Now that you know that you want to pursue a career in dental hygiene, where do you go to find a strong, accredited, affordable, and local program?
ADA & ADHA
There are a number of different places that one can turn to in order to find an accredited dental hygiene program. The best two resources are the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Dental Hygienist Association (ADHA).
These two organizations are the official, nationally recognized authorities on which programs are accredited and offer the requirements to be licensed in each state.
Both organizations have extremely user-friendly websites as well as contact information to speak with someone. These sights also have a breakdown by state of all of the accredited dental hygiene programs in each state making finding one easy and convenient.
They also offer a wealth of information on dental practices, where to find a dentist, and many other practical, useful information that might be helpful to browse through if you are considering a profession as a dental hygienist.
What these websites will not provide, however, is reviews or opinions on the dental hygiene programs or testimonials from people who have attended and completed the programs. You will need to go elsewhere to find this information.
Online
There are also several other web resources that can provide information and reviews on different dental hygiene programs. You can find them through any standard web search.
These websites offer information on program detail like cost, courses, and prerequisites, but they also may offer student testimonials and information and advice on specific schools – such as pros and cons to a program. You do not want to take information like this as the truth because it is opinion, but these sites will provide good accurate information of program requirements, information, and admissions procedures.
And even in this age of technology, if you find a school that interests you, CALL THEM! You can get accurate, current information as well as giving and getting an initial impression.
Your School & Your Dentist
The last two resources that are available to find information on an accredited dental hygiene program are your guidance counselor or human resources office and your actual dentist!
You will find that any of these people are more than willing and eager to impart their information and opinions on various programs and possible career paths for you. They are also very knowledgeable on the subject because either it is their job to guide you or they have, in fact, been through a similar training to become a dentist and can give advice from the frontlines.
