The role of a dental hygienist extends far further than most people imagine. It is not just about cleaning teeth. Dental hygienists are involved in disease prevention, dental health maintenance, and patient education and care. They guide patients through proper oral hygiene as well as doing actual work on teeth and helping to detect infections. They also work closely with dentists. The hours are often very flexible and the pay can be excellent. If this sounds like something you would like to do, read on. There are some tips that you need to know now to give you an edge on the competition!
Tip #1: Start in High School
It may be hard to imagine but if you begin to prepare yourself in high school, you will be a step up on those who snoozed their way through chem. Class! Take the science and math classes. Develop relationships with those instructors so that you can get the excellent recommendations. And, of course, perform well in those classes so they help bolster your transcripts.
Tip #2: Interview Someone Who’s Done It
Take time to talk to another dental hygienist to find out what it’s really all about. Any dental hygienist is likely to take the time to inform you on what is really involved in the education process and the actual work itself. They can clue you into what to expect from work environments, benefits, salary, and patient relationships. This is a great way to find out if this is really a career you want to choose.
Tip #3: Educate Yourself
The American Dental Association (ADA) has a very thorough and detailed website that can provide you with a wealth of information about the field and the specific profession. It can link you to programs, requirements, as well as general information and guidelines. It can also direct you to accredited programs so that you do not have to search out the best programs yourself. And you do want to be certain to find an accredited program so that your work and courses can be applied to your licensing.
Furthermore, contact actual dental hygiene schools and programs to get the information from them as soon as possible. Learn about the curriculum for various programs and what you can expect from each of them. Figure out which schools and programs are the best fit for you and pay strict attention to admissions guidelines and criteria.
Tip #4: Study!
This may sound silly and obvious but you really do need to pay attention to your studies to become a successful dental hygienist. This is not a good career choice for those who are not willing to work hard and have strong study skills. A strong dental hygienists’ curriculum includes such courses as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, nutrition, microbiology, pathology, periodontology, and clinical work. There are others of course as well so be prepared to work!
To be a dental hygienist, you also have to pass both a written and clinical exam to become a licensed hygienist. You must pass these exams to advance your work.
Tip #5: Consider an Advanced Degree
Earning an advanced degree just opens more careers doors for you. Many dental hygienists earn an associates degree and go straight to work. That is more than acceptable, but as the competition gets tougher, it is not a bad idea to have more and stronger credentials and education than your peers. A bachelor’s degree and even a Master’s degree will afford you more opportunities, especially for those who want to be researchers or teachers of dental hygiene.
Dental hygiene is a far more competitive field than most people know, and these five tips will allow you to be that much further ahead of the curve in your preparations. Good luck!
oh my gosh, thank you so much for posting this up here. It’s been hard to try and find information about being a dental hygienist.