How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Washington
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for dental hygienists in the United States will increase up to 36 percent through 2018. Salaries are as high as $90,000 with $66,570 being the median. Along with career flexibility, salaries contribute to a high level of job satisfaction among these professionals and an increased interest in this field. All states have certain educational requirements toward becoming licensed as a Certified Dental Hygienist; the following information is specific to Washington State.
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Instructions
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New Dental Hygienists
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1
Locate an accredited dental hygiene program by navigating to the American Dental Hygienists' Association Education webpage (link provided in the Reference section below): Select Washington from drop-down menu; click on "View List"; list appears.
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Contact each school/program to find out prerequisites and requirements for enrollment into the program and decide which program is best suited for your career goals.
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3
Enroll into desired program.
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4
Satisfy all program requirements for certification/degree.
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5
Complete and pass an examination administered by Washington State's Dental Hygiene Examination committee. These exams are scheduled twice a year.
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6
Apply for licensure with the Secretary of Washington State and pay necessary fees.
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7
Renew license yearly through the secretary's office.
Dental Hygienists Practicing in Another State but Seeking Certification in Washington
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Contact the licensing board (governing body/office) of the state you are currently working in to request documentation proving you are a licensed dental hygienist.
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9
Apply for licensure with the Secretary of Washington State: Provide documentation to the secretary proving licensure in another state. You also must demonstrate knowledge of Washington's requirements for the field of dental hygiene and pay necessary fees.
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10
Renew license yearly through the secretary's office.
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Tips & Warnings
During the program, it is vitally important to refrain from unprofessional conduct that could cause the licensure board to infer that you might be unable to safely carry out the duties of a dental hygienist, thereby jeopardizing your certification.
References
- Photo Credit Person having teeth cleaned image by skidme from Fotolia.com
