Oral Care Professional

Duties and Responsibilities: The requirements for each program vary tremendously and some are much more difficult than others. For instance, the school my wife attended, Cape Fear Community College, has a high level of demand and is often placed in the situation of turning down candidates for the program. In this case, the admissions committee will accept applicants based on grades and their formal experience or education. Also, they prefer that students have completed at least one year of college, while some schools require two years of college prior to enrollment.

Salary: $40,000-50,000

Education: Dental hygienists typically complete a two-year dental program to satisfy all state requirements. This program is offered through many community colleges and technical colleges. It's important to note that there are dental hygiene programs at universities that are four years in length. This gives the student a bachelor's degree in the field and opens up the opportunities on a broader base. A two year degree is ideal if the student is only interested in working at a private dental office and working on patients. The two year program awards students an associate's degree in the field.