Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Dental Hygienist
Job description
A dental hygienist is a licensed professional with hands-on preventive healthcare responsibilities. Dental Hygienists work under the supervision of dentists in dental offices or as independent contractors in state licensed healthcare facilities. Dental Hygienists examine, clean and polish teeth, note conditions of decay, disease and deviations from normal oral health. They administer local anesthetics, place temporary and permanent fillings, take impressions of teeth, give fluoride treatments, apply sealants, and take and process X-rays. Hygienists also educate patients regarding proper oral healthcare. Many specialize in the oral health needs of specific populations such as the elderly or the developmentally disabled.
The work setting is a clean, well-lit pleasant environment. Work requires people contact, and ability to work with other dental team members.
Salaries and benefits*
In Washington, the average entry level wage for dental hygienists is $5,510 per month ($31.79 per hour). Half of all dental hygienists earn between $5,900 and $7,312 per month ($34.04 and $42.19 per hour). A dental hygienist 1, with a valid state license, working for the State of Washington earns $2,635 to $3,376 per month ($15.20 to $19.48 per hour). Dental hygienists working for health care facilities in the Pacific Northwest (WA, OR, ID), average $4,630 to $6,190 per month. Nationally, the median wage for dental hygienists is $4,720 per month ($27.25 per hour). Half of all dental hygienists earn between $3,830 and $5,770 per month ($22.08 and $33.30 per hour).
How much hygienists are paid depends on the hours they work and their responsibilities. Hygienists may be paid by the client, day, or by the hour. Many hygienists work part time and some are paid a combination of salary and commission. Benefits vary by employer. Full-time hygienists may receive paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Part-time hygienists generally are paid a wage, but do not receive benefits.
Training and requirements
In Washington State, 2-year programs are at Clark, Columbia Basin, Pierce, Shoreline and Yakima Valley Community Colleges and Lake Washington Technical College; Eastern Washington University in Spokane offers a 4-year BS program and the University of Washington offers additional training after graduation from a 2-year program. Admission to dental hygienist programs is very competitive. Resident tuition at community colleges is about $300 per quarter; books/equipment fees are extra. Financial aid is available through the financial aid office and from the Washington Dental Education Foundation.
Necessary skills
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good judgment and decision making abilities
●
good hand/eye coordination and precision
●
manual dexterity to move small objects
●
visual acuity noting details in color/shape
●
work with people and as team member
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ability to calm nervous patients
●
good listening and communication skills
Working Conditions
Dental Hygienists frequently:
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Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
●
Sit for long periods of time.
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Repeat the same motions.
●
Bend or twist the body when operating equipment or examining patients.
Interpersonal Relationships:
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Have a high level of social contact. They work closely with clients and coworkers.
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Are responsible for others' health and safety.
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Work as part of a dental team.
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Communicate with patients daily by telephone and in person.
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Write letters and memos on a weekly basis.
Hours/Travel:
●
May work full time or part time.
●
May work days, evenings, or weekends.
●
May work for more than one dental office.
Licensure/Certification
Dental hygienists must have a state license. Dental hygienists can become licensed in the State of Washington after meeting educational and examination requirements. Licensing requirements include:
●
graduation from a Commission on Dental Accreditation approved dental hygiene expanded functions educational program; or an accredited program which includes competency in administration of local anesthetics and nitrous oxide, the preparation and placement of dental restorations in cavities, and carving, contouring, and adjusting contacts and occlusions of restorations;
●
passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination;
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passing Washington restorative and written examinations;
●
passing the written and practical Western Regional Board examination for basic hygiene, local anesthetics, and restorative procedures;
●
completing seven hours of AIDS education; and
●
taking 15 clock hours of continuing education annually, including CPR training, for licensing renewal.
The examination given by the National Board of Dental Examiners is $130. The state application fee to become licensed is $100 and the annual renewal fee is $40. The exam fee from the Western Regional Examination Board varies depending on the type of examination and location. For more information, contact the Western Regional Examination Board at 602.944.3315 or on the Internet at: http://www.wreb.org
For more information on state requirements, contact:
The
Washington State Department of Health
Dental Hygiene Program
PO Box 47867
Olympia, WA 98504
360-23-4700
https://wws2.wa.gov/doh/hpqa-licensing/hps3/Dental_Hygiene/default.htm
Helpful high school courses
English, speech, social studies, sociology, math, algebra, geometry, chemistry, biology, nutrition, physiology, health, physical education, psychology, first aid/CPR.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
●
Clark College
1800 E. McLoughlin
Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98663
(360) 992-2000
●
Columbia Basin College
2600 North 20th Avenue
Pasco, WA 99301
(509) 547-0511
●
Eastern Washington University
101 Sutton Hall
Cheney, WA 99004-2447
(509) 359-2397
●
Lake Washington Technical College
11605 132nd Ave. NE
Kirkland, WA 98034-8506
(425) 739-8100
●
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
9401 Farwest Dr. SW
Lakewood, WA 98498-1999
(253) 964-6500
●
Seattle Central
Community College
Dental Hygiene Program
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway, Room 2BE3210
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 344-4347
●
Shoreline Community College
16101 Greenwood Ave. N
Shoreline, WA 98133-5696
(206) 546-4101
●
Dental Hygiene
Box 357440
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-7440
(206) 543-5820
●
Yakima Valley Community College
16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd.
Yakima, WA 98907-2520
(509) 574-4600
Outlook*
Between 2002 and 2007, this occupation is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations in Washington. Employment is projected to increase 12.8% during this period. It is estimated that there will be 111 openings annually due to new positions and 39 openings annually from workers leaving this occupation.
Between 2007 and 2012, this occupation is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations in Washington. Employment is projected to increase 9.3% during this period. It is estimated that there will be 91 openings annually due to new positions and 43 openings annually from workers leaving this occupation.
According to estimates by the Washington State Department of Employment Security, there were 4,320 dental hygienists employed in Washington in 2002. It is projected that by 2007 there will be 4,874 and by 2012 there will be 5,329. According to licensing information from the State of Washington at the time this occupation was updated, there are about 4,563 dental hygienists actively licensed in Washington.
Professional Associations
●
American Dental Hygienists’ Association
444 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 3400
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 440-8900
http://www.adha.org
●
Washington State Dental Hygienists Association
P.O. Box 389
Lynnwood, WA 98046-0389
(425) 771-3201
http://www.wsdha.com/
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2005. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 5/1/06