Becoming a Dental Hygenist
Other People Are Reading
-
Education
-
A high school diploma or its equivalent is required before an individual can pursue any advanced education as a dental hygienist. Though licensing requirements vary by state, a dental hygienist must obtain at least an Associate's degree or a certificate in dental hygiene before she is able to practice in a dentist's office.
If a dental hygienist is hoping to work at a public or state-run facility, or if she is planning to teach courses or conduct research in this field she must obtain a Bachelor's, and possibly a Master's degree in the field. Common classes that any dental hygienist will take in order to become certified include physiology, radiography, pharmacology, microbiology and pathology.
Certification
-
Nearly every state has its own licensing requirements for dental hygienists. Those who obtain their Associate's degree or their certificate must do so at an accredited dental hygiene school. In addition to this, candidates must pass two exams. The written exam is administered by the American Dental Association's Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. The clinical examination, which tests how well a candidate applies what she's learned to the actual field of dentistry, is administered by the state's licensing agency.
-
Application
-
Aside from achieving the educational and licensing requirements, individuals who want to be hired as dental hygienists should be extremely friendly, patient and empathetic in order to make patients feel comfortable and taken care of. They must also be moderately flexible and maintain great control over their hands, as they must maneuver small, sharp objects in a tight, dark, enclosed space. The ability to listen and follow directions is also essential, as dental hygienists are basically acting as a dentist's assistant.
-
Resources
- Photo Credit dvfdds.com
