A Dynamic Career

The dental hygienist is a dynamic health care professional who is the only member of the dental health team, other than the dentist, licensed to provide direct care to the patient. The diverse duties of the dental hygienist are rewarding and include oral prophylaxis (cleaning); exposing, processing and mounting radiographs; collecting and evaluating medical history information; performing head and neck examinations; periodontal assessment and therapy; applying agents for the prevention of decay; applying desensitizing and antimicrobial agents; and administering local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia. The dental hygienist also acts as a dental health educator and is responsible for teaching patients prevention of dental disease and providing nutritional counseling.

Outstanding Opportunities
Dental hygiene employment opportunities are numerous and vary greatly. They include general practice and specialty dental offices; federal, state, county and city health clinics; public schools; hospitals; long-term care facilities; dental schools; industrial clinics; the armed services; and research institutions. Working conditions are excellent, and schedules can often be tailored to meet specific needs, such as full-time or part-time employment. Salaries are usually exceptionally good in this exciting profession.

Future Outlook
This growing career field is projected to be one of the 30 fastest growing occupations. The continued increase in population combined with the increase in the rate of retention of natural teeth will continue to stimulate the need for dental hygienists. For additional information on the profession of dental hygiene contact the American Dental Hygienists' Association (www.adha.org).

What past graduates have said:
“The dental hygiene program Missouri Southern has been a priceless educational experience! The program provides skills that are needed in the community and around the world. It has enabled me to work in several different countries including those in Southeast Asia and North Africa. The dental hygiene program also teaches you how to work well with others and how to effectively handle a plethora of life experiences. Not only is the education great, but you also get to build life-long friendships with your fellow students and teachers. The International Mission at Missouri Southern State University can be found in the dental hygiene program. It is an invaluable degree that provides a lifetime of benefits.”