Some states do not require continuing Education to maintain your license so that you can work without training; however, if you want to take a certification exam for your condition.
This is an important question because if you have any experience working with dental professionals, you’ll know that dentists often don’t trust hygienists.
Many people think that being a dental hygienist is easy and you don’t need any education, but the fact is that the education requirement is much higher than it is for other professions.
If you want to be a dental hygienist, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and you’ll also need a state license.
Dental hygiene students must have a bachelor’s degree, or associate’s degree in an accredited program. They are required to have completed 60 semester hours and have passed a national exam. The Dental Hygiene program consists of four semesters of study:
- The first two years of study include coursework, clinical practice, and laboratory work.
- The third year is the clinical internship, where students are trained in oral hygiene and dental procedures under the supervision of licensed dentists.
- The fourth year includes the national exam, graduation, and clinical training.
Dental Hygiene Education Programs
A good dental hygiene school should offer a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, typically taking four years to complete.
While most schools don’t require a Bachelor’s degree to be a dental hygienist, the program requires many hours of coursework and hands-on practice.
There are several dental hygiene education programs available, but here are some of the most popular:
* American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA)
* University of Illinois College of Dentistry (UICOD)
* University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry (UNC)
* Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (LLU)
* Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (CUMD)
* New York University College of Dentistry (NYU)
* University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry (UCSF)
* University of Southern California (USC)
* Texas A&M University College of Dentistry (TAMU)
* University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry (UMKC)
* University of Washington School of Dentistry (UW)
* Indiana University School of Dentistry (IU)
* Western University (California) (WUC)
* University of Florida College of Dentistry (UF)
* Baylor College of Dentistry (BCD)
* University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
* Northwestern University (NU)
* Oklahoma State University (OSU)
* University of California-Irvine School of Dentistry (UCI)
* University of Miami (UM)
* University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB)
* University of Michigan (UM)
* University of Alabama, Birmingham (UAB)
* University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
* University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
* Ohio State University (OSU)
* University of Pittsburgh (Pitt)
* University of Florida (UF)
* University of Illinois (UI)
* University of Iowa (UI)
* Wake Forest University (WFU)
What does it take to be a dental hygienist?
It takes a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.
It doesn’t matter if you’re studying biology, chemistry, microbiology, or anything else; all that matters is that you’re looking for a subject related to dental hygiene.
You should also have a strong academic record, especially in science subjects, and be interested in learning more about dental hygiene.
You may also need to pass a state board exam.
Once you’ve completed your studies, you can start applying for jobs in the dental field.
Dental hygienists work in many different settings, including dentists’ offices, hospitals, dental clinics, schools, and daycare centers. Depending on your interests and skills, you might find a job as a dental assistant. Dental assistants perform various tasks, including helping dentists administer anesthesia, preparing the patient, and assisting dentists during procedures. Some dental assistants work in clinics, while others work in dental labs or as dental assistants at schools.
Dental Hygiene Schools
To become a dental hygienist, you must attend dental hygiene school.
Dental hygienists perform oral health care by examining and cleaning teeth. They also educate patients on how to care for their teeth and gums, and they may perform X-rays.
Many schools offer a degree, but others require at least two years of training. Some schools may even require students to have a degree before applying.
The average salary of a dental hygienist is about $25 per hour. But this can range from as low as $13 an hour to as high as $39 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The American Dental Hygiene Association has more than 100,000 members. It provides information on education and certification requirements, standards of practice, and career opportunities. ]]>http://www.dentalcareers.com/dental-hygiene/feed/0Dentisthttp://www.
Educational requirements
There are two different requirements to become a dental hygienist, and they are both very strict.
The first one is the General Educational Development (GED) test. To pass this test, you need to score at least 50.
The second requirement is the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDE). This test has a minimum requirement of 70 points out of 100.
Both of these exams are taken in the United States, but there are also hygiene-specific tests that you can take in other countries.
Frequently asked questions about Education.
Q: How do you become a dental hygienist?
A: One of the requirements for becoming a dental hygienist is high school graduation or its equivalent. There are several programs in the region to help students prepare for the Dental Hygiene License exam. A dental hygiene program in the community college is also acceptable.
Q: What’s the difference between a dental hygienist and a dentist?
A: A dentist specializes in all areas of dentistry. A dental hygienist focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions of the oral cavity, such as decay and gum disease.
Q: Why must you complete a dental hygiene program before getting your dental degree?
A: You must complete an approved dental hygiene program before applying for the Dental Hygiene License examination.
Top Myths About Education
- You must have a degree or certification to become a dental hygienist.
- Only graduates from certain universities can become dental hygienists.
- Dentists don’t want to work
Conclusion
In conclusion, the requirements are relatively simple if you’re interested in becoming a dental hygienist. You must be 18 years old and have graduated high school. But the real challenge begins once you’ve completed your Education.
Once you have a job offer, you’ll need to apply to the state licensing board that oversees dental hygienists. If you pass the exam and get licensed, you can work in any number of states.
Your Education doesn’t stop when you leave school. While you won’t be able to sit for the exam until you’re 18, you’ll still have to take continuing education classes for several years afterward.
And as you can see, becoming a dental hygienist isn’t necessarily easy. But I’m certain you’ll find it rewarding when you reach your goal and can work in your chosen career.
