Dental Hygienist Training Programs
Under the supervision of a licensed dentist, dental hygienists provide routine dental care and educate patients on proper oral hygiene. Dental hygienists review patient histories, take x-rays, clean teeth, make dental impressions, keep records and counsel patients on dental health and nutrition.
Training Requirements and Recommendations
Dental hygienists must hold at least an associate's degree from an accredited institution before they are eligible for employment. Some hygienists pursue further education in dental hygiene or a related field. Dental hygienists must be regionally licensed in order to work legally.
Formal Education
The majority of dental hygienists begin their career by completing an associate's degree in the field. Others may enroll in bachelor's or master's degree programs that can open up a wider range of career opportunities.
Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
An Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene introduces students to a variety of dental topics. Students may take courses that address subjects that include dental radiology, oral pathology and public health. An associate-level course typically contains less experiential elements than a higher-level degree program, but can be completed in two years or less.
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is a 4-year undergraduate degree program that offers a comprehensive dental hygiene education. Courses are available in a number of topics, such as periodontology, dental materials and oral anatomy. Students are also required to complete general education courses to earn a baccalaureate degree.
Master of Science in Dental Hygiene
The Master of Science in Dental Hygiene is a 2-year graduate degree program that is geared towards dental hygienists who wish to pursue a career in education. Many students are already working professionals who wish to increase their knowledge of the field. Students may take courses in scientific dental hygiene writing, local anesthesia and research methodology.
Job Experience
Most dental hygienists engage in some sort of formal training program while completing their degree. Many colleges offer students the chance to pursue supervised clinical internships at local dentist offices or clinics. Hygienists often receive on-the-job training and should be comfortable working closely with patients.
Licenses and Certifications
Dental hygienists must hold a degree from an accredited institution and be licensed by the state in which they plan to work. The American Dental Association (ADA) administers the written portion of the dental hygienist exam. Candidates must also pass a state or regionally administered clinical examination. Only Alabama, which has its own licensing requirements, does not require dental hygienists to take the written ADA exam.
Workshops and Seminars
A variety of dental organizations and local colleges offer workshops for dental hygienists. One example if the National Workshop, which was conceived in 2000 to update professionals on dental public health issues. Workshops and seminars may address topics related to technological advances in the field or improved hygienist tools.
Additional Professional Development
Dental hygienists can pursue continuing education courses at community colleges or local universities. Hygienists with a great deal of experience may choose to apply to dental school to become a licensed dentist.
Related to Hygienist Training
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
Best Schools for a Dental Assisting and Dental Hygienist Degree - San Jose, CA
There are 17 schools within 50 miles of San Jose, CA, that have dental assisting and dental hygienist certificate...
RDH - Dental Hygienist: Career Profile
Becoming a registered dental hygienist, also known as a RDH, requires completing a 2-year dental hygienist program and...
Hygienist: Becoming a Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists clean patients' teeth and examine their gums. Hygienists may also perform administrative tasks...
Dental Hygienist: Educational Requirements for Dental Hygienists
Learn how to become a dental hygienist. Research basic and advanced education programs as well as the licensure you'll...
Dental Hygienist: Dental Hygiene Career Education Overview
- Online Dental Hygienist Associate's Degree Program Information
- Dental Hygiene: Overview of Adult School Programs for Becoming a Dental Tech Hygienist
- Dental Hygienist: Overview of Continuing Education for Dental Hygienists
- Top Graphic Design School - Long Beach, CA
- Top School for a Graphic Design and Multimedia Degree - Atlanta, GA
- Top School for a Degree in Computer Information Technology - Columbus, OH
- Best Technology Management School - Dallas, TX
23 Popular Schools
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must live within close proximity to school locations
- Must be graduated from high school by 2011
School locations:
- Arizona (1 campus)
- Florida (3 campuses)
- Texas (2)
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (1 campus)
- Colorado (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Texas (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
-
Master
-
- MS in Health Services Management
- Bachelor
- Associate
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Master
- Bachelor
-
Associate
-
- AAS in Medical Assisting
- AS in Health Science
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- California (10 campuses)
- Colorado (2 campuses)
- Florida (7)
- Georgia (2)
- Illinois (6)
- Indiana (1)
- Massachusetts (2)
- Michigan (5)
- Missouri (3)
- New Jersey (1)
- Ohio (1)
- Pennsylvania (1)
- Texas (3)
- Virginia (2)
- Washington (4)
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Doctorate
-
Bachelor
-
- BS in Health Studies - General
- BS in Health Studies - Health Management
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (5 campuses)
- California (25)
- Colorado (2)
- Columbia (D.C.) (1)
- Florida (6)
- Georgia (3)
- Hawaii (2)
- Louisiana (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Missouri (2)
- Nevada (2)
- Ohio (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (4)
- Virginia (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Doctorate
- Master
- Bachelor
-
Associate
-
- AA in Health Care Administration
- AA in Health Care Administration - Electronic Health Records
- AA in Health Care Administration - Medical Records
-
- Associate of Arts Foundations in Health Care Administration
- Associate of Arts Foundations in Health Care Administration/Medical Records
-
- Non-Degree
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applications from Texas residents
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Master
-
- MBA Dual Concentration: Healthcare Management and Project Management
-
- MBA Dual Concentration: Healthcare Management and Public Safety Leadership
-
-
Associate
-
- AS in Medical Assisting
-
- Non-Degree
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate.
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Master
-
- Master of Science in Education - Allied Health Teaching and Leadership
-
-
Bachelor
-
- BS in Health Science
-
