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Private dental offices, community health centers, nursing homes, prisons, schools, faculty practice clinics, state and federal government buildings, and even Indian reservations are where dental hygienists provide clinical services. Outside of clinical practice, there are opportunities in administration, government, sales and marketing, public health, education, and research.

In this article, we'll look closely at nine different locations and settings a dental hygienist may choose to work in. 

Let's get started . . . 

Private Dental Offices

Several things are beneficial in this office setting when working in a private practice. 

For example, private practice offices are frequently run by tight-knit families.

Working for someone who respects you and encourages your professional development as a hygienist provides numerous opportunities for communication and advancement. 

When doctor-hygienist or hygienist-hygienist relationships are respectful and positive, they can become a consistent source of constructive criticism and feedback on your strengths. Furthermore, private practice offices may place less emphasis on the number of new patients.

A healthy office needs new patients, but since private practices are typically more established, attracting multiple new patients, for example, over 50 a month, is not the team's top priority. 

Instead, they concentrate on giving their current patients the most thorough care possible. As a result, the patients become a devoted and dependable group. These patients frequently respond better to medical advice because they have greater faith in their doctors.

Corporate Dental Offices

Corporate dentistry excels regarding employee perks, as many would anticipate. 

Why? 

Because so many employees take advantage of benefits, medical and dental coverage frequently costs less and offers better options for health savings accounts. Corporate dental benefits also give workers excellent 401(k) contribution options, paid time off choices, and excellent bonus structures.

Corporate dental practices also spend much money on skill development and ongoing education. 

When a company invests in the education of its workers, it enables higher productivity, which results in higher revenue. This leads to the developing of a sizable network of highly qualified dental care specialists.

Community Health Settings

There are countless reasons a dental hygienist can decide to work in public health. 

Many people are driven by a passion for helping groups that have trouble accessing equitable preventive services. Some may be ready for a change in pace or practice. 

Or it can be a combination of reasons. The "whys" behind choosing a career in public health will vary, but it is ever-changing and gratifying. While important, the reasons behind choosing to work in a community health setting are less important than what you do with that desire to serve. There are endless opportunities and modes of delivery to be considered in public health. 

Nursing Homes

One of the most significant barriers to good oral health is straightforward daily oral hygiene that we do every day, including such tasks as flossing and brushing teeth, gums, and or dentures. 

However, at many nursing homes, the residents may only sometimes be able to brush their teeth or dentures. Caregivers and nursing assistants may occasionally have the skills or time to help with these tasks. 

The paradox of aging and oral health is that more and more adults are maintaining their dental health for extended periods, frequently until the end of their lives. What's sad about this is that many residents of skilled nursing facilities don't even get essential oral care, like brushing. Many people who enter nursing homes have some or all of their teeth but lack the funds to continue receiving professional preventive dental care. Hygienists may greatly help the needs of care home residents for dental care. 

Hospitals

Dental care in many hospitals focuses on diagnosing and treating medically compromised patients admitted for severe head and neck diseases, infections, or trauma. 

A dental hygienist in a hospital setting is uniquely positioned to do various tasks to address the oral health needs of hospital inpatients and outpatients. 

Creating outreach programs for multiple patients is also a thrilling experience. Anyone considering a hospital dental hygiene position should know that the job requires patience, creativity, and dedication. 

Prisons

Inmates in prison or jail have their teeth examined and cleaned by a dental hygienist working in a correctional facility. Additionally, radiographs of the patient's mouth and other necessary diagnostic procedures may be needed. 

The dentist working in prison receives your findings and examines each patient individually. As a dental hygienist, you instruct inmates on proper oral hygiene practices and treat tooth and gum problems. 

Your duties also include supporting the dentist as they work. You might serve prisoners at a single facility or make weekly trips to various locations. 

Even though working with prisoners is not a volunteer job, it helps to be open-minded and better understand the underserved by working with that population. 

Although working with inmates may be challenging, this career option broadens the range of jobs available to dental hygienists outside the typical clinic setting.

Schools

Dental hygienists in schools provide children with access to oral health care that they might not otherwise have, particularly those with low income or who do not have a dental home. 

Another option for dental hygienists who want to work in a school setting is to become an instructor. It is ideal for those who are serious about learning about dental hygiene. Those with patience, good interpersonal skills, and those willing and able to further their education, as most types of teaching, will require at least a bachelor's degree, if not more.

State and Federal Government Facilities

Your responsibility as a government dental hygienist is to promote public health by providing dental treatment to government employees and surrounding communities.

In this position, you might assist in spreading awareness of oral health, instruct individuals on how to take care of their teeth, or offer dental assistance to a government department. 

For instance, some government dental hygienists work in government hospitals, aboard military bases, and on naval ships. Most public dental hygienists are employed directly by state and local governments. 

You may also be eligible for additional benefits as a government employee, such as paid federal holidays and no requirement to work weekends.

Indian Reservations

Despite making up only a tiny fraction of the country's population, Native Americans are more susceptible to illness and disease than any other ethnic group or racial group. Smoking is more prevalent among Native Americans, who are more likely to suffer from diabetes and oral diseases.  

In addition to being socioeconomic, these health problems directly result from rural seclusion. In rural places, fewer dentists are both available and ready to practice. 

A job in Indian Health Services (IHS) can be something to think about if you want to make a difference and have the chance to live a more relaxed lifestyle. Imagine residing near one of the countless lakes or close to the hills, where the region's mining and outlaw past conjures images of history. Take a trip to the mountains, vineyards, and fruit stalls. Imagine spending your weekends adventuring among vast, warm sandstone canyons in the desert. Now imagine experiencing all of these things while making a difference. 

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