How to Become Dental Hygienists
The demand for dental hygienists should grow, due to the nation's rising elderly population as well as the increased focus on preventative dental health, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While most are employed by dental offices, dental hygienists can also find employment with hospitals, doctors' offices and other health care providers. According to the Bureau's May 2009 occupational wage data, dental hygienists can expect an average salary range of $57,000 to $69,000 depending on their place of employment.
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Things You'll Need
- Post-secondary degree
- Clinical practicum
- Written examination
- Clinical examination
- Licensure application
- State license
Instructions
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Review your state's dental hygienist licensure requirements by contacting or visiting the website for the state dental board or licensing agency.
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Find an accredited dental hygiene program at a post-secondary institution in your area by using the American Dental Association's (ADA) online dental education program search tool.
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Meet the admissions requirements for the dental hygiene program you plan to attend. Take any needed prerequisite courses and placement tests or participate in any required entrance interviews for the school's program.
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Complete program coursework in health care, the sciences, the social sciences, general education and dental hygiene principles and procedures. Expect to take dental courses in dental anatomy, radiology, periodontology and oral pathology.
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Participate in clinical experiences or practicums required by your school's dental hygiene department. Observe and perform dental procedures under the supervision of faculty or experienced dental professionals in your school's on-campus hygiene clinic or in a local dental office.
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Take the ADA's written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.
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Take any additional clinical dental hygiene examinations required by your state's dental licensing board or agency.
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Complete your state's dental hygienist initial licensure application. Include required documentation such as academic transcripts, exam scores and background checks.
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Mail the application, required support documents and license fees to your state's dental licensing agency.
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Visit dental association websites or online dental job boards to search for dental hygienist job openings in your area once you obtain licensure. Contact your college's or university's career center to get assistance with finding jobs and preparing for interviews.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit two dentist image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
