Any dental hygienists out there?!
Question: Any dental hygienists out there.?
i'm in high school and i'd really like to become a dental hygienist (and possibly a dentist). i have a couple of questions though...
1. Do I need a certain degree or anything.?
2. How many years of schooling are required.?
3. Would I have to attend a special college (like a dentistry school).?
4. Does the job pay well.?
5. If I were to work at a children's dentist office would the pay differ.?
any additional info would be greatly appreciated :]
thanks !Health Question & Answer
1. Do I need a certain degree or anything.?
2. How many years of schooling are required.?
3. Would I have to attend a special college (like a dentistry school).?
4. Does the job pay well.?
5. If I were to work at a children's dentist office would the pay differ.?
any additional info would be greatly appreciated :]
thanks !Health Question & Answer
Answers:
1. Yes you must have a degree.
2. You can start with an Associates (2yr) or Bachelors (4yr) and work your way up from there. The main difference is what you want to do as a hygienist. If you want to work in a dental office doing maintenance cleanings an Associates is sufficient. However if you plan to work in Public Health, research science, or to teach DHG at a College or University you will need a Bachelors degree (minimum).
3. You can attend a school of dentistry, technical college, or university. There are many schools that offer Dental Hygiene. Most schools for Dentistry only have a 4 year program, and technical or community colleges usually have 2 year programs.
4. It depends on where you plan to work. In the D.C/Baltimore area you can make $45 per hour as a temp. Check out this link for salary in your area: http://swz.salary.com/
5. The pay would probably be the same as a general dentist's office.
I just graduated from a program in May. I love the job and it is very rewarding.Unfortunately, the programs can be costly because most require you purchase your own instruments and such.
Some tips:
a) start taking biology courses now if your school offers them
b)consider working as a dental assistant before you begin hygiene school because this will give you a nice head start.
Good Luck!!!Health Question & Answer
2. You can start with an Associates (2yr) or Bachelors (4yr) and work your way up from there. The main difference is what you want to do as a hygienist. If you want to work in a dental office doing maintenance cleanings an Associates is sufficient. However if you plan to work in Public Health, research science, or to teach DHG at a College or University you will need a Bachelors degree (minimum).
3. You can attend a school of dentistry, technical college, or university. There are many schools that offer Dental Hygiene. Most schools for Dentistry only have a 4 year program, and technical or community colleges usually have 2 year programs.
4. It depends on where you plan to work. In the D.C/Baltimore area you can make $45 per hour as a temp. Check out this link for salary in your area: http://swz.salary.com/
5. The pay would probably be the same as a general dentist's office.
I just graduated from a program in May. I love the job and it is very rewarding.Unfortunately, the programs can be costly because most require you purchase your own instruments and such.
Some tips:
a) start taking biology courses now if your school offers them
b)consider working as a dental assistant before you begin hygiene school because this will give you a nice head start.
Good Luck!!!Health Question & Answer