So you want to be a ... dental hygienist

JOB DESCRIPTION: Dental hygienists provide a wide range of services designed to promote good oral health. These include cleaning teeth, examination of teeth, collecting information about patient's oral history and educating patients on how to care for their teeth.

EDUCATION NEEDED: High school diploma or GED to get into collegiate program. Two-year programs offer a diploma, certificate or associate's degree. Four-year program yields a baccalaureate degree.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: Local component and state meetings, dental hygiene programs and university dental schools. Also online courses available through the American Dental Hygienists' Association.

PAY OPTIONS: The West Virginia average is $44,200.

HOW TO APPLY: Produce a resume and meet with area dentists or register with Workforce Investment Agency.

Source: www.allalliedhealthschools.com, West Virginia Bureau of Employment Programs