When it comes to healthcare, there are certain medical professionals that everyone should visit at least once a year. For a yearly physical, patients should see their general practitioner. To make sure they\u2019re skin cancer-free, adults should visit a dermatologist. And, of course, children and adults alike should make time to see their dentist every six months, to have their teeth cleaned and gums examined.<\/p>\n
Dentists serve a vital role in the health and well-being of their patients. However, it\u2019s not dentists who spend the most time with dental patients. Instead, it\u2019s dental hygienists<\/strong>. Dental hygienists are responsible for conducting preliminary oral exams, taking dental x-rays, applying fluorides and sealants, and cleaning patients\u2019 teeth to remove stains, plaque, and tartar. They also educate patients on how to best take care of their oral health. Because dental hygienists are so important, the demand is increasing. National statistics<\/a> show that employment of dental hygienists is growing fast, with an estimated 15,600 openings for dental hygienists projected each yea<\/em>r.<\/p>\n Today, there are a few different ways to become a dental hygienist. Depending on how quickly you\u2019d like to enter the field, where you are in your current career, and where you are located, the requirements to become a dental hygienist will vary. Generally speaking, there are four, basic requirements for dental hygienists:<\/p>\n However, if you are working in dental hygiene and looking to advance your career, your path may look a bit different. Below, we outline the various dental hygienist education requirements and degree paths available.<\/p>\n Dental hygienists need at least an associate degree in Dental Hygiene<\/strong> to launch their career. Some employers prefer to hire dental hygienists with a bachelor\u2019s degree, or may require a master\u2019s degree for advanced positions.<\/p>\n No matter which degree path you choose, the program must be\u202faccredited<\/a>\u202fby the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). CODA is the primary accrediting body for Dental Hygiene degrees, certifying that a program is highly credible and reliable.<\/p>\n As stated on the CODA website<\/a>, \u201cGraduation from an accredited program is almost always stipulated by state law and is an eligibility requirement for licensure and\/or certification examinations.\u201d<\/p>\n As noted by the\u202fAmerican Dental Association<\/a>, an associate degree, at minimum, makes aspiring hygienists eligible to take their board licensing exams and, upon passing, become a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).<\/p>\n All states require dental hygienists to be licensed, though specific license requirements vary by state.<\/p>\n While an associate degree in Dental Hygiene is the minimum educational requirement for dental hygienists, it is not the only option. Aspiring dental hygienists can pursue higher levels of study, as well, such as a bachelor\u2019s degree. Some dental hygienists will advance their education with a master\u2019s degree.<\/p>\n Most dental hygiene programs will cover a variety of content areas, including general education, science, and career-oriented coursework. In preparatory programs, students learn the fundamentals of oral health, dental software, radiology machines, infection control and prevention, pain management, and more. Dental hygiene students also develop ample skills in communication and patient care.<\/p>\n An\u202fassociate degree in Dental Hygiene<\/a>\u202fprepares students to master the fundamentals of dental hygiene processes, including assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, and documentation. Students learn how to effectively communicate with patients and how to function as an integral part of a dental healthcare team. Students in this program are typically required to complete general education courses in addition to their program-specific courses. Additionally, an associate in Dental Hygiene requires students to complete clinical experiences that prepare them to provide direct patient care in a practical setting.<\/p>\n Course Examples<\/em><\/p>\n Learning Outcomes<\/em><\/p>\n As noted above, receiving an associate degree in Dental Hygiene allows graduates to sit for licensure examinations (national and state, or regional) and become licensed to work in a dental office. Students may later decide to pursue additional training in business administration, public health, or dentistry in order to broaden their career opportunities. However, earning an associate degree is sufficient to begin a career as a dental hygienist, after passing licensure examinations.<\/p>\n Though basic dental hygienist education requirements end at an associate degree, students may decide that a four-year\u202fbachelor\u2019s degree in Dental Hygiene<\/a>\u202fis more in line with their career goals. This program requires students to complete general education courses as well as program specific courses such as oral anatomy and periodontology. However, this course of study also allows students to minor in a subject area that corresponds with their interests. For example, these minors can include education, marketing, psychology, or human services, though there are a plethora of other options as well. By combining the standard, professional dental hygiene curriculum with a more extensive liberal arts education, students expand their career opportunities, gain additional professional skills, and become well-rounded caregivers.<\/p>\n Course Examples<\/em><\/p>\n Learning Outcomes<\/em><\/p>\n Students who earn their bachelor\u2019s degree in Dental Hygiene are prepared to sit for national and state, or regional licensing examinations. A licensed dental hygienist who holds a bachelor\u2019s degree can work in a clinical setting as a care provider. They are also qualified to work in research, education, or in a clinical practice in public or school health programs. A bachelor\u2019s degree provides graduates with a larger variety of employment opportunities.<\/p>\n Though it\u2019s more rare for dental hygienists to pursue a graduate degree, a\u202fmaster\u2019s degree in Dental Hygiene\u202f<\/a>is the perfect choice for licensed hygienists who want to advance into leadership positions in education and public health. This two-year program provides students with field site opportunities in the areas of public health, education, administration, research, and more. Students will also be required to student teach and complete a master\u2019s capstone project that is typically research-based.<\/p>\n Course Examples<\/em><\/p>\n Learning Outcomes<\/em><\/p>\n Graduates of the master\u2019s degree in Dental Hygiene program are prepared for a career in research and education. While they\u2019ll be able to continue working in clinical settings as dental hygienists, they\u2019ll also qualify for advanced positions in public health, administration, clinical management, and higher education.<\/p>\n The requirements to enroll in a dental hygiene program will vary, depending on each institution. Common prerequisites for entry-level dental hygiene programs include:<\/p>\n Because dental hygiene is a clinical field, accepted students will often have to fulfill requirements like:<\/p>\n Upon graduating from an accredited Dental Hygiene degree program, students are qualified to pursue licensure to practice. Licensing must be earned through a series of examinations at the national and state level. In general, there are three, main requirements for dental hygiene licensure:<\/p>\n Although specific licensing requirements vary by state, most states require aspiring dental hygienists to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination<\/a>, as well as state or regional clinical board exams. Be sure to research your state-specific requirements, or contact your school\u2019s admissions team for information.<\/p>\n Aspiring dental hygienists must complete the national board examination to obtain licensure. The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) is a series of standardized tests that evaluate the preparedness of hygienists for practice. This national examination serves as a universal test that supports state boards in determining the qualifications for dental hygienists. It tests on a wide variety of topics, including biomedical sciences, dental hygiene sciences, as well as problem-solving skills.<\/p>\n To qualify for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, one must fulfill the basic dental hygienist education requirements, which is an associate degree (at least) from an accredited dental hygiene program. Then, one will be eligible to fulfill the written examination.<\/p>\n To apply for the NBDHE, prospective dental hygienists must register for a DENTPIN from the American Dental Association (ADA). This is a personal identifier number that helps to protect your personal, identifying information online.<\/p>\n All candidates have six months of eligibility to complete the NBDHE, starting on the date one\u2019s application is processed.<\/p>\n Most jurisdictions in the United States will also require a clinical examination, in addition to the NBDHE written examination. According to the American Dental Association, most state boards rely on regional testing agencies to administer a clinical examination.<\/p>\n Because licensing requirements vary by state, it is important to contact your school or local licensing authority for specific education and certification requirements. Remember, the goal of these licensing requirements is to ensure that dental hygienists are fully prepared for the field, from the clinical aspects to patient safety and care.<\/p>\n In Connecticut, dental hygienists must successfully complete the\u202fNational Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) as well as a clinical performance examination issued by the state. These include:<\/p>\n One must also submit proof of award from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene school, an official report of the NBDHE scores, and a report of successful completion of a regional board examination. This grants licensure for Connecticut dental hygienists. Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n Dental hygienists spend much of their days cleaning teeth, conducting examinations, and operating dental equipment. For this reason, they must be highly skilled in oral care, tool operation, and patient communication. Some of the top skills required of dental hygienists include:<\/p>\n Other dental hygienist requirements for skillsets include physical stamina, as these professionals often work on their feet for long periods of time. The manual job duties also demand a lot of the upper body, especially the arms and hands.<\/p>\n Dental hygienists evaluate the oral health of their patients and provide preventive dental care services. They often can be found cleaning patients\u2019 teeth, looking for symptoms of oral disease, operating dental machinery, and teaching patients about good oral hygiene. Examples of dental hygienist duties include:<\/p>\n On average in the United States<\/a>, dental hygienists earn over $77,800 annually. However, salaries will range depending on the place of work, position held, and state of licensure. For example, those in dental offices earn $77,810, on average, per year. Those in government, however, earn closer to $64,000 annually. Additionally, state-level salaries range between $50,000 and $115,000 for dental hygienists.<\/p>\n In Connecticut, dental hygienists can expect to earn $88,610 annually, as of May 2021.<\/p>\n It is important to find a Dental Hygiene program that meets your needs, both personally and professionally. As you research the various programs, ask yourself how much time you can commit to an education and what your long-term career goals are. Find a program that supports your answers. For example, if you determine a long-term career in dental research or public health leadership, an advanced degree program may be a better fit than an associate degree. However, if you are looking to launch a dental hygiene career fast, an associate degree in Dental Hygiene may be the best fit, as it takes just 2-3 years to complete.<\/p>\n Most importantly, look for a program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Again, this is a requirement if you\u2019d like to pursue licensure and maintain credibility in the field.<\/p>\n If you find yourself wondering, \u201cWhat degree do you need to be a dental hygienist?\u201d, it\u2019s important to first consider your career goals. If your passion is patient care and you\u2019re eager to begin your career quickly, an associate degree may be the right choice. However, if you\u2019re interested in providing education to future hygienists or conducting research, you may want to consider pursuing a bachelor\u2019s degree or a master\u2019s degree in Dental Hygiene. The choice is yours.<\/p>\n All degree options are available at 911爆料网, home to the world\u2019s first Dental Hygiene School.\u202fVisit us online today to learn more.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n
General Dental Hygienist Requirements<\/h2>\n
Degree Requirements for Dental Hygienists<\/h2>\n
Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene<\/h3>\n
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Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Dental Hygiene<\/h3>\n
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Master\u2019s Degree in Dental Hygiene<\/h3>\n
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Admission Requirements for Dental Hygiene 911爆料网<\/h2>\n
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Dental Hygienist Licensing Requirements<\/h2>\n
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The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE):<\/h3>\n
Connecticut Dental Hygienist Requirements:<\/h3>\n
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Dental Hygienist Skills Requirements and Qualifications<\/h2>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Hygienist Careers<\/h2>\n
What does a dental hygienist do?<\/h3>\n
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How much does a dental hygienist make?<\/h3>\n
How do I choose a dental hygienist program?<\/h3>\n
Getting Started: How to Become a Dental Hygienist<\/h2>\n