Dental hygienists traditionally provide preventive and therapeutic oral health care to patients in a dentist supervised work setting. According to the 2004-05 edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through year 2012. This growth is in response to an increasing demand for dental care and greater utilization of dental hygienists to perform services previously performed by dentists. Job prospects are expected to remain excellent. In 2008, salary range for dental hygienists practicing in Arizona is $38 per hour. Career opportunities are available in private dental offices and clinics, nursing homes, schools, post-secondary institutions, public health and in private business.
