Requirements to Become a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists are an important part of the dental profession. If you're thinking about entering the dental hygiene field, then you're probably realizing that it's not as easy as you originally anticipated. However, the field can be very rewarding, both financially and emotionally. There are many things you need to know before you pursue the field and this article discusses what it takes to become a licensed dental hygienist.

What does it take to get into the dental hygiene program?

The requirements for each program vary tremendously and some are much more difficult than others. For instance, the school my wife attended, Cape Fear Community College, has a high level of demand and is often placed in the situation of turning down candidates for the program. In this case, the admissions committee will accept applicants based on grades and their formal experience or education. Also, they prefer that students have completed at least one year of college, while some schools require two years of college prior to enrollment.

However, the list of normal admissions criteria includes a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, must be at least eighteen years of age, a minimum of a C average, minimum entrance exam scores, and each applicant must have prior courses in match, chemistry, biology, and English. The program can be quite expensive and the costs associated cover the tuition, textbooks, laboratory materials, and each student must buy their own hygiene tools.

What kind of education is required?

Dental hygienists typically complete a two-year dental program to satisfy all state requirements. This program is offered through many community colleges and technical colleges. It's important to note that there are dental hygiene programs at universities that are four years in length. This gives the student a bachelor's degree in the field and opens up the opportunities on a broader base. A two year degree is ideal if the student is only interested in working at a private dental office and working on patients. The two year program awards students an associate's degree in the field.

The two year program requires clinical education in addition to a steady dose of coursework, including general education courses and courses specific to the field of dental hygiene. Some of the general education course important to the dental hygiene degree includes biology, chemistry, English, and college lever algebra. Perhaps the most important part of the dental hygiene program is the clinical laboratory. It is during this time that students earn hands-on experience with patients while working in a supervised environment with dentists, instructors, and past dental hygiene graduates. Students are graded on a basis of how they perform in the laboratory, and during the state licensing test the students are required to work on a patient. In many programs, a C average is required in order to pass and receive an associate's degree.

Licensing and exams.

All dental hygienists are required to be licensed by the state in which they intend to practice. In order to be licensed, a student must pass and graduate from the dental hygiene program, as well as pass the written and clinical exams. Every state requires students to pass a National Board Dental Hygiene exam, which is a written test. Many states, just like the state of North Carolina, also require students to pass a state clinical exam. This involves a student bringing their own patient, one who meets certain oral criteria, to the laboratory and perform a variety of services. The student must pass both of these exams in order to earn the title of RDH, which is Registered Dental Hygienist.

In order to protect the quality and standards of dental hygienists across America, students are now required to meeting continuing education standards each and every year. This involves taking a designated number of hours in class time being updated on the field and its developments. The hours in each state vary, but most states require somewhere between 6-10 hours.

I hope this article helps and good luck with your endeavors!