Dental hygienists are talented experts that carry out oral healthcare procedures under the supervision of a professional dentist.
These professionals are highly trained, and there are lots of job opportunities available for them.
Illinois is a state in the United States that has a high employment rate for dental hygienists. Dental hygienists in Illinois earn a satisfying income every year.
So, besides providing information on the average salaries of dental hygienists in the state of Illinois, this article will discuss the top reasons why becoming a dental hygienist is a good career path, the best dental hygiene schools in Illinois, and other pieces of information about dental hygienists.
Who Is A Dental Hygienist?
Dental hygienists are health experts that perform several roles in the health industry.
These professionals educate patients on effective oral health maintenance techniques and perform cleaning procedures.
Furthermore, dental hygienists are responsible for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases.
These professionals perform their duties under the supervision of dentists and work in partnership with other professionals like dental assistants, dental office managers, and lots more.
What Is The Salary Of A Dental Hygienist In Illinois?
According to Indeed.com, the average salary of dental hygienists in Illinois is about $42,000 a year. The average salary for a Dental Hygienist is $43.83 per hour.
But a dental hygienist’s salary depends on how much schooling they have if they have a license, how much experience they have, and where they work.
Top Reasons to Become a Dental Hygienist
If you are not a dental hygienist and you are having thoughts about pursuing a career in this field, here are some of the most compelling reasons you should become a dental hygienist:
1. Opportunity to help people
Dental hygienists offer you the opportunity to help people enjoy good oral health.
As a dental hygienist, you will be responsible for sensitizing patients about excellent oral health practices as well as the most effective techniques to take care of their teeth and gums.
Moreover, becoming a dental hygienist will also provide you with the chance to help people overcome their oral health fears, which is a great way to make a huge impact on people.
2. Opportunities for career advancement
Dental hygiene is a career that offers opportunities for career advancement.
As soon as you gain experience in this field, you can pursue your master’s degree if you do not already have one, which will position you to secure top-level jobs in this field or enter the teaching arm of the field.
3. High salary
Dental hygiene is a field that pays very well.
Although the average salary for dental hygienists in Illinois is only $42,000, you can earn much more in other states around the US.
However, your salary as a dental hygienist depends heavily on your academic qualifications, experience, company, and several other factors.
Moreover, apart from salary, dental hygienists are also entitled to several incentives like health care insurance, a pension, paid time off, and others.
4. Good job security
Dental hygiene is a profession that offers good job security.
Research by the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics shows that job opportunities for dental hygienists will increase massively in the next ten years.
This means that when you take up a job as a dental hygienist, you are not going to lose your job anytime soon, which is a good form of job security.
5. Flexible work schedule
Dental hygienists enjoy a flexible work schedule.
They can work in a part-time capacity, which offers them the opportunity to have time for their family and loved ones.
This is something that is rare for most jobs in the health industry.
So, if you desire a job that offers a good work-life balance in the health industry, dental hygiene is one of the top options for you.
6. Opportunities to solve difficult challenges
If you are cut out for a profession that is very challenging, dental hygiene is the right profession for you.
Every single day on the job will offer you the chance to carry out difficult daily tasks and partner with dentists to look after people suffering from one form of oral issue or another.
Besides administering anesthesia, which is a very technical task, you will be asked to analyze the results of dental tests.
7. Opportunities to establish professional connections
A career as a dental hygienist is one that allows you to interact with a variety of professionals in the healthcare and medical fields.
These relationships are beneficial, as you can use them to stay in touch with the latest developments in the industry and gather more recommendations, especially if you are self-employed.
Requirements For Becoming A Dental Hygienist
Here are some of the basic requirements for becoming a dental hygienist in the United States:
- An associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree from an accredited tertiary institution
- Mandatory state license
- Certification by the National Board of Dental Hygiene
- Optional certifications
- Continuing education certifications
Top 3 Schools For Dental Hygiene In Illinois
Here are the three best schools for dental hygiene in Illinois:
1. Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University is one of the best schools for studying dental hygiene in Illinois.
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program offered by this academic institution is very rich, and classes are taught successively.
The settings of classrooms enable students to collaborate and interact with one another effectively.
This dental hygiene undergraduate program at Southern Illinois University is handled by world-class faculty members and academicians.
Moreover, the curriculum for dental hygiene students at Southern Illinois University is very broad and focuses on several areas of the field.
This allows students to acquire a deep knowledge of the field, which is important for career success.
Students are exposed to several practical experiences that develop their hands-on skills.
Southern Illinois University also allows dental hygiene students to engage in several internships that boost their field experience immensely.
2. Lake Land College, Mattoon
You cannot compose a list of the best dental hygiene schools in Illinois without talking about Lake Land College, Mattoon.
This school offers a dental hygiene program that empowers students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed as registered dental hygienists.
Dental hygiene students at Lake Land College in Mattoon are put through lots of clinical experiences at hospitals and clinics.
This enables them to acquire the skills that are required to complete adequate patient education, prevent oral diseases, and treat oral challenges.
Lake Land College in Matton is one of the best schools for dental education in Illinois.
3. Fox College
Fox College is one of the best schools for dental education in Illinois.
This school offers a rigorous learning program that focuses on several aspects of dental hygiene practice.
Students are exposed to a series of clinical rounds that sharpen their knowledge and abilities.
It is a leading school for dental hygiene education in Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Dental Hygienist Salary In Illinois
According to Indeed.com, the average salary of dental hygienists in Illinois is about $42,000 a year. The average salary for a Dental Hygienist is $43.83 per hour.
The earning potential for registered nurses and dental hygienists is high, with some variation based on location. A dental hygienist can expect to make around $77,000 annually, while a registered nurse may expect to make around $75,000 annually, based on statistics released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While becoming a dentist requires years of schooling and numerous degree enrollments, becoming a dental hygienist just necessitates the completion of an associate’s program. Courses leading to the associate degree in dental hygiene can often be finished in one to two years.
It takes serious dedication to succeed in dental hygiene courses. You’ll have to understand a ton of information in just a short amount of time. The dental hygiene profession is rewarding but not without its challenges. However, with the right amount of drive and persistence, you can overcome any obstacle.
Conclusion
Dental hygiene is a rewarding career path.
This profession attracts an average salary of $42,000 in the state of Illinois.
However, the salary that a dental hygienist will earn at the end of the year depends on several factors, such as level of experience, academic qualifications, location of work, expertise, and others.
Moreover, to succeed as a dental hygienist, you must develop the ability to pay attention to details, excellent motor skills, good oral and written communication skills, and empathy.
Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.
Editor’s Recommendations:
- Is Dental Hygiene Harder Than Nursing? (FAQs)
- 5 Easiest Dental Schools To Get Into in the UK (FAQs)
- Is Medical/Dental Instruments A Good Career Path? (FAQs)
- Dental Hygiene vs. Nursing (Diff, Simi, FAQs)
- 7 Dental Hygiene Schools In California (FAQs)
- Dental Hygienist Salary In Georgia (FAQs)
- Is Dental School Harder Than Medical School? (FAQs)
- Is 3.6 A Good GPA For Dental School? (FAQs)
If you find this article good, please share it with a friend.
