Dental Hygiene

Employment opportunities
Upon completion of the Dental Hygiene program, you will be well prepared to work in a variety of settings. In addition to private dental practices, positions are available in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and state and public health departments.

Job outlook
Employment for dental hygienists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2012. Full- and part-time opportunities are excellent nationwide.

Earning potential
The average starting salary for a registered dental hygienist is among the highest of all career programs at Parkland. Parkland graduates have reported earnings up to $40/hour. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average wage for all dental hygienists, nationally and Illinois, was about $26.59/hour in 2002. Earnings will depend upon your education, experience, and employer.

Career advancement
You can apply your skills in many related career areas: for example, as a dental products or insurance consultant, a patient care coordinator, a dental hygiene program educator, a public health hygienist, or a dental office manager. With additional training, you can be promoted to supervisory positions.

Career choices with your degree:
• Dental hygienist
• Dental office manager
• Dental product salesperson
• Insurance consultant
• Patient coordinator

With experience and/or further education you may go on to:
• Consumer advocate
• Dental administrator/manager
• Public health hygienist
• Researcher
• Technical educator