An Introduction to the Growing Field of Dental Hygiene
Seeking a meaningful and prosperous career in healthcare? Becoming a registered dental hygienist may be an ideal path for you. Dental hygienists fill a vital role promoting oral health through a range of clinical and educational services. They examine patients, develop treatment plans, thoroughly clean teeth, educate on proper brushing and nutritional techniques, among additional preventative care duties.
Unlike dentists focused more on diagnosis and complex procedures, hygienists specifically specialize in periodic preventive treatment and maintenance of oral health. As leading providers of preventive oral care, dental hygienists serve as patients’ primary source of ongoing education and services ensuring optimal dental wellness between dentist visits.
The Typical Dental Hygienist Career Trajectory
To launch careers as registered dental hygienists, candidates must first graduate with either an Associate or Bachelor’s degree qualification in Dental Hygiene meeting stringent program accreditation standards. They subsequently must obtain state licensure by successfully passing local or national examinations.
As of 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average annual salary for dental hygienists at $76,190. Those with Bachelor’s degrees and specializations may earn upwards of $100,000 per year. Beyond competitive pay, dental hygiene offers strong levels of work-life balance, flexible scheduling, and deep intrinsic rewards from providing such personalized care improving lives.
With growing appreciation for oral healthcare and demand for related services, exciting new dental hygiene career opportunities continue opening up all the time:
6.7% – Expected employment growth for dental hygienists nationwide through 2030 – More than double the projected average for most occupations
$136,500 – Average salary over a 40-year career
26% Outpatient care centers utilizing dental hygienists projected to expand services through 2030
75% – Percentage of hygienists who reported feeling “highly satisfied” in career surveys
Now is truly an opportune moment for aspiring dental professionals to gain the skills and qualifications necessary to capitalize on this bright career outlook.
Dental Hygiene Industry Growth in the Kansas City Region
Here in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area, demand for dental care services continues trending sharply upwards:
8% Higher average spending on dental services than other U.S. metro regions
This coincides with a 6.5% expansion of private dental practices across the metro region over the past 5 years – 60% higher than the national average.
New positions for dental assistants and hygienists lead occupations fueling local health services job creation. Avenues like corporate group practices, hospitals, and community clinics all need qualified dental hygienists staffing teams alongside dentists. It translates to fantastic career opportunities now and into the future.
That makes Kansas City an especially opportune environment to complete top dental hygiene programs and access job openings immediately following graduation.
Now let’s explore some of metro Kansas City’s finest dental hygiene schools guiding students to gain essential skills for lifelong success in these booming fields.
Kansas City’s Top Dental Hygiene Schools
Offering intensive curriculums blending scientific knowledge with technical abilities, Kansas City dental hygiene programs prepare graduates to enter the local workforce ready to shine. The premier schools attract talented educators passionate about training Kansas City’s next generation of dental professionals.
Whether you seek direct career preparation or a springboard toward higher dental education, these exceptional local programs deliver.
Concorde Career College Kansas City
- Well-established local institution with an excellent reputation
- Comprehensive 21-month Associate’s Degree track
- Modern classrooms outfitted with leading-edge dental technology
- 1,100+ hour curriculum emphasizes hands-on clinical experience
- Skills preparation in digital radiography, preventive treatment, oral disease knowledge, patient care best practices
- Flexible morning & evening course scheduling
- Multi-disciplinary team environment
- Career guidance with strong industry connections
Graduate Testimonial:
“Between the advanced equipment, knowledgeable teachers, and rigorously thorough education, Concorde fully prepared me to excel as a dental hygienist. My clinic rotations really built up the confidence needed to succeed in any dental office setting.” – Maria D.
Kansas City Kansas Community College Dental Hygiene
- Newly expanded Technical Education Center campus with modern dental hygiene clinic
- Public College pricing for significant cost savings
- 5-semester Associate Degree Program
- Curriculum spans science, radiology, anesthesia, ethics, restorative materials, and patient care
- Classes held weekdays allowing flexibility for work obligations
- Reserved dental appointments enable students to deliver hygiene services to real patients from early on
- Expert KCKCC faulty and strong industry connections for co-op placements / graduate job placement
Testimonial:
“I was drawn to KCKCC‘s dental hygiene program because of the hands-on learning clinic taking patients from the community. That real-world experience ended up making all the difference when it came time for licensing exams and job interviews after graduation.” – Jerome F.
UMKC Dental Hygiene Bachelor Degree Program
For prospective dental hygienists seeking deeper knowledge and credentials, The University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) School of Dentistry delivers an exceptional baccalaureate level Dental Hygiene program.
- One of only a few Bachelor’s Degree tracks offered nationwide
- Advanced coursework expands beyond technical dental skills into public administration, research, and education realms
- Trains students to pursue specialized careers in academia, research, public health policy, administration, and advanced clinical practice
- UMKC School of Dentistry has maintained continuous accreditation since 1941
- Graduates earn Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree qualification
- Small class cohorts ensure personalized attention
- Care for patients spans preventative, restorative and minor surgical dental procedures
- Opportunity to treat patients with broad socioeconomic and oral health backgrounds
First-Year Student Perspective:
“I chose UMKC Dental Hygiene for the B.S. degree allowing me to develop advanced expertise. Gaining that deeper scientific knowledge while having access to the latest tools and clinical experience gives me confidence I’ll have what it takes to deliver the very best oral care once licensed.” – Sarah L.
What to Expect as a Candidate Applying to Dental Hygiene School
In preparing competitive dental hygiene program applications, make sure to:
- Maintain a strong GPA – at minimum 3.0 or higher
- Pass the Dental Hygiene Aptitude Test by the application deadline
- Secure letters of recommendation from teachers, dentists, or employers
- Convey your passion and commitment to dental healthcare
- Be ready to interview and take any pre-admissions exams
Reputable schools invest heavily in student success – with most graduates quickly securing dental hygienist roles upon completing demanding coursework and passing licensure.
Thriving in Various Professional Dental Settings
Graduating dental hygienists enjoy opportunities spanning various environments like:
- Busy Group & Private Dental Practices – the most common professional setting
- Public Health Clinics & Mobile Care Programs providing services to underserved groups with constrained access or means
- Hospitals that employ dental hygienists within overall health services teams
- Universities & Dental Schools educating next generations of oral health professionals
- Senior Care Facilities helping meet the oral health needs of aging adults
- Government Institutions developing regulations and driving community dental health initiatives
No matter your interests, Kansas City dental hygienists put their expertise to work in diverse settings – all united by the collective mission of delivering quality preventative oral healthcare enabling better health.
Pursue Your Calling in Kansas City Dental Care
The Kansas City metro area needs more talented dental hygienists to meet rising community demand. Graduating top local programs delivers the competence and confidence to thrive. With hard work and the right qualifications, exciting opportunities await in delivering better oral wellness and brighter smiles!