18. Dental hygienists

Projected increase in 2016: 30.1 percent
Number employed in 2006: 167,000
Median pay in 2006: $62,430
Education/training: Dental hygienists must get a state license to practice. A degree from dental hygiene school is also usually .required
Job outlook: Dental hygienists will continue to be in demand as the population ages and care improves. Older patients are keeping their teeth longer instead of wearing dentures. Hygienists will take over more tasks that were previously performed by dentists.
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• Job openings in New England for dental hygienists