Opportunities for part-time work and flexible schedules are common. Hygienists examine patients teeth and gums, recording the presence of diseases or abnormalities. Dental hygienists also help patients develop and maintain good oral health. For example, they may explain the relationship between diet and oral health, inform patients how to select toothbrushes, and show patients how to brush and floss their teeth. Dentists frequently hire hygienists to work only 2 or 3 days a week, so hygienists may hold jobs in more than one dental office.
Dental hygienists work in clean, well-lighted offices.
Important health safeguards include strict adherence to proper radiological procedures, and use of appropriate protective devices when administering anesthetic gas. Dental hygienists also wear safety glasses, surgical masks, and gloves to protect themselves from infectious diseases. Because multiple job holding is common in this field, the number of jobs exceeds the number of hygienists. About 3 out of 5 dental hygienists worked part time less than 35 hours a week. Almost all dental hygienists work in private dental offices.