How to Become a Dental Hygienist?
As a dental hygienist, you play a crucial role in maintaining the oral health of patients. You work alongside dentists to provide preventive and therapeutic oral care, educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, and performing various dental procedures. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a dental hygienist, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To become a dental hygienist, you’ll need to meet the basic requirements:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply to most dental hygiene programs.
- Education: You’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent to apply to a dental hygiene program.
- GPA: A minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher is often required for admission to dental hygiene programs.
Step 2: Earn an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene
Most dental hygienists earn an Associate’s degree in dental hygiene, which typically takes two years to complete. Here are the common requirements:
- Accredited Program: Look for a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
- Coursework: You’ll study subjects like:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Oral pathology
- Radiology
- Dental hygiene techniques
- Oral health education
- Clinical Experience: You’ll gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting, working with patients and performing dental procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Step 3: Pass the National Board Exam
After completing your Associate’s degree, you’ll need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) to become eligible for licensure in most states. The NBDHE is a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge and skills in areas like:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Oral pathology
- Radiology
- Dental hygiene techniques
Step 4: Obtain State Licensure
To practice as a dental hygienist, you’ll need to obtain a license from your state’s dental board. Requirements for licensure vary by state, but most states require:
- NBDHE scores: You’ll need to submit your NBDHE scores as part of your licensure application.
- Fingerprinting: You may need to submit fingerprints as part of your application.
- Background check: Some states may require a background check.
Step 5: Pursue Specialized Certifications
While not mandatory, specialized certifications can enhance your career prospects and salary potential. Some popular certifications include:
- Certified Dental Hygienist (CDH): Offered by the American Dental Association (ADA), this certification demonstrates your expertise in areas like patient assessment, treatment planning, and oral health education.
- Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD): This certification is designed for dental hygienists who want to expand their skills in areas like implantology, sedation dentistry, and orthodontics.
Step 6: Stay Up-to-Date with Continuing Education
As a licensed dental hygienist, you’ll need to complete continuing education requirements to maintain your licensure and stay current with the latest techniques and technologies.
Key Skills and Qualities
To succeed as a dental hygienist, you’ll need:
- Communication skills: Strong communication skills are essential for educating patients and working with dentists and other healthcare professionals.
- Hand-eye coordination: You’ll need to be skilled in performing dental procedures that require precision and dexterity.
- Attention to detail: Attention to detail is crucial for accurately assessing patient oral health and performing procedures.
- Empathy and compassion: You’ll need to be able to work with patients who may be anxious or fearful of dental care.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for dental hygienists was $80,200 in May 2020. Job growth is expected to be 11% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
Conclusion
Becoming a dental hygienist requires a combination of education, licensure, and certification. By following the steps outlined above, you can start a rewarding career in oral healthcare. Remember to stay up-to-date with continuing education requirements and develop the key skills and qualities necessary to succeed in this field.
Table: Dental Hygiene Programs by State
| State | Number of Programs | Program Length | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 14 | 2 years | CODA |
| Florida | 10 | 2 years | CODA |
| New York | 8 | 2 years | CODA |
| Texas | 12 | 2 years | CODA |
| Illinois | 6 | 2 years | CODA |
Note: This table is not exhaustive and is intended to provide a general overview of dental hygiene programs by state. For a comprehensive list of programs, please visit the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) website.