of $29,040. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $19,070, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $43,960. The following shows the median earnings for the industries employing the highest numbers of clinical laboratory technicians:

• General medical and surgical hospitals -- $30,500
• Colleges, universities, and professional schools -- $30,350
• Offices of physicians -- $27,820
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories -- $27,550
• Other ambulatory health care services -- $26,710

Training and Education

Clinical laboratory technicians usually have an associate degree form a commuity or junior college or a certificate from a hospital, vocational, or technical school. Training is also available through the Armed Forces. There are 467 educational programs in the U.S. that are fully accredited by the National Association Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools also accredit programs. In some States, clinical laboratory technicians are required to be licensed or registered. Certification is voluntary, but usually required by employers.

Clinical laboratory technicians, by completing additional education and gaining experience, can advance to become clinical laboratory technologists. From there, they may be able to advance to supervisory positions in laboratory work or become chief medical or clinical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers in hospitals. Advancement usually happens faster with a graduate degree in medical technology or the life sciences.

Employment

In 2002, clinical laboratory technicians, including technologists, held about 297,000 jobs. More than 50% worked in hospitals. Most of the rest worked in offices of physicians and in medical and diagnostic laboratories.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of clinical laboratory technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the average. New types of tests and an aging population will keep demand high for this type of work. Job opportunities will be excellent because the number of job seekers will be lower than the number of job openings. Employment will grow faster in medical and diagnostic laboratories, offices of physicians, and other health care services, although most workers will continue to be employed by hospitals.

For more information on becoming a clinical laboratory technician, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training

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Chiropractor

Job Duties

Chiropractors, sometimes referred to as doctors of chiropractic or chiropractic physicians, work with patients who have muscular, nervous, or skeletal problems. These problems often are related to the spine. Chiropractors base their practice on the belief that interference with the spinal or vertebral systems can adversely affect the normal functioning of the body and that skeletal imbalance can cause various levels of pain. Chiropractors take a holistic approach to healthcare, emphasizing the patient's entire health and well being as affected by exercise, diet, rest, environment, and heredity. The treatments chiropractors provide is drugless, natural, and nonsurgical, and rely on alterations to a patient's lifestyle as well as the natural recuperative properties of the human body.

Chiropractors examine a patient's medical history, examine the patient, take x rays and order tests from laboratories. Once they reach a diagnosis, they often adjust a patient's spine by hand. Some supplement this therapy with water, light, massage, ultrasound, electric, and heat therapy. Chiropractors may specialize in a number of different fields, such as sports injuries, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, nutrition, internal disorders, or diagnostic imaging. Many run their own practices by themselves or with a group of practitioners.

Job Skills

Chiropractors should have excellent manual dexterity, although they do not need to be extraordinarily strong. They must have well-developed observation skills that enable them to detect physical abnormalities. Chiropractors need to be able to work independently and should be self motivated. Empathy, understanding, and a passion for helping other people are also essential qualities.

Income

In 2002, salaried chiropractors earned a median annual salary of $65,330. The middle 50% earned between $44,140 and $102,400 per year. Self-employed chiropractors generally have higher earnings than salaried chiropractors.

Training and Education

All States regulate the chiropractic profession, granting licenses to chiropractors once they pass an examination and meet other requirements. Chiropractors are only allowed to practice in States where they are licensed, although some have agreements making it easy for chiropractors licensed in one State to quickly obtain a license in the another. In order to become licensed, most States require chiropractors to have at least 2 years of undergraduate education. Many are starting to require a bachelor's degree. All States require applicants to have completed a 4-year program at an accredited chiropractic college leading to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree. In order for chiropractors to maintain their license, most States require them to complete a certain amount of continuing education courses.

About 18 chiropractic programs and institutions are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. Most programs focus on classroom and laboratory work in anatomy, physiology, public health, microbiology, pathology, and biochemistry during the first 2 years. The second 2 years often cover manipulation and spinal adjustment, physical and laboratory diagnosis, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, physiotherapy, and nutrition. After they are granted licenses, graduates of these programs can create a partnership with other licensed chiropractors or start their own practice.

Employment

In 2002, chiropractors held about 49,000 jobs. Most ran their own practice, while others worked in a group practice, conducted research, or taught chiropractic courses.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of chiropractors is expected to increase faster than the average due to a rising demand for alternative healthcare. Chiropractic care is becoming very appealing to Americans because it does not include drugs or surgery. Opportunities will be best for chiropractors who develop a practice in an area with a low concentration of chiropractors.

For more information on becoming an chiropractor, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training

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