Most dental hygienists work in private dental practices, but there are also opportunities in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and state and community health departments. A dental hygienist's earnings are affected by the type of employer, education, experience, and geographical location. Straight salaries or commission, paid by the hour or day, are the usual types of remuneration. The average starting salary for dental hygienist is consistently among the highest of the career area programs offered by Parkland. Current and long-range employment opportunities are moderate in central Illinois and excellent at other locations throughout the country.
Hygienists can apply their skills in a number of related career areas.
In addition to performing dental hygiene treatment, they can work as dental products consultants, dental insurance consultants, patient care coordinators, dental hygiene program educators, public health hygienists, and dental office managers. Parkland's dental hygiene program is recognized as one of the top programs in the state. In the past twenty years, over 600 students have earned Parkland's A.A.S. degree in dental hygiene. Fully accredited by the American Dental Association, the program advances the student beyond the minimum requirements. This education, which features individualized instruction from specialists, prepares the hygienist for work in a variety of settings.