Finding a good dental hygienist school will allow the training needed for a rewarding career in this field. There are a number of options for obtaining the education required. From online schooling to universities to local community colleges, the programs offered will allow you to embark on this lucrative career.
Although the requirements vary from one school to another, the basics needed are generally a high school diploma and high school courses that include chemistry, biology and math. Passing scores on the entrance exam are also needed.
This is an occupation that is experiencing rapid growth in the U.S. The number of jobs in this field is expected to increase by more than 30% by 2016. Salaries average over $60,000 per year and this is expected to increase as well.
Licensing requirements for dental hygienists or dental assistants, as they are sometimes called, vary according to the state in which you reside. The minimum requirements for licensing as a dental hygienist are a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, an associate degree or a certificate.
Online Education Options
Online schools have become an option that allows students the flexibility to study at their own pace. When choosing an online school for dental hygiene, you should be sure to choose one that is accredited by the state in which you reside. An online dental school will offer programs that allow students to obtain knowledge and the skills needed such as:
- Casting dental impressions
- Taking medical histories
- Taking x-rays
- Scheduling appointments
- Answering phones
Areas of study include physiology, anatomy, medicine, radiology, dental hygiene, cleaning and diagnostic procedures. Instruction that includes an internship at a dentist’s office or clinic will be required to obtain the hands-on experience needed. Once the online schooling and internship is completed and a degree is obtained, as well as the exam required by your state, the dental hygienist will be able to find work in a number of settings. Individual practices, pediatric dentistry, orthodontia and group practices are a few examples.
Universities
Universities offer similar subjects for students who wish to earn a degree. The courses required by universities in order to earn this degree include:
- Anatomy
- Microbiology
- Physiology
- Periodontology
- Social Sciences
- Nutrition
An associate’s degree is typically a two-year program that can be taken at dental schools or universities. The four-year bachelor’s degree program may also be taken at a university. This degree will prepare students for better professional prospects. This degree is required for careers in research or teaching.
Community Colleges
Community colleges are generally chosen for two-year degrees. This is due to the affordability and the class size, which is usually smaller. This allows students a good opportunity to learn the skills they will need to work as a dental hygienist as well as the hands-on training and clinical procedures.
Many of the dental hygienist school programs offered by community colleges are designed to help students get a start in a career as a dental technician. A dental assistant helps dentists prepare patients for examinations and treatment. The programs teach oral anatomy and oral health. Completion of this program will allow students to work with a dentist during dental procedures.
Advanced Training
In addition to the above mentioned requirements, there are six-year advanced programs. They teach the following higher skills such as:
- Nutrition
- Dental Hygiene
- Physiology
- Dental Materials
- Radiography
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
After completing the schooling chosen, a dental hygienist will be required to obtain a license from the state in which they will practice. This requires a written test and a clinical examination. The written test is administered by the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission. A state or regional testing will administer the clinical examination. Additionally, there are many states that require passing an exam on the legal issues related to dental practices.
Taking classes online, at a community college or at a university will prepare students by allowing them to become familiar with not only basic dentistry but detailed dentistry. This will include medicine and the technology that is needed to become proficient in the maintenance of today’s dentistry equipment.
Learning how to take x-rays, create restorations, and remove sutures as well as instructing patients on follow-up treatment are part of the things that will be learned through the choice of schooling and the actual hands-on experience that is obtained.
Attending dental hygienist school will not only teach students the duties associated with assisting a dentist, but it will teach skills that will enhance your career opportunities. Many choose to obtain further education and become dentists.