Dental hygiene educators teach others by creating or editing educational materials, presenting the materials, and acting as consultants to dental companies. They may work in higher education, schools, public health, or in industry.
Description
In higher education, dental hygiene educators:
- Serve on the faculties of dental and dental hygiene programs in colleges and universities
- Teach future dental professionals, providing them with the education and experience to provide oral health care services
- Provide classroom instruction; clinical instructors build bridges from classroom knowledge to clinical expertise
In industry, dental hygiene educators:
- Design and develop product training materials needed by dentists, dental hygienists, and patients
- Deliver presentations about new products
- Consult on product development
- Market dental technology and products
In schools and public health, dental hygiene educators:
- Provide oral health assessments, referrals, and preventive services
- Develop educational strategies and materials to change the oral health behaviors
- Deliver presentations and training programs on preventive dentistry
Personal qualifications
- Ability to analyze and simplify complex information
- Oral and written communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Excellent presentation skills
Licensing
Dental hygienists must be licensed by the state in which they practice. To qualify for licensure in nearly all states, a candidate must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school and pass both a written and clinical examination. The American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations administers the written examination, which is accepted by all states and the District of Columbia. State or regional testing agencies administer the clinical examination. In addition, most states require an examination on the legal aspects of dental hygiene practice.
Employment opportunities
- Dental Hygiene ranks among the fastest growing occupations according to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Salary
Median hourly earnings of dental hygienists were $29.15 (Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2005); salaries for educators depend on job responsibilities, location, and setting.
Progression
An advanced degree is needed in order to obtain a position in higher education.
Promotions generally come in the form of increased wages and responsibilities. One can also become an administrator or manager.
Getting there: Your degree program at MCPHS
- BS in Dental Hygiene (Boston): full-time, 33-month program for in-coming freshmen who wish to become licensed dental hygienists
- Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Dental Hygiene (Boston): full-time, 2-year program for students with an earned bachelors degree from a regionally accredited college or university and wish to become licensed dental hygienists
- BS in Dental Hygiene Degree Completion (Boston): one-year (two semesters), on-campus program for licensed dental hygienists who wish to earn a baccalaureate degree
- BS in Dental Hygiene Degree Completion – Online Option: 21 month program is completed online, two to three courses per semester; ideal for licensed dental hygienists who wish to earn a BSDH while continuing to practice