What are the Qualifications Needed to Become a Dental Hygienist?

Dental hygienist qualifications include the skills and knowledge to assist a dentist.

Dental hygienists teach patients how to maintain good oral hygiene and examine the teeth and gums. However, before you can begin your career as a dental hygienist, you must obtain a number of qualifications.

Purpose

Dental hygienists deal with the oral health of patients, take X-rays and prepare reports for the dentist to evaluate to provide the best method of care. To do this, you will need the appropriate education and training to promote the effectiveness and functionality of the dental practice.

Requirements

Part of the education requirements includes a high school diploma including as many courses as possible in biology, chemistry and mathematics. From there, you will need to complete an accredited dental hygiene program. Programs will either issue you a certificate, an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, or in rare instances, a master's degree.

Considerations

You will have to receive licensure from the state you wish to practice in and you will likely have to pass a written and clinical examination. Also, if you desire to be a dental hygienist you should be able to work well with people, because you will work directly with patients, other dental hygienists and the resident dentist.

References

• All Allied Health Schools: Become a Dental Hygienist
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Dental Hygienist