Also called: RDH
Cleans teeth, takes X-rays, screens for disease, and teaches patients how to care for their mouths.
Sees 8-10 patients a day in hour-long visits: scaling off tartar, measuring gum pockets, polishing, and checking for signs of oral cancer. Many work 3-4 days a week with no nights or weekends.
BLS May 2024.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 3 years after high school. Associate degree in dental hygiene plus national and state exams.
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Dental Hygiene.
Growing faster than average (about 7% over 10 years). Faster than average.
Low risk for 10 years. AI flags gum disease and cavities on X-rays; scaling, cleaning and coaching patients chairside stay hands-on.
Classes: Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & physiology, Health-science CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-1292.
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