Toward the end of the program, students will be expected to complete on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a licensed hygienist. Some dental hygienists may choose to pursue employment after completing an associate degree.
Others may choose to pursue a bachelor's degree. Some aspiring dental hygienists may even go on to achieve a master's degree to work in a research or educational manner. Licensure with your state and the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination is required to work as a dental hygienist.
The test is made up of two parts with a total of multiple-choice questions. You need a score of at least 75 to pass. State tests vary depending on the state in which you work. The successful completion of both exams will earn you a Registered Dental Hygienist license. While you can work in some dental hygienist careers with an associate degree, some students will complete a bachelor's or master's degree.
Each type of education level dictates the specific tasks and job titles that you qualify for, which include:. An Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene prepares you for the job duties of a general dental hygienist.
With an associate degree and licensure, you are eligible to work in most private dental offices. A Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene prepares you to work with dental specializations like in a community health clinic or in a school setting.
Earning a bachelor's degree can also make you a more competitive applicant when applying for open dental hygienist positions.
Dental hygienists who want to teach and train other students to work in the dental industry will need a master's degree. Dental hygienists who pursue a master's degree can also work in careers as a prevention specialist or developing local community health outreach programs. Master's level dental hygienists may also be involved in research studies. Related: Dental Hygienist Resume Examples. Find jobs.
Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. Performs patient screening procedures, including x-rays Teaches patients how to practice good oral hygiene Applies preventive materials such as fluoride and sealants to the teeth Counsels patients regarding good nutrition and its impact on oral health Removes calculus and plaque hard and soft deposits from the teeth.
Where do dental hygienists work? Dental offices of general dentists and dental specialists Public health agencies, hospitals and community health clinics Public school systems, dental schools and dental hygiene education programs Sales and research for dental equipment and products. What benefits does a dental hygiene career offer? How can I train to become a dental hygienist? Where can I find more career resources? To learn more about careers in dental hygiene, contact your own dentist, dental hygienist or the dental society in your area.
Arrange to visit a nearby dental office to observe a dental hygienist at work. You also can contact an accredited dental hygiene program to meet with a counselor or schedule a visit to the school. Dental assistant As a dental assistant, you will handle a wide range of tasks such as taking x-rays and impressions and helping make patients comfortable before, during and after treatment. What does a dental assistant do? Although state regulations vary, responsibilities may include: Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures Taking and developing dental radiographs x-rays Asking about the patient's medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse Serving as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocol, and preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment Helping patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment Providing patients with oral care instructions following surgery and other procedures, such as the placement of a restoration filling Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health, including tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling Taking impressions of patients' teeth for study casts models of teeth Performing office management tasks Communicating with patients and suppliers, which may involve scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing and ordering supplies.
Where do dental assistants work? Solo dental practices with only one dentist Group practices with two or more dentists Specialty practices such as oral and maxillofacial surgery removal of teeth and correction of facial deformities , orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics straightening teeth with braces or other appliances , endodontics root canal treatment , periodontics treatment of gum problems , prosthodontics replacement of lost teeth and pediatric dentistry treatment of children Public health dentistry, including settings such as schools and clinics which focus on the prevention of dental problems within entire communities Hospital dental clinics, where they assist dentists in treating bedridden patients Dental school clinics, assisting dental students as they learn to perform dental procedures Insurance companies, where they may work in dental claims processing.
What benefits does a dental assistant career offer? How can I train to become a dental assistant? Dental assistants receive their formal education through academic programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes, universities or dental schools.
Graduates of these programs usually receive certificates. Most academic dental assisting programs take nine to eleven months to complete. Some schools offer accelerated training, part-time education programs or distance learning options. Becoming a CDA shows that you are trained and ready to assist dentists and other dental team members in providing quality care. Individuals who have trained on the job or have graduated from non-accredited programs are eligible to take the national certification examination after two years of full-time work experience as dental assistants.
Some states also recognize passage of components of the CDA examination, such as the Radiation Health and Safety examination, or the Infection Control examination, for licensing and regulatory purposes.
State regulations vary, and some states require or offer registration or licensure. For more information on the type of education, training or registration dental assistants must have in your state, contact your state board of dental examiners. Dental laboratory technician Dental lab technicians blend art and science to create custom dentures, crowns, veneers and orthodontic appliances that restore smiles — and confidence.
What does a dental lab technician do? They work directly with dentists by following detailed written instructions and using impressions molds of the patient's teeth or oral soft tissues to create: Full dentures for patients who are missing all of their teeth Removable partial dentures or fixed bridges for patients who are missing only one or a few teeth Crowns, which are caps for teeth that are designed to restore their original size and shape Veneers that enhance the appearance and function of teeth Orthodontic appliances and splints to help straighten and protect teeth Dental technicians work with a variety of materials including waxes, plastics, precious and non-precious alloys, stainless steel, a variety of porcelains, and composites or polymer glass combinations.
Where do dental lab technicians work? Most dental lab technicians work in commercial dental laboratories employing from two to people. The average laboratory employs about five to ten technicians who may provide a full range of dental prosthetic services or specialize in producing one particular type of prosthesis for example, removable partial dentures, crown and bridge, etc.
Opportunities are also available in private dental offices for technicians who like close one-on-one contact with a dentist. Some lab technicians work in dental schools, hospitals and companies that manufacture dental prosthetic materials. Dental laboratory technology education programs offer some teaching positions for experienced technicians. What benefits does this career offer?
How can I train to become a dental lab technician? Dental lab technicians may complete a two-year program at a community college, vocational school, technical college, university or dental school. Graduates of these programs receive either an associate degree or a certificate. Some programs offer a four-year baccalaureate program in dental technology. Most candidates need a high school diploma or equivalent to apply to an accredited dental lab technology program. There are 14 commission-accredited dental laboratory technology programs in the United States.
Dental lab technicians can become certified by passing an examination that evaluates their technical skills and knowledge. Prospective dental hygienists must select an accredited dental hygienist school and consider several factors before narrowing down their school choice.
When choosing a dental hygienist program, consider the following qualities:. Community colleges, dental schools, technical institutions, universities, and internet-based learning programs offer associate degree programs for dental hygienists. Dental hygienists need to enroll in and complete an accredited dental hygienist program. An accredited program refers to a program that's been officially recognized or authorized.
CODA is the only agency that the U. Department of Education has approved to accredit dental hygienist DH programs. Individuals can consider the following three types of CODA-accredited programs for dental hygienists:. The length of a dental hygienist program depends on the type of institution and the degree itself.
For example, Concorde offers a DH program that takes less than two years to complete while a bachelor's degree in this same field takes less than four years. To become a dental hygienist, an associate degree is the minimum requirement. In addition, a two-year program can allow prospective dental hygienists to enter the career field more quickly.
Admission requirements for a DH program will vary based on the program itself. Discover some common prerequisites for gaining admittance into a DH program:. Unlike degree completion or graduate programs, entry-level programs do not require prior education in this field. Study the following tips to help you as you prepare for admittance into a DH program:.
Many program types cover four content areas: general education, biomedical science, dental science, and dental hygiene science. Coursework for all program types focuses on oral health, dental software, tools, machines, radiology, pain management, infection control, and other related topics. These programs also help candidates develop interpersonal and communication skills. Along with general coursework in oral health, programs that offer an associate degree require supervised clinical experience.
This coursework involves eight to 12 hours of hands-on practice per week with 12 to 16 hours during the program's second year. The length of a bachelor's degree program depends on the type of institution. If candidates enter the program with an associate degree, the general time frame can be shortened. This program type focuses on more in-depth topics than a two-year program. It's designed for dental hygienists who want to study specialized care.
Some four-year program topics can include dental health theory and research or dental conditions. These programs may also educate students in the liberal arts and require supervised clinical experience. Master's degree programs are for dental hygienists who want to conduct research, teach, and work in an administrative capacity. These programs typically last one to two years. Students must complete a capstone project to receive their degree.
Each program is vigorous and requires significant effort and study time. The specific amount of study time needed will depend on the student and how quickly he or she retains knowledge and information. The time requirement in class will also vary depending on the program and institution. To achieve success, students should have a support system that offers continuous encouragement. Study groups can help master difficult topics and learn coursework. The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations administers two tests that prospective dental hygienists must take to obtain licensure.
State licensure requirements for dental hygienists vary by state, although these requirements have a common goal for the licensure process. Each state's licensure process ensures that dentists meet professional standards and maintain patient safety. A task force created and released a report to modernize the state licensure process in the dental field. One concern addressed in the report was the use of single-encounter, procedure-based examinations.
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