Dental Hygienists and Assistants assisting a Dentist

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Dental Hygienists and Assistants

Health Science

Service Branches

  • Army logo
  • navy logo
  • Air Force logo
  • Coast Guard logo

Work Environment

Dental hygienists and assisstants in the military usually work indoors in dental offices or clinics. Some may be assigned to duty aboard ships.

  • Military Status

    Enlisted

  • Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

    $97,089

    Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.

    $25,573 - $362,582

Overview

Dental hygienists and assistants have many responsibilities, including teeth cleaning, examining patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and providing other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health and perform other miscellaneous tasks, such as equipment maintenance and supplies inventory.

Military Training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field and covers tactical and survival skills physical training military life and customs and weapons training. Job training for dental hygienists and assistants consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction including practice in providing dental care. Training content may include:

  • Basic principles and techniques of patient care
  • Preventive dentistry
  • Radiology (X-ray) techniques
  • Dental office procedures
  • Dental hygiene procedures
  • Anatomy and physiology

Helpful Attributes

  • Ability to follow spoken instructions and detailed procedures
  • Good eye-hand coordination
  • Interest in working with people

Related Civilian Careers

  • Dentists, General
  • Dental Assistants
  • Medical Assistants
  • Medical and Health Services Managers