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The ProfessionThe majority of our program graduates are employed in private dental offices, although an increasing number are working in public health agencies, school systems, clinics, and as educators in dental hygiene programs. Specific responsibilities of the hygienist will vary with the setting and with the laws of the state in which the hygienist is employed. Typically, hygienists in private practice will provide the following services:
Within school systems, hygienists function as both clinicians and educators. As clinicians, they conduct dental screening examinations, participate in dental surveys and follow-up studies, and provide oral prophylaxes. Expansion of the educator role presents the hygienist with the opportunity to develop and implement classroom programs on oral health as well as serve as a consultant to teachers on dental health education. Dental hygienists employed in public health agencies typically have clinical, consultative, or supervisory/administrative responsibilities. These responsibilities include:
Dental hygienists may also find employment as researchers in public health departments, hospitals, schools of dentistry or dental hygiene, and industry. Employment opportunities for dental hygienists are excellent. Factors such as an increase in the number of dental insurance plans, a greater awareness of the importance of oral hygiene, and an expansion of the role and function of the dental hygienist point to a faster employment growth rate than is likely for other occupations. LicensureDental hygienists must be licensed by the state in which they work. To become licensed in Massachusetts a hygienist must graduate from an accredited program and pass the National Board Examination in Dental Hygiene and well as the Northeast Regional Board Examination.
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