Dental hygienists have the personal satisfaction of working with people. They provide a valuable health care service while establishing a trusting relationship with each of their patients. It is prestigious work as a result of education and clinical training in a highly skilled discipline. The average dentist employs more than one dental hygienist making trained and qualified hygienists in high demand. Many dental offices offer flexible work schedules to accommodate a variety of lifestyle needs. The job outlook is excellent and career options include both full-time and part-time employment and flexible hours.
In most dental facilities, the working conditions are excellent, the surroundings are pleasant, and the work is satisfying and rewarding. Wage estimates for the full time dental hygienist range from $55,000 to $90,000 annually.
The rigorous two-year program of classroom instruction and clinical experience in DVC's own dental facility prepares students to perform the educational, clinical and laboratory responsibilities of a dental hygienist. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and by the United States Department of Education. This program is approved by the Dental Board of California.
