Dental hygienists examine patients' teeth by taking and assessing dental x-rays. Dental hygienists also clean patients' teeth by removing stains, and plaque. They teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene by explaining the relationship between diet and oral health, as well as how to properly brush and floss their teeth.

Dental hygienists in Massachusetts earn in the range of $70,179/year. Besides receiving health and dental coverage and paid vacation as benefits, dental hygienists generally have a flexible work schedule. They are typically employed by dentists, in clean, well-lighted offices.

Dental hygienists must be licensed by the State in which they practice. The most common way to become dental hygienists is through an accredited dental hygiene school to receive a certificate, or to obtain an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree. You must then pass both a written and clinical examination.

Mount Ida College, Associate (Financial Aid)

$70,179/year
$33.74/hour

Dental coverage, paid vacation

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People who like this job typically are social, realistic, and artistic. Social people are considered as "helper" They work with people by helping, informing, caring, and training. They may enjoy volunteering, helping elderly, and teaching children. Realistic people are "doers" who like to work with things, machines, and tools. They typicall enjoy fixing things around the house, building things, and raising plants and animals. Artistic people are considered as "creators". They work in unstructured situations and they use imaginations and creativity. They enjoy signing, dancing, performing, and drawing.

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