Dental Hygienist
Description:
Dental hygienists are licensed health professionals who provide preventive dental care, perform teeth cleanings and scalings, oral health assessments, and x-rays. Dental hygienists also advise patients on best practices for improving and maintaining good oral health. In New York, dental hygienists who get the proper certification administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. Best thing about this career is that it pays well while requiring only 2 years of education.
Requirements
- Must be of good moral character
- Must have High School Diploma or GED
- Must be at least 17 years old
Education Required:
Must complete a New York State registered dental hygiene program or an American Dental Association accredited dental hygiene program prior to being able to sit for the licensure exam. These programs are typically 2-year associate’s degree programs.
Fees:
The licensure and first registration fee is $128.
Pay Range:
$72,000 (roughly $34/hour)
Steps
- Enroll in and complete a dental hygiene program
- Register to take examination (pay licensure and registration fee)
- Exam has a written component and a clinical component
- Complete Mandatory Child Abuse Identification Training
- Click link for more information and a list of training providers
- Complete Mandatory Infection Control Training
- Click link for more information and a list of training providers
- After acquiring license to practice, complete Dental Hygiene Restricted Local Infiltration Anesthesia/Nitrous Oxide Analgesia Certification (click link for more information)
Criminal History:
Applicants must pass a mandatory criminal background check. Violent offenses, offenses involving organized criminal behavior, and drug offenses, even those involving alcohol, will probably be disqualifying. Applicants with other offenses should apply and explain their criminal history to the prospective employer.