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Consider a Future in Dental Hygiene

Consider a Future in Dental Hygiene

Have you ever thought about a career where you can genuinely make a difference in people’s lives? If you like helping others stay healthy, feel good about their appearance, and keep their smiles looking great, then becoming a dental hygienist might be the right choice for you.

Dental hygienists help stop problems like tooth decay and gum disease before they even start. They clean teeth, apply protective sealants, and teach patients how to take care of their smiles at home. By improving someone’s oral health, they also help boost confidence and overall well-being. That’s what makes this job both important and fulfilling.

Step Into a Great Career

More people are realizing how important it is to take care of their teeth – and that means the need for dental hygienists is growing fast. This career offers good pay and strong job security. In South Dakota, dental hygienists earn an average of $39.01 an hour. Plus, the job usually has regular daytime hours, with little to no night, weekend, or holiday work.

To become a dental hygienist, you’ll need to complete a training program and get licensed. The University of South Dakota offers both bachelor’s and master’s degree options. Soon, other schools in the state will also have associate degree programs available. After your classes, you’ll take exams and show your skills to get licensed in South Dakota.

Once licensed, you’ll have many choices for where to work. Most dental hygienists work in private dental offices, but some work in public health – including schools, nursing homes, and government programs. This gives you the chance to help many different types of people throughout your career.

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Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 2 MB.