Dental Hygienists
(SOC 29-2021)

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Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.

Sample of reported job titles: Dental Hygienist, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), Hygienist

Job Responsibilities

• Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
• Record and review patient medical histories.
• Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
• Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
• Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
• Expose and develop x-ray film.
• Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
• Maintain dental equipment and sharpen and sterilize dental instruments.
• Apply fluorides or other cavity preventing agents to arrest dental decay.
• Feel lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer.

New Hampshire Outlook

• Average Hourly Wage*: $37.33
• Estimated Employment 2010: 1,172
• Projected Employment 2020: 1,483
• Expected 10-Year Growth: 26.5%
• Projected Average Annual Openings: 55

Top industries in NH for this occupation:

• Ambulatory Health Care Services
• Self-Employed Workers
• Federal Government, except Postal Service
• Hospitals
• Local Government, except Education

Education and Training

Most Dental Hygienists have an Associate's degree, which is the minimum level of education required. Those interested in research or teaching may need a more advanced degree. All states require a license for Dental Hygienists to practice.

In New Hampshire, Dental Hygienists are regulated by the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners. They must graduate from an accredited American Dental Association program, and pass the Northeast Regional Board or similar examination. To maintain their licensure, Dental Hygienists must complete 20 hours of continuing education biennially.

Interests (Holland Code): SRC

• Social - Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Career Cluster: Health Science

Work Environment
Almost all dental hygienists work in dentists' offices. Hygienists work closely with dentists and dental assistants.

Additional Information Sources**
American Dental Hygienists' Association
<www.adha.org>

American Dental Hygienists Association – NH Chapter
<www.nhdha.org>

To Find a Job
Contact the nearest NH Employment Security office or go online to www.nhes.nh.gov

* New Hampshire Occupational Employment and Wages, September 2012. Wage estimates based on surveys through May 2011, adjusted to June 2012.
** Inclusion of this information is intended to provide a convenient resource for research, but in no way constitutes an endorsement for any organization; nor is the list all-inclusive.

Source:
NH Employment Projections, base year 2010 to projected year 2020
Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010, Bureau of Labor Statistics

For more information:
Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau
(603) 228-4124
elmi@nhes.nh.gov