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What do you have to do to become a hygienist?

Updated: 8/17/2019
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14y ago

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The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for Dental Hygienists.

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.

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Related questions

Where can I find dental hygienist schools?

You can find some dental hygienist schools with this website: http://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/health-careers/article/how-to-become-dental-hygienist


How much schooling to become a hygienist?

To become a dental hygienist you typically have to complete a two year program that awards a associates degree or certification.


How entertained is dental hygienist training?

Dental hygienist training is not supposed to be entertaining or fun, rather it is supposed to be an academic training regiment to become a dental assistant.


Where can I find dental training to become a hygienist in Boston, Mass?

you can visit http://massdha.org/ to find dental training in Boston, Mass. To find information about training to become a dental hygienist in Boston, Mass, go to www.massdha.org/.


Do you need a license to be a dental hygienist?

Yes there are state boards you must pass and then you become liscensed :)


Where can one go to find information about becoming a dental hygienist?

To find more information on becoming a dental hygienist, visit a local community college. They usually offer courses, in 2 or 3 year programs, since one does not need to attend university to become a hygienist.


Why do you want to become a Dental Hygienist?

One may want to become a dental hygienist because the pay is good. One can earn between $45-55 per hour with it. It is also a good way to build long-term relationships with other people.


Where can I obtain dental hygienist certification?

You can find a list of schools that will give you the test required to become a dental hygienist at starcareeracademy.com. Make sure to sort the results to just include your desired field.


Where does one become a dental hygienist?

Yes being a dental hygienist is usually a very good paying job and depending on whether you work by yourself or in a larger practice it can have very good benefits as well.


Can I take an online dental hygienist course?

Yes, you can take online courses to become a dental hygienist. There are many universities that offer classes in this area and you are sure to find one or more that will fit your needs and budget.


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How do I become a dental hygienist, what are their duties, and how much can I make as one in the state of Pennsylvania?

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.