What prepartion is needed for a dental hygenist?

Answer 1

To become a dental hygienist, several preparations are required, including:

1. Education: Completion of an accredited dental hygiene program is necessary. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical colleges, or dental schools and award an associate degree or certificate. The programs generally take two to three years to complete.

2. High school coursework: Taking relevant science courses in high school, such as biology and chemistry, is beneficial to gain a solid foundation for the dental hygiene program.

3. Prerequisites: Some dental hygiene programs may have specific prerequisites, such as completion of certain college-level courses like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and nutrition. These prerequisites vary depending on the program and institution.

4. Admissions test: Some dental hygiene programs require applicants to take an admissions test, like the Dental Hygiene Aptitude Test (DHAT), to assess their aptitude for the profession.

5. Licensing requirements: After completing an accredited dental hygiene program, individuals need to pass a written and clinical examination to become licensed. The specific licensing requirements vary by state but typically include the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a state or regional clinical examination.

6. Professional certifications: Dental hygienists can pursue additional certifications, such as the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) credentials, to enhance their qualifications and expand their scope of practice.

7. Continuing education: Dental hygienists must participate in continuing education courses to keep their knowledge and skills up to date throughout their career. These courses are necessary to maintain licensure and may cover topics like infection control, radiography, periodontal therapy, and dental technology advancements.

It is important to note that specific requirements and regulations may differ based on the country, state, or region where one intends to practice as a dental hygienist.