Dental Hygienist

You'll clean teeth, take X-rays, and politely tell people they need to floss more — knowing full well they won't. The hours are great, the pay is solid, and you'll develop an opinion about everyone's oral hygiene that you keep mostly to yourself.

What you'll actually do

• 01Clean teeth and remove plaque and tartar
• 02Take and develop dental X-rays
• 03Apply fluoride treatments and sealants
• 04Screen patients for oral diseases
• 05Educate patients on oral hygiene (they won't listen)
• 06Document treatment plans and patient records
• 07Make small talk while your hands are in someone's mouth

Career Path

Where this role sits in the bigger picture — and where it can take you.