A dental hygienist or oral hygienist works alongside a dentist in a dental office, public health clinic, dental school, hospital or research facility. The hygienist focuses on preventive oral health which includes educating patients about caring for their teeth in between visits to the dentist. They also provide teeth cleaning and polishing services, x-rays, fluoride treatments and other work.
Some are even licensed to administer local anesthesia depending on the jurisdiction. All hygienists in the US must have a license from the state where they practice. They must have at least a two year degree, and there are a number of dental hygiene schools where they can get the necessary degree.
What Programs Should You Look Into?
There are several different dental hygiene schools and programs that will fit the educational requirements for a hygienist. The two year associate’s degree is the most common degree earned, but you can also earn a certificate, bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in the field. These schools should be accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). These degrees usually require general education courses such as college algebra, chemistry, physiology and biology. Courses that are specific to the dental hygiene field include oral anatomy, pharmacology, microbiology, histology, pathology, periodontology, materials science, nutrition, radiography and clinical skills.
Dental hygiene schools that offer a bachelor’s degree requires four years of study. Some folks with a two year degree enter the bachelor’s degree program to advance their careers. Graduate degrees usually require two more years of study after the bachelor’s degree. Advanced degrees provide career opportunities that are unavailable with the two year degree. This includes being a teacher in a dental hygiene program and working for a public health department. A dental product sales rep requires a bachelor’s degree, and the salary can be quite lucrative. With a master’s degree you can hold a faculty position and even become the director of a hygiene program.
Online Options
Many dental hygiene schools have online classes for the convenience of their students. Many classes lend themselves well to online study such as English and math. You will have more time to study since you do not have to drive to school which may be some distance away. If you already have a two year degree and are currently working in the field, you can earn a B.S. degree entirely online. This way you can still work to support your family while studying to attain an advanced degree.
Day In The Life Video With Sara At Penn College of Technology
This is a great overview video that shows you what it’s like going through the education and training needed to get into dental hygiene as a career. Penn college of technology is obviously just one example of a good dental hygiene school. There are many more options both online and off.