Healthcare is a field that provides numerous career options to choose from. One such career that can be considered is that of a dental hygienist. The role of a dental hygienist includes not only cleaning teeth but also examining oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. Furthermore, they also educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x-rays, and apply fluoride or sealants.
To pursue a career in the health sector, most occupations require some form of training. This training can be obtained through vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree. In many cases, employees in these occupations require one or two years of training, which involves both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. In some cases, a recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Dental hygienists are not the only professionals in the health sector who are responsible for providing oral care. For example, a similar profession to a dental hygienist is that of a dental therapist. Dental Hygienist Similar Professions simply refer to other jobs that are similar to that of a dental hygienist.
These jobs involve taking care of people’s teeth and gums, but may involve different tasks or require different levels of education. Examples of similar jobs include dental assistants, dental lab technicians, and dental therapists. By learning about these other jobs, people can better understand their career options in the healthcare field and decide which job is right for them.
32 Dental Hygienist Similar Professions
- Dental Assistants
- Radiologic Technologists
- Medical Assistants
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Radiologic Technicians
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Dental assistant
- Dental laboratory technician
- Dental Therapist
- Dentist
- Dental surgeon
- Dental public health professional
- Dental anesthesiologist
- Dental Receptionist
- Orthodontic Assistant
- Endodontic assistant
- Periodontal assistant
- Oral surgeon assistant
- Prosthodontic assistant
- Dental insurance specialist
- Dental equipment salesperson
- Dental hygienist researcher
- Dental office manager
- Dental marketing specialist
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Respiratory Therapy Technicians
Each of these Dental hygienists’ similar professions involves working in the field of oral health and dental care, with some requiring more extensive education and training than others. However, they all offer unique opportunities to help people maintain good oral health, whether by providing direct care, support, or management of dental practices.