How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Alabama
Dental Hygienists clean patients' teeth and provide preventive oral health care. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks dental hygienists as one of the fastest growing occupations in the next decade with strong job prospects across most areas of the country. Alabama is a unique place to practice as a dental hygienist because it is the only state that does not require licensees to take an American Dental Association licensing examination.
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Instructions
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Fulfill pre-examination requirements of Alabama Board of Dental Examiners:
* Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
* Possess a high school diploma or GED.
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Work for 24 months as a full-time dental assistant to a licensed dentist. Employment as a part-time dental assistant will be prorated to calculate full-time-equivalent months.
Work for a minimum of 24 hours per week at the time of application for licensure.
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Complete the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners "Application to Alabama Dental Hygiene Program" (see Resources).
Pay application and training fee ($435 as of December 2010) directly to the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners.
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Purchase required textbooks and dental supplies as instructed by the "Application to Alabama Dental Hygiene Program."
Attend mandatory academic training sessions on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Sessions last from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on dates specified by the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners.
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Pass the Alabama Dental Hygiene Licensure Exam. The exam is offered once per year and typically occurs in June.
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Tips & Warnings
Graduating from an accredited program in dental assisting will reduce the 24-month work requirement based on a graduated formula calculated by the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners.
There are strict timelines for applying to become a dental hygienist in Alabama. Candidates who miss an application deadline are forced to wait until the following year to re-apply. Be sure to follow the Alabama Dental Hygiene Program schedule as laid out by the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners (see Resources).
References
Resources
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