Dental hygiene is one of the fastest growing professions today with a steady rate of job security. Because of this, the market can be very competitive, and it is important to have the best credentials, education, and references. So how does someone who does not know exactly what to look for actually find a good dental hygiene program – one that will graduate him or her well prepared for the aggressive market? Well, there are definitely certain features in a dental hygiene program that one should look for.
Accreditation
There is absolutely no doubt that this is the most important feature to look for in a dental hygiene education program. You can go the American Dental Association website to find a complete list of accredited programs in your state to begin your search. This is critical because, remember, this is a medical profession. Educational institutions need to be monitored to ensure that they are teaching all of the information that a dental hygienist needs to know to practice safe and effective medicine.
You will not be able to even get your license, in any state, if your dental hygienists’ program was not accredited.
If a program is not accredited, go somewhere else.
Variety of Coursework
Every school varies a little bit in required coursework, but you want to make sure that the program you pick includes the major basics. This should include basic courses in addition to specific dental hygiene courses. Expect to take college-level English, psychology, sociology, chemistry, biology, nutrition, and even speech courses.
There should also be a wide variety of dental hygiene courses including anatomy, preventative care, clinical theory and practice, periodontics, pharmacology, and radiology to name a few.
Know the requirements before you attend so that you are certain of the program expectations and whether or not you think you can handle the course load.
Experienced Professors
The very best dental hygiene programs always have excellent instructors. Look to make certain that you feel that the educators are going to assist you in your goals. An academic professor has a lot to offer students but so does one with a lot of field and clinical practice and experience. Make sure that there is a variety that you can learn from.
This is particularly important when it comes time for letters of recommendations and referrals.
Clinical and Field Practice and Training
Another important feature of any dental hygiene program is that it provides you with actual hands-on experience and training with live patients. Any strong program will offer this in abundance. This is an important feature to learning how to be a dental hygienist because actual practice on real patients better prepares you for what the work is actually like. Prospective dental hygiene candidates need to know that the profession is not just about brushing teeth. There is a lot more involved with skills, technique, and equipment that you must be prepared to handle upon graduation.
Advancement Options
You can become a dental hygienist typically within three years, if you are dedicated and motivated. You need the education and to pass your exams and get your license. Any accredited dental hygiene program will offer this as a minimum.
However, if you are the kind of person who may want to consider research, teaching, or administration, it is wise to look for a strong program that offers a bachelor’s degree and even a master’s degree program. This advanced education will certainly open more career opportunities for you.
Using these features to guide you to find a dental hygiene program will certainly yield positive results.
