It may take years of study, clinical training, and license to become a dental hygienist. You might be asking how long does it take to be a dentist hygienist in light of this.
Generally speaking, being a dental hygienist takes less time than becoming a licensed practicing dentist. Even yet, this career still necessitates a few years of formal study and a few more months of state licensing requirements.
However, in this blog post we have taken a few time to answer this frequently asked question on “how long does it take to be a dentist hygienist?” Let’s get down to what we have.
Table of Contents
What Exactly is Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a person who collaborates with other dental specialists, typically in a private dental practice, and provides patients with teeth cleanings and preliminary oral exams.
Depending on the office, dental hygienists may also provide patient screenings, update dental history records, take x-rays, give anesthetic, and more.
How Long Does it Take to be a Dental Hygienist?
It is necessary to fulfill certain educational and licensing requirements in order to become a dental hygienist. To start your career in this profession, you need endeavor to finish the following tasks.
#1. Obtain a GED or High School Diploma
To become a dental hygienist, you must first have a high school diploma or GED. It’s crucial to enroll in courses in disciplines like biology, algebra, and chemistry during this period because they are often prerequisites for entrance to a dental hygienist undergraduate program.
How long does it take to be a dentist hygienist?
#2. Complete Dental Hygiene Degree in Accredited College
You can develop the hard and soft skills required to assist patients with their oral health by earning a degree in dental hygiene, which will provide you with the necessary technical knowledge.
Both an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree can offer this training, however the former can be finished in two to three years while the latter normally requires four years of full-time study. But a bachelor’s degree might also help you get ready for career choices outside of clinical practice.
Associate and bachelor’s degree dental hygiene programs share many of the same admission requirements. Both call for science-related education in high school, including biology and chemistry.
Additionally, you could be required to take a chemical lab at the collegiate level, submit letters of recommendation from mentors or teachers, and go to an educational session at your intended institution or university. Read also: What Makes a Person Unique for a Job? Incredible Answers
It’s imperative that you enroll in a program certified by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), regardless of the type of undergraduate degree you choose to pursue.
To operate in the field of dental hygiene, one must possess a degree that has been granted CODA accreditation. This fulfills the highest national standards for academic achievement.
#3. Get a State License
Another prerequisite for working as a dental hygienist is state licensure. Depending on the state, obtaining a license may require a number of processes, including acquiring clinical experience, passing tests, and undergoing background checks.
After graduating, the complete process can take several more months, depending on where you plan to practice.
You must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) within five years of graduation or during your first five attempts in order to receive your license.
In certain states, the NBDHE satisfies the examination requirements for licensing, but other states also need that you pass other board exams.
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#4. Find Employment
Applying for a job and getting it are the last steps in becoming a dental hygienist. Your chances of finding employment quickly may be good if the job market is looking up.
For instance, according to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for dental hygienists will grow by 11% by 2030, above the average occupation-wide growth rate for the U.S. economy.
Considering that Florida, California, and Texas are the states with the most dental hygienists employed at the moment, it’s possible that the majority of these are there.
With a dental hygiene bachelor’s degree, you may be able to find employment in the corporate world as well as other alternatives.
The Degree Requirements for Dental Hygienists
Even while you can work as a dental hygienist with an associate degree in some cases, some students choose to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree instead. The particular duties and job titles that you are eligible for depend on your level of schooling and include:
Get an Associate Degree
Your preparation for the duties of a general dental hygienist begins with an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. You are qualified to work in most private dental practices if you have an associate’s degree and a license.
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Bachelor’s Degree
You can work in dental specialty in settings like community health clinics or educational institutions with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. When applying for available dental hygienist opportunities, having a bachelor’s degree may give you an edge over other candidates.
A Master’s Degree
Dental hygienists who wish to instruct and prepare future dental professionals will require a master’s degree. Dental hygienists who obtain a master’s degree can also work as preventative experts or build neighborhood community health outreach programs.
How long does it take to be a dentist hygienist?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Almost all states mandate that dentists hold a degree from a dental hygiene program that has been approved by the American Dental Association. If you enroll full-time, you can complete the dental hygiene associate degree requirements in around two years. A part-time student can complete their degree in roughly three years.
With the rest of the dental team, dental hygienists collaborate closely. Scaling and polishing, promoting good oral health, and applying preventative fissure sealants are all procedures that a dental hygienist can perform on both adults and children. The General Dental Council (GDC) has approved the program, which is a two-year study.
You may keep whiter, brighter teeth with the assistance of hygienists. Surface stains can be removed with scaling and polishing, AIR-FLOW therapy, and cosmetic procedures, giving you a more youthful, radiant smile. Additionally, your hygienist can offer guidance on diet and adequate home dental care.
In Conclusion: How Long Does it Take to be a Dental Hygienist?
How long it take to be a dentist hygienist might vary depending on a number of things. The degree program you choose to enroll in, the state licensing requirements, and the time it takes to obtain employment are a few examples of these.
After high school, it typically takes four to five years to obtain a license as a dental hygienist.
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