{"id":567,"date":"2021-11-09T14:28:54","date_gmt":"2021-11-09T19:28:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bridgeport.edu\/news\/?p=567"},"modified":"2025-01-06T15:41:55","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T20:41:55","slug":"first-year-of-dental-hygiene-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bridgeport.edu\/news\/first-year-of-dental-hygiene-school\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the First Year of Dental Hygiene School Like?"},"content":{"rendered":"

For those who want to become a dental hygienist, there are a few paths available<\/a>. An associate degree in Dental Hygiene is the minimum requirement and prepares students for an expeditious entry into the dental hygiene profession. This three-year degree covers topics in periodontology, oral anatomy, and more. An associate degree<\/a> prepares students for the board licensing exams they\u2019ll need to pass in order to become Registered Dental Hygienists.<\/p>\n

However, many students choose to pursue a bachelor\u2019s degree in Dental Hygiene<\/a> instead. These students are eligible to add a minor to their bachelor\u2019s degree path which can increase their post-graduation job opportunities. After they\u2019ve graduated, students who have earned a bachelor\u2019s degree may be qualified to work as dental office managers as well as dental educators.<\/p>\n

If you are deciding on your next step, and weighing the prospect of dental hygiene school<\/a>, it can be useful to learn a bit about what the experience entails. Here is a brief overview of what to expect during the first year of dental hygiene school for those interested in enrolling in a four-year, bachelor\u2019s degree!<\/p>\n

How to Prepare for Your First Year<\/strong>
\nBefore matriculating into your Dental Hygiene program, it\u2019s important to make sure that you\u2019re fully prepared for the experience. It\u2019s likely that your dental hygiene school will give you a welcome packet or orientation folder. Start by closely reading these materials. Then, you can begin your preparations. Make sure that you schedule any wellness check-ups your program asks you to complete and receive the required vaccinations, as well. Then, purchase the tools and clothing your program asks you to have on hand for your classes and clinical rotations. You should also make sure that you take time to recuperate and rest before classes begin. College can be stressful and it\u2019s important that you start your studies well-rested and mentally healthy.<\/p>\n

You may also want to schedule a shadowing day at a dental office, just to get your feet wet in the industry. Lastly, if you\u2019re feeling particularly ambitious, you can also get ahead of the game by learning the tooth numbers and surfaces. With most bachelor\u2019s in Dental Hygiene programs, you\u2019ll need to fulfill your general education requirements in a Pre-Dental Hygiene program before you begin your career-focused coursework. With that in mind, this last suggestion can sometimes wait. But, when it comes to a specialized degree like this, it\u2019s never too soon to start preparing.<\/p>\n

Dental Hygiene Classes You\u2019ll Need to Take<\/strong>
\nWhile every dental hygiene school is different, as a student in a bachelor\u2019s degree program, you\u2019ll be required to complete general education credits in addition to program-specific classes. At 911爆料网, you\u2019ll be required to complete 50 general education hours as well as 73 hours of program-required courses. Working with your academic advisor, as well as the director of your program, you\u2019ll be able to fill your schedule in an effective and efficient way.<\/p>\n

During the These courses are largely science-focused, to prepare you for this in-demand healthcare field. Some of the courses you\u2019ll take in the first year include:<\/p>\n