They teach patients effective ways to brush and floss teeth. Dental hygienists also expose and process dental x-rays. Students must have a high school diploma or general education diploma in order to enter a dental hygiene school. A college preparatory curriculum in high school is helpful. Since dental hygienists must be licensed, students must graduate from a college that has a dental hygiene program accredited by the commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Students learn manual skills for cleaning and polishing teeth.
They also learn to expose and process x-rays, take model impressions, place sealants on the biting surfaces of teeth, etc. Students also learn teaching methods and health education procedures. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that the demand for dental hygienists in the next ten years will outpace the supply. The growing population, public awareness of the importance of good oral health, rising incomes and prepaid dental insurance plans will add to the demand for dental care. The Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor classifies dental hygienists with workers in therapy and rehabilitation.