5 answers
Khai
Student
Olympia, Washington
1
Question
Updated
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What Steps should I be taking next as a high schooler to become a dental hygienist?
I am in the 10th grade and I am considering going into the medical field as fast as I can. I am considering becoming a dental hygienist due it only requiring at least an Associate Degree and I will be able to obtain next year if I am able to succeed in running start.
What are the next steps after high school that I should be taking to eventually becoming a dental hygienist? And is there any programs or schools in Washington state that I should consider going too?
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3 answers
Hadley Blankenship
Office Assistant
2
Answers
Knoxville, Tennessee
Updated
Hadley’s Answer
Hello, Khai!
Dental hygiene is a growing field, and I hope your studies go well!
First off, from what I understand, community colleges are the best colleges for receiving associate's degrees. In fact, that's how my dental hygienist received her degree! Here is a link to a website of colleges you can look at that offer dental hygiene studies:
https://wsdha.com/index.php?submenu=DentalHygienePrograms&src=gendocs&ref=DHprograms&link=DHprograms
Once you have completed your studies, you will need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, then gain certification within the ADHA (American Dental Hygienists' Association). Here is a link to the ADHA website that gives more details about certification.
https://www.adha.org/education-resources/become-a-dental-hygienist/
Since you are in high school and a sophomore, I'd consider you ask a guidance counselor at your school about dual enrollment programs and if your school offers them. Dual enrollment will let you take certain college-level classes for free that count toward your future college experience! Since you're only getting an associate's degree, I can't guarantee they will allow you to do the program, but it could let you save some money and time since you'd have to pay for/go to less classes in the future.
I hope this helps, and stay on that grind!
Dental hygiene is a growing field, and I hope your studies go well!
First off, from what I understand, community colleges are the best colleges for receiving associate's degrees. In fact, that's how my dental hygienist received her degree! Here is a link to a website of colleges you can look at that offer dental hygiene studies:
https://wsdha.com/index.php?submenu=DentalHygienePrograms&src=gendocs&ref=DHprograms&link=DHprograms
Once you have completed your studies, you will need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, then gain certification within the ADHA (American Dental Hygienists' Association). Here is a link to the ADHA website that gives more details about certification.
https://www.adha.org/education-resources/become-a-dental-hygienist/
Since you are in high school and a sophomore, I'd consider you ask a guidance counselor at your school about dual enrollment programs and if your school offers them. Dual enrollment will let you take certain college-level classes for free that count toward your future college experience! Since you're only getting an associate's degree, I can't guarantee they will allow you to do the program, but it could let you save some money and time since you'd have to pay for/go to less classes in the future.
I hope this helps, and stay on that grind!
Malcolm Higgins
Purchase Agreement Underwriter
5
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Malcolm’s Answer
Good morning Khai!
I would recommend researching if there's any local dental offices that would allow you to intern there to gain some hands on insight into the role you're looking to obtain. Any potential internships would also provide you networking opportunities to find the schools offering the best dental programs. You can also do some online searches to see about any virtual programs for dental hygienists if you're unable to find any local schools that provide what you're looking for. Wishing you the best in your journey to becoming an amazing dental hygienist!
I would recommend researching if there's any local dental offices that would allow you to intern there to gain some hands on insight into the role you're looking to obtain. Any potential internships would also provide you networking opportunities to find the schools offering the best dental programs. You can also do some online searches to see about any virtual programs for dental hygienists if you're unable to find any local schools that provide what you're looking for. Wishing you the best in your journey to becoming an amazing dental hygienist!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 => Optimization Of Human Performance: jim.frangos@gmail
6753
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
A Very Good Day To You, Khai!
Steps to Become a Dental Hygienist in Washington State
1. Understand the Role of a Dental Hygienist Before pursuing a career as a dental hygienist, it’s essential to understand what the role entails. Dental hygienists are licensed professionals who provide preventive dental care, educate patients on oral hygiene, and assist dentists during procedures. They perform tasks such as cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, and applying fluoride treatments.
2. Focus on Relevant High School Courses As you are currently in 10th grade, focus on courses that will prepare you for a career in dental hygiene. Key subjects include:
Biology: Understanding human anatomy and physiology is crucial.
Chemistry: Knowledge of chemical reactions is important for understanding dental materials.
Mathematics: Basic math skills are necessary for dosage calculations and measurements.
Health Education: This can provide foundational knowledge about health and wellness.
3. Consider Running Start Program Since you mentioned the Running Start program, this can be an excellent opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. Look for community colleges in Washington that offer this program with courses related to dental hygiene or general education requirements.
4. Research Dental Hygiene Programs After high school, you will need to enroll in an accredited dental hygiene program. In Washington State, several institutions offer Associate Degrees in Dental Hygiene:
Pierce College: Offers an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene with comprehensive training.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech): Provides an accredited program focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Seattle Central College: Offers a well-regarded dental hygiene program with hands-on clinical experience.
Make sure to check each program’s prerequisites and application process.
5. Complete Prerequisites Most dental hygiene programs require specific prerequisites before admission. These may include courses in biology, chemistry, and sometimes even psychology or sociology. Ensure you complete these courses during your time at community college or through Running Start.
6. Apply to Dental Hygiene Programs Once you’ve completed your prerequisites, apply to your chosen programs. Be prepared for interviews or entrance exams if required by the institution.
7. Obtain Your Associate Degree Upon acceptance into a program, focus on completing your degree requirements over the next two years. This will involve both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
8. Pass National Board Exam & State Licensure After earning your degree, you must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) as well as any state-specific licensing exams required by Washington State to practice legally as a dental hygienist.
9. Pursue Continuing Education Once licensed, consider continuing education opportunities to stay current with industry standards and practices. Many states require ongoing education for license renewal.
10. Explore Job Opportunities With your degree and license in hand, start looking for job opportunities within dental offices, clinics, or public health organizations that employ dental hygienists.
By following these steps systematically from high school through licensure, you can successfully become a dental hygienist in Washington State.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA)
A leading organization representing the interests of registered dental hygienists across the United States; provides resources regarding education pathways and professional standards.
Washington State Department of Health - Dental Hygiene Licensing Information
Official state resource detailing licensing requirements for dental hygienists in Washington State including examination details and educational prerequisites.
Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
The accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that ensures quality standards for educational programs preparing students for careers in dentistry including dental hygiene programs across various states including Washington.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN====================|
|=================Programming For Your Nutrition Education===================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Steps to Become a Dental Hygienist in Washington State
1. Understand the Role of a Dental Hygienist Before pursuing a career as a dental hygienist, it’s essential to understand what the role entails. Dental hygienists are licensed professionals who provide preventive dental care, educate patients on oral hygiene, and assist dentists during procedures. They perform tasks such as cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, and applying fluoride treatments.
2. Focus on Relevant High School Courses As you are currently in 10th grade, focus on courses that will prepare you for a career in dental hygiene. Key subjects include:
Biology: Understanding human anatomy and physiology is crucial.
Chemistry: Knowledge of chemical reactions is important for understanding dental materials.
Mathematics: Basic math skills are necessary for dosage calculations and measurements.
Health Education: This can provide foundational knowledge about health and wellness.
3. Consider Running Start Program Since you mentioned the Running Start program, this can be an excellent opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. Look for community colleges in Washington that offer this program with courses related to dental hygiene or general education requirements.
4. Research Dental Hygiene Programs After high school, you will need to enroll in an accredited dental hygiene program. In Washington State, several institutions offer Associate Degrees in Dental Hygiene:
Pierce College: Offers an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene with comprehensive training.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech): Provides an accredited program focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Seattle Central College: Offers a well-regarded dental hygiene program with hands-on clinical experience.
Make sure to check each program’s prerequisites and application process.
5. Complete Prerequisites Most dental hygiene programs require specific prerequisites before admission. These may include courses in biology, chemistry, and sometimes even psychology or sociology. Ensure you complete these courses during your time at community college or through Running Start.
6. Apply to Dental Hygiene Programs Once you’ve completed your prerequisites, apply to your chosen programs. Be prepared for interviews or entrance exams if required by the institution.
7. Obtain Your Associate Degree Upon acceptance into a program, focus on completing your degree requirements over the next two years. This will involve both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
8. Pass National Board Exam & State Licensure After earning your degree, you must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) as well as any state-specific licensing exams required by Washington State to practice legally as a dental hygienist.
9. Pursue Continuing Education Once licensed, consider continuing education opportunities to stay current with industry standards and practices. Many states require ongoing education for license renewal.
10. Explore Job Opportunities With your degree and license in hand, start looking for job opportunities within dental offices, clinics, or public health organizations that employ dental hygienists.
By following these steps systematically from high school through licensure, you can successfully become a dental hygienist in Washington State.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA)
A leading organization representing the interests of registered dental hygienists across the United States; provides resources regarding education pathways and professional standards.
Washington State Department of Health - Dental Hygiene Licensing Information
Official state resource detailing licensing requirements for dental hygienists in Washington State including examination details and educational prerequisites.
Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
The accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that ensures quality standards for educational programs preparing students for careers in dentistry including dental hygiene programs across various states including Washington.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN====================|
|=================Programming For Your Nutrition Education===================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯