How do you become a dental hygienist?

How do you become a dental hygienist?

• how do you become a dental hygienist. what kind of school do you go to? how long are you in school for? whats the pay? what exactly do they do?

• Answer:

  To become a dental hygienist, you'll need either a 2- or 4-year degree in dental hygiene. Most programs are two years long and lead to an associate's degree. They are offered through community colleges and technical colleges. Dental hygiene programs at universities are typically four years and lead to a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's offers a broader base in the humanities and other disciplines through two years of prerequisite courses such as English, speech, psychology, sociology, nutrition, chemistry and biology. An associate degree is sufficient for practicing in a private dental office, while a bachelor's or master's degree can lead to careers in research, administration, teaching or clinical practice in public or school health programs. Dental hygienists must be licensed by the state in which they want to practice. To qualify for licensure, you need to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program and pass written and clinical exams. Almost all states require the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in addition to the regional or state clinical exam. Some states may require an exam on the legal aspects of dental hygiene practice. After earning licensure, dental hygienists may use "RDH" after their names to signify that they are a Registered Dental Hygienist Your daily responsibilities will vary according to the specific regulations set by each state, but will generally include the following: Collecting information about the patient's oral and medical health history Examining teeth and gums as well as inspecting the neck and head to identify any abnormalities or potential health problems Removing calculus, stains and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teeth Applying preventative materials, such as sealants and fluorides, to the teeth Taking and developing dental x-rays Teaching patients about good oral hygiene and nutrition Making molds of patients' teeth used for evaluating treatment Earnings vary by geographic location, employment setting, level of education and years of experience. The median hourly wage for dental hygienists in their first four years of employment is $30.72 according to PayScale.com. Other sources, such as Indeed.com, report that dental hygienists earn a salary of $58,000 per year on average