As specialists, the dental hygienist serves as one member of the dental team who plays an integral role in ensuring quality, comprehensive care for dental patients. There are numerous career opportunities for licensed dental hygienists. Those who choose to enter private dental practice work in collaboration with a licensed dentist performing preventive dental services. The increased emphasis on community health activities in district health departments, Native American healthcare centers, migrant worker clinics, and other state, federal, or privately funded public dental care programs has opened a comparatively new and challenging field for dental hygienists. As health professionals, they participate with a team that is responsible for total commitment and involvement in community dental health.
Many hygienists select other non-traditional work settings to practice dental hygiene.
Some dental hygienists also function as managers or consumer advocates. Dental hygiene teaching and research are two other career opportunities available to hygienists. With an advanced degree, dental hygienists might consider employment as instructors or administrators of educational programs. As numerous studies continue in the many aspects of dentistry, dental hygienists interested in science and the challenge of research can utilize their skills in both clinical and laboratory research.