The standard expectation is about two years to complete the roughly 55 credit hours necessary for an Associates Degree. Actual number of hours will depend on the school and the program.
The associate degree in dental hygiene is typically an associates in applied science (AAS).
To become a dental hygienist, you'll need either a 2- or 4-year degree in dental hygiene. Most programs are two years long and lead to an associate's degree. They are offered through community colleges and technical colleges.
Yes, you need a Dental Hygienists license or a Dental License to "clean" teeth. Most states require at least an Associate in Science Degree in Dental Hygiene.
Yes
The process varies depending on degree intended. You may obtain an associate's degree which typically takes about 2 years, or a bachelor's degree which typically takes 4 years.
It would take approximately two additional years as a full-time student, provided you take the degree as prescribed by the college or university. However, I have never heard of an AA in dental hygiene. In most community colleges it is a associate of applied science degree (AAS), or (less prevalent) an AS degree.
To become a Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania, you will need a two-year associate's degree or a bachelor or master's degree from an accredited Dental Hygiene program. To receive your license, you will need to pass both exams from the North East Regional Board and the National Board Dental Hygiene. At $52K, the annual average Dental Hygienist's is 12 % lower than the national average.
No, not in any industrialized nation. The minimum requirement is a doctorate in dentistry to practice dentistry. There are allied fields such as dental hygiene or dental assisting that require less education, but to be a dentist, graduating with a doctorate from an accredited dental school is a minimum.
Yes it is possible. As a prior coordinator of health related professions at a university, I can say that there were more than a few dental hygiene students who went on to become dentists.
Certificate in Dental HygieneMany universities based in the US offer various certificate programs in dental hygiene. The duration of such programs range on average from 2 to 3 years. The curriculum is usually made up of the core courses, namely dental anatomy, nutrition, microbiology, local anesthesia and others. Graduates of the certificate programs are eligible for a Bachelor's degree in dental hygiene. In the final academic years they will have a lot of practice. Dental hygienist students usually undergo their internship in nursing homes, community health centers, etc.Associate Degree in Dental HygieneYou may enter community or technical college to get an associate degree in dental hygiene. That will be enough to become employed and licensed. Associate degree appears to be a 2-year program. Basically, this is the minimum education which allows you become a dental hygienist. As a rule, the curriculum comprises general subject studies following by the prerequisite coursework in the liberal arts, humanities, social and natural sciences. The final year is dedicated to theoretical and practical classes which prepare students to the actual practice. From that point on, you may start looking for a job. Other than that, you may proceed with your studies with the aim of getting a Bachelor's degree in dental hygiene.Bachelor's Degree in Dental HygieneBachelor's degree in dental hygiene takes 4 years of studying. On the initial years the academic curriculum is made up of the general subjects such as natural and social sciences, math, liberal arts. Over the next two years students are introduced more closely to dental hygiene subjects. You'll be majorly focused on radiology, oral pathologies, community health, dental anatomy, preventative oral health care, dental materials, etc. So, if you're ambitious and willing to earn really good money, 2-year education is not enough. This is a good reason to get on the higher academic level. Bachelor's degree in dental hygiene allows graduates take part in clinical practice, research, education or health programs.Master's Degree in Dental HygieneYou may decide to go even further with your studies and get Master's degree in dental hygiene. With the Master's degree on hands you'll be able to become a researcher, administrator or an educator. Another 2 years since you get Bachelor's degree allows you get a profound knowledge in dental hygiene. Master's degree level offers academic courses specially designed for students who want to get a deeper insight into dental hygiene. These students will also be engaged into research and get practical experience in the final year. Graduates are trained to be hygiene leaders, practitioners, educators, oral health promoters, administrators and researchers.
Not only is the answer yes, but dental schools like to see dental background. Being a hygienist can put an edge on your application. Not to mention, nothing prepares you for dental school like getting your undergrad degree in hygiene.
The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for a dental hygienist.Prospective dental hygienists must become licensed in the State in which they wish to practice. A degree from an accredited dental hygiene school is usually required along with licensure examinations.Education and training. A high school diploma and college entrance test scores are usually required for admission to a dental hygiene program. High school students interested in becoming a dental hygienist should take courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Also, some dental hygiene programs require applicants to have completed at least 1 year of college. Specific entrance requirements vary from one school to another.In 2006, there were 286 dental hygiene programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Most dental hygiene programs grant an associate degree, although some also offer a certificate, a bachelor's degree, or a master's degree. A minimum of an associate degree or certificate in dental hygiene is generally required for practice in a private dental office. A bachelor's or master's degree usually is required for research, teaching, or clinical practice in public or school health programs.Schools offer laboratory, clinical, and classroom instruction in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, radiography, histology (the study of tissue structure), periodontology (the study of gum diseases), pathology, dental materials, clinical dental hygiene, and social and behavioral sciences.Licensure. Dental hygienists must be licensed by the State in which they practice. Nearly all States require candidates to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school and pass both a written and clinical examination. The American Dental Association's Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations administers the written examination, which is accepted by all States and the District of Columbia. State or regional testing agencies administer the clinical examination. In addition, most States require an examination on the legal aspects of dental hygiene practice. Alabama is the only State that allows candidates to take its examinations if they have been trained through a State-regulated on-the-job program in a dentist's office.Other qualifications. Dental hygienists should work well with others because they work closely with dentists and dental assistants as well as dealing directly with patients. Hygienists also need good manual dexterity, because they use dental instruments within a patient's mouth, with little room for error.For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.