Dental Hygienist - New Mexico State University - Dona Ana NM

Dental Hygienist from New Mexico State University - Dona Ana NM is a Campus Associate Dentistry degree that prepares you for a Healthcare career. A dental hygienist is a vital member of a team of dental professionals dedicated to improving oral health and supporting the general health of individuals and groups. As licensed professionals, dental hygienists provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services and may be involved in research, administration, client/patient advocacy, marketing or consulting. Dental hygienists may practice in a variety of settings such as private dental offices, public health facilities, schools, nursing homes and hospitals. They may also work in correctional facilities, business and industry and other settings. Dental hygienists in a clinical setting perform oral and general health assessments such as: medical history, vital signs, oral cancer screening, dental charting, examination of the gums and supporting structures of teeth. They provide oral health instruction, counseling regarding nutrition and healthy lifestyle and their impact on oral and general health. Dental hygienists take and interpret radiographs and provide many types of preventive services such as removing deposits from teeth, applying fuoride, placing sealants and more. Infection control and emergency management are also important functions. In New Mexico and other states, dental hygienists may be certified to provide local anesthesia. Dental hygienists enjoy working with people, have good manual dexterity and enjoy working with their hands. They possess the maturity and critical thinking skills to provide current, quality, professional care. They have strong interpersonal skills to motivate and educate patients of all ages. Dental hygienists are lifelong learners and are dedicated to continuing education, enhancing the profession and practicing ethical decision-making and behavior. Dental hygienists are generally well paid and are highly thought of as professionals in their communities. The profession is one of the fastest growing occupations in the country and is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014. The number of people seeking preventive dental hygiene care, the expansion of an older population who retain their teeth, and a trend in group practices that stress effective and productive use of office personnel, will provide increasing opportunities for employment. Graduation from this program qualifies students to take national and state examinations to become a licensed dental hygienist anywhere in the United States and there are international employment opportunities for dental hygienists educated in the U.S. Students wishing to pursue a Bachelor?s degree should consult with an advisor regarding transferability of courses in the prerequisite list as well as the dental hygiene curriculum. View more details on New Mexico State University - Dona Ana . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Dentistry courses.