2007-05-01 04:56:25 · 14 answers · asked by **** 1 in Health ➔ Dental
You see different patients, clean teeth, help with treatment plans, work with the dentist and assistants to clarify diagnosis. Sometimes you give the shots, take xrays, and teeth molds.....
It depends on the office.
2007-05-01 06:44:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe that one sits at a desk for a majority of the day as a dental hygienist. The hygienist mostly cleans and scales the patient's teeth and may take x-rays and impressions. It is supposed to pay pretty well though one must be cognizant and use universal precautions such as gloves, masks and glasses to help prevent the transmission of bodily fluids including blood and saliva. They may have to sit and lean over people's mouths too trying to get the best angle to scale and clean the teeth.
Here is a website from the US Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/oco and can type into search box 'dental hygienist' and get a general description along with average pay and working conditions.
2007-05-01 05:23:01 · answer #2 · answered by jannsody 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I have been told, it is not your typical 9-5 desk job. You meet and work on patients for most of the day and definitely do not sit behind a desk very long.
It is a great field to get into and they are hiring. Check careerbuilder, you can always find ad's out there. Part-time, full-time with benefits in some cases.
If this is your choice- Good Luck. It is what I am trying to get into.
2007-05-02 03:55:55 · answer #3 · answered by kam 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. The hygienist is the person who cleans your teeth. The dentist checks them for problems and fixes the problems, but he/she always has a hygienist on staff for the cleanings.
You will have your head stuck in peoples' mouths most of the day cleaning their teeth, and maybe taking x-rays depending on the size of the practice you work for.
There will be some paperwork involved, as far as marking on the patient charts what you did and if you see any problems with a particular tooth, but you will not be answering the phones, setting appointments, or handling insurance.
2007-05-01 05:06:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dental Hygiene is a great career.
The compensation is the best it's been. In CA, they get paid upwards of 400/day and more for a 8-10 hour day.
It's a bit hard on your back if you don't pay attention to posture. But it's a great profession if you enjoy meeting and talking to people, building relationships, and enjoy the art of dentistry, teaching people how to take care of their teeth.
2007-05-01 09:34:20 · answer #5 · answered by janliao 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it pays very well and comes with a certain amount of respect, but it can affect your back and neck as your constantly leaning over the patients all day. some patients aren't able to recline all the way back which causes more strain. most of the hygenists i know don't complain too much though. u get to interact with people which i feel makes it much more pleasurable. good luck with your decision.
with as much money as u'd make, u probably wouldn't have to work a 40 hour week.
2007-05-01 09:28:29 · answer #6 · answered by beccaboo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pay is very good, and no you are not sitting at a desk. and if you wisely invest your money, you wont have to do 30 years, probably 20 at least. I was pushing my daughter in that direction but she did not want to do it. Good luck,
2007-05-01 05:04:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hardly.
Is that what you're looking for, sitting at a desk?
No, it's not.
It's a hard way to do 30 years.
2007-05-01 04:59:56 · answer #8 · answered by tmlamora1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you will be sitting at the head of a dental chair cleaning people's teeth.
2007-05-01 04:59:07 · answer #9 · answered by ♥♥The Queen Has Spoken♥♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the office i work at one where i did insurence and crap like that but the office i work at now sees about 60 patients a day- i never sit down!
2007-05-01 11:18:36 · answer #10 · answered by May 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋