Recently, I have had an increasing interest in dental hygiene. The reason behind my choice could be influenced by the history of my family, in which dental care was the least of their concerns. This caused them to face an overall impact on their health later on in their life. On the other hand, I have always been taking care of my teeth and I want to show everyone else how important it can be and how it can greatly impact your life.
The main purpose of becoming a dental hygienist is to examine a patient’s teeth and provide proper dental care. The general conception is to provide preventative care for teeth, like cleaning the patient’s teeth. In addition, it is paramount to apprise the patient’s on how to manage their dental care, to prevent diseases that could harm their dental health. The responsibilities for this occupation are to examine the patient’s teeth to ascertain they are receiving thorough dental care. This career mainly revolves around having the patient safe from any potential diseases they could face.
There is no specific reason as to why I chose this career for my future. The general conception is that I want to be able to avail my society when it comes to their health. Although dental health might not be the priority of some, it could potentially impact your overall health. It is paramount to receive proper care for your teeth to remain healthy. Additionally, one of the key skills needed is the ability to socialize with others around you. Although the Achievements Personality test states I don’t have a vigorous socializing sense, I can improve it in the years to come as I am now. On the other hand, being active in listening essential too. According to my Focus2 assessment, one of my strengths is the ability to give my attention to someone and understand what they are trying to convey.
The minimum education level needed to commence working in this field is at least an associate’s degree. Typically, some hands-on experience would be supplemental to have. Additionally, this may include a separate program dedicated to a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. However, it is no exception for any dental hygienist to not have a certified license to work in their field. Having a certified license is not up for debate, but is a requisite for every state. Although there is no specific region in which dental hygienists are in demand, there is a known state in the US that is. High demand for dental hygienists and assistants has grown in Washington, US. Recently, data has recorded that Washington has a shortage of them. The outlook of this is negative since the projected employment is expected to increase by 2028 by at least 11%.
Generally, dental hygienists do not have to relocate from one dentist’s office to another. They tend to remain in the same one for the most part of their career. However, we can opt to apply to other dentist offices and move on our own. On the other hand, when moving out of state, it tends to complicate things. This is because you can’t take your current license to another state, signifying that every state has its own license which you will have to work for again. However, there are out-of-state licenses you can apply for if needed. The current recorded annual average for a dental hygienist is roughly $70,000. The amount earned can be dependent on your education level and the experience you have. As you get more years of experience as a dental hygienist, you generally would receive a greater annual salary. Sometimes racking up to around $93,000 annually after 4-5 years in the field.
Geographic regions play a large part in annual salaries. Typically, most western states have a higher salary for dental hygienists than any other region in the US. In comparison, Alaska has a higher annual salary than Texas does for dental hygienists. The second highest salary is in California which is in the western part of the US. Between Alaska and Texas, the average amount of money needed to sustain a living area is a minimum of $1000 to rent at least a one-bedroom dormitory. Alaska requires a higher wage in order to find a living space, additionally, including any essentials needed. I would say it would accommodate my desirable lifestyle. The annual salary for dental hygienists is neither a massive nor a subpar amount, designating that I can live the adequate lifestyle I desire for the future.
This field has a projected employment growth of 11% by the year 2028. The number of jobs available is expected to increase. These jobs should be more common in a few years, so expecting to find a job will depend on the state. Some outlooks for this career are that you can keep your education and earn a higher degree in your major. Additionally, the annual wage is decent compared to other jobs in the United States. In addition, schedules can be flexible and aren’t strictly put into place. Considering how it isn’t a high demand today in Texas, jobs wouldn’t be very easy to find. This includes which company you want and what accommodations you need. If I don’t find a job immediately, I would consider finding a similar job for my major, generally in health sciences. This can include other jobs in the dental office or outside of it. Otherwise, I would continue my education to receive a higher degree in my major and advance to the next step of my career.
Some of the best-known companies/organizations known for dental hygiene are Smile Brands Inc. and Mint Dentistry. Out of the two, Mint Dentistry is the closest to my area, which might be a considerable choice. On the other hand, if there are no job openings, I would consider continuing my education to become a dentist. However, if I don’t go through with this, I would consider another job that takes place in the dental office which is similar to my major.
Overall, my main goal for my future is to become a dental hygienist and take part in helping my community maintain proper dental health, including an overall healthy state. By doing this I will sustain a role in my community to take part in patients’ receiving the proper care for their teeth that they deserve. All things considered, the field I look forward to working in is being a dental hygienist in order to provide care for my society.