With all the programs South College offers, I thought it would be beneficial to write about job outlooks related to the various fields you all will be entering, focusing on one at a time. Since I am the Nashville librarian, I thought it would be fitting to start with the program that is unique to this campus: dental. I wanted to write about various job outlooks because it is a topic that is on many of your minds. With the stress of all your classes, I thought I would take it upon myself to research your job outlooks for you to see what’s going on and what you can expect from your chosen career path.
Median Salary: $77,810
Projected Growth: 9% by 2031
Dental hygienists do a lot, including apply sealants and fluorides, screen for oral diseases, perform dental cleanings to remove plaque and stains, screen for cavities and tooth decay, administer and examine x-rays, take dental impressions for orthodontic services, and administer local anesthetic. They can educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and how to improve oral health, and so much more.
In some states, dental hygienists can receive additional training related to restorative services and can advance their education to include research and teaching opportunities.
There are many reasons why the job is so high in demand. One reason is due to aging baby boomers and the fact that older Americans are keeping their original teeth, which means they require more oral care. There is also more awareness surrounding oral health due to more studies being published regarding the link between oral health and general health. A third reason the job is in high demand is due to the general public having greater access to dental services. Dental coverage has increased, partly due to the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion on Dental Coverage.
Important skills necessary for the job
Critical thinking
Dexterity
Communication skills – interpersonal and professional
Strong attention to detail
Empathy & compassion
Where can a dental hygienist work
Private practices
Long-term care facilities
Hospitals
Prisons
Schools
Goodwin University. (2023, February 27). Dental hygienist job outlook 2023. Goodwin University. https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/dental-hygienist-job-outlook/#:~:text=The%20Projected%20Job%20Outlook%20for%20Dental%20Hygienists&text=According%20to%20the%20U.S.%20Bureau,become%20available%20throughout%20this%20decade.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, September 8). Dental hygienists : occupational outlook handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm#tab-6
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