Have you ever wondered how to become a dental hygienist? This career offers flexibility when it comes to work hours and can provide a solid income for single people and those with families. First, map out a plan for heading to school. Then, research schools and costs on the Web, and visit your top choices.
What's A Dental Hygienist?
The responsibilities of dental hygienists are based upon the state in which they practice, but all clean teeth and advise patients on proper dental health care. You can work in a dentist's office with only an associate's degree, but the best bet is to get a bachelor's degree from a college or university so you have the option of working in schools or in public health programs. Many colleges offer associate degree programs specifically tailored toward graduating with a dental hygienist degree. If you are a student in high school who might find this line of work appealing, take a few biology classes to get a feel for it.
How To Find A School
Start by researching schools online that offer this type of degree, and then call and request catalogues and brochures. Visit several of the schools, and ask advisors or others in the schools health division how you would go about becoming a dental hygienist. Even ask the dental hygienist in your dentist's office about where she went to school and ask for her advice on some of the better programs in your area. The American Dental Association's Web site lets visitors search for the accredited schools that offer a dental hygienist degree.
The Final Steps
Once you've completed either an associate or bachelor degree, you'll have to pass written and clinical licensing exams administered by the state in which you live.
 | Dental training programs offer individuals the opportunity to become dental hygienists or dentists. While dental schools are four-year postgraduate programs that train dentists, shorter dental assistant training programs prepare students to enter the dental hygienist field. |
 | Certified dental assistants perform many of the daily tasks in a dentist's office. Certified dental assistants can also go on to teach other dental assistants in schools and training programs. |
When applying to dental schools, you'll want to know their requirements, and you should find a school that is a good fit for your personal needs and abilities. Start early, and brace for plenty of competition. |
Dental continuing education can help keep dentists on top of the changes in the industry. Through dental continuing education courses and new online dental continuing education opportunities, seminars and lectures, dentists can improve their skills and learn about new techniques. |
Many career opportunities are available within a dental staff, and you don't even have to be a dentist. You could be a dental assistant, a dental technician or a dental hygienist. |
