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Frequently Asked
Questions About Dental
Hygiene
Q. Are there job
opportunities in most areas of the state?
A. According to
most surveys, Louisiana has fewer dentists and
dental hygienists to serve the needs of our
population. While the "distribution of hygienists"
remains a concern everywhere, dental hygiene
graduates in Louisiana do find jobs.
Q. What types of
jobs are available after I graduate from dental
hygiene?
A.
Although most dental hygienists work in a private
dental office, there are several other job
opportunities available to dental hygienists:
Education: There are over 250 dental
hygiene programs in the United States and they all
employ dental hygienists as educators. Usually the
positions require a Bachelor or Master's
degree.
Federal jobs: Opportunities are
available for dental hygienists in prisons,
Veterans Administration facilities, and the
military.
Sales: Many dental supply
companies employ dental hygienists either as sales representatives or as part of their education or
research departments.
Public Health:
Depending on the state one chooses to live in, there are opportunities for dental hygienists
in public schools or public health
departments.
Q. What types of
advanced degrees are available for dental
hygienists?
A.
Dental hygienists can earn Masters degrees
in Dental Hygiene, Education, Public Health,
Business, or other health-related areas. Dental
Hygienists can also pursue a Ph.D. in these areas,
especially if they wish to consider an academic
career or serve in a public health leadership
position
Q. If I wanted to move
out of state, would my Louisiana license allow me
to work?
A.
Generally speaking, each state has its own
licensure requirements. Many states, like
Louisiana, are part of regional examination
boards. Although some states are more flexible
than others, all retain some measure of
individuality.
Q. Do most hygiene jobs have
benefits?
A. In
Louisiana, a "benefits package" seems to be the
exception rather than the rule. However, flexible
working hours, a nice working environment, and very
competitive salaries do seem to offset the lack of
benefits.
Q. How are dental
hygienists paid in most cases---hourly, daily,
weekly, monthly?
A.
Depending on the working site,
compensations will vary. It seems that most
private practice settings pay hygienists by the
day.
Q. What is the
difference between a dental hygienist, a dental
assistant, and dental technologist?
A. In Louisiana, a dental hygienist
delivers treatment to patients under the general
supervision of a dentist; a dental assistant may
perform a limited number of services for a patient
but normally assists the dentist chairside; a
dental technologist does not treat patients
directly, but instead performs laboratory
procedures from a written prescription (from a
licensed dentist).
Q. What
school-related activities are available for dental
hygiene students?
A. Dental Hygiene students
are very active in the LSUSD chapter of the
Student American Dental Hygienists' Association
(SADHA). SADHA is the students' branch of the
American Dental Hygienists' Association. There are
annual elections for officers of the SADHA chapter
from each class. There are also annual elections
for representatives for the Student Government
Association of the LSUHSC School of Dentistry.
Students who demonstrate exemplary scholarship,
character, & potential for professional growth
are invited to become alumnae members of Sigma Phi
Alpha, the National Dental Hygiene Honor Society.
In addition, students are very active in
community projects and various fundraisers
benefiting local charities.
Want More
Information?
Contact: Ms. Carrie Mason, RDH, MEd, Director
of Dental Hygiene
Phone: (504) 941-8153
Fax: (504) 941-8154
Web: http://www.lsusd.lsuhsc.edu
email:
cmason@lsuhsc.edu | 
