3 answers
Kiarra
Student
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
1
Question
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What schooling do I need to take before entering a dental hygiene program?
Hi! I'm a sophomore and am homeschooled, recently i've been thinking on the career path of a dental hygienist. I'm curious on what I need schooling on before I take the dental hygiene course at my state uni (if I take this path). Such as pre reqs, or courses that I should major/minor in community college. Also do I need to be good at math? I am capable of it but it is not my strength. Thank you to everyone who answers!!
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2289
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kiarra !
I would be happy to provide some initial information to you about what to do before taking a Dental Hygiene Program and it includes some advice on how to make the transition from home school to college a smooth one for you. Please indicate the actual college you will attend to know their requirements when you ask a similar question.
First and foremost, you need to find out if your home schooling is being done under the guidelines connected with your local high school district or if it is an independent home school program not under the guidelines of the local high school. Once you find that out, the rest will be specific advice that I can give you for further steps.
When you find out if you'll be getting a High School Diploma from your School District or not, if not then the adults involved in your home schooling will have to create official transcripts of your home school classes from when it began to the end. I have left some information in a link below for what the overseeing home school adults need to do to create transcripts and it includes a template for them to use. Your college will ask you for the same things they require from all students.
In your Junior year of Home School, you will need to find out when your local high school will be holding the SAT because you will need to take the SAT at this time because your score will need to be given to the college you attend. So there are these things you have to do now and also choose the college so you'll know exactly what pre-requisites or things are required. As you know, Dental Hygiene is a science based career, so it would be helpful if you can ask for classes in Biology or Chemistry from your home school teachers. You will, however, learn all about the career in the Dental Hygiene Program later on. There is no major and minor for this - you go to a Dental Hygiene Program that will give you a full education for it and obtain an Associates in Dental Hygiene. Call the colleges to verify this information.
There are no Dental Hygiene Programs in Kailua-Kona, but there is one at Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu. Read their website to see what is required for entry to their Dental Hygiene Program and find more programs by doing a search online for the information. Decide if you will be going to a two year Associates Degree Program or the four year Bachelors Program for Dental Hygiene because the admissions requirements will matter. This is why you need to know exact details for your questions to be answered. I would suggest calling the colleges or schools and asking the Dental Hygiene Department so you can get an idea. And remember that your home school teachers will need to give you a letter grade for each class so a GPA can be calculated because you need to enter a college with a GPA.
To prepare for this effectively, you can call the dental hygiene program college(s) you've chosen and speak directly with a representative at the Dental Hygiene Program. Make sure to meet with your home school teachers to ascertain what form of home schooling you're receiving (under school district guidelines or independent), if you'll get a High School Diploma from the school district or not, take the SAT and speak directly with staff at Dental Hygiene Programs.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
HOME SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS AND TEMPLATE https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/high-school-beyond/high-school-homeschool-transcript/
I would be happy to provide some initial information to you about what to do before taking a Dental Hygiene Program and it includes some advice on how to make the transition from home school to college a smooth one for you. Please indicate the actual college you will attend to know their requirements when you ask a similar question.
First and foremost, you need to find out if your home schooling is being done under the guidelines connected with your local high school district or if it is an independent home school program not under the guidelines of the local high school. Once you find that out, the rest will be specific advice that I can give you for further steps.
When you find out if you'll be getting a High School Diploma from your School District or not, if not then the adults involved in your home schooling will have to create official transcripts of your home school classes from when it began to the end. I have left some information in a link below for what the overseeing home school adults need to do to create transcripts and it includes a template for them to use. Your college will ask you for the same things they require from all students.
In your Junior year of Home School, you will need to find out when your local high school will be holding the SAT because you will need to take the SAT at this time because your score will need to be given to the college you attend. So there are these things you have to do now and also choose the college so you'll know exactly what pre-requisites or things are required. As you know, Dental Hygiene is a science based career, so it would be helpful if you can ask for classes in Biology or Chemistry from your home school teachers. You will, however, learn all about the career in the Dental Hygiene Program later on. There is no major and minor for this - you go to a Dental Hygiene Program that will give you a full education for it and obtain an Associates in Dental Hygiene. Call the colleges to verify this information.
There are no Dental Hygiene Programs in Kailua-Kona, but there is one at Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu. Read their website to see what is required for entry to their Dental Hygiene Program and find more programs by doing a search online for the information. Decide if you will be going to a two year Associates Degree Program or the four year Bachelors Program for Dental Hygiene because the admissions requirements will matter. This is why you need to know exact details for your questions to be answered. I would suggest calling the colleges or schools and asking the Dental Hygiene Department so you can get an idea. And remember that your home school teachers will need to give you a letter grade for each class so a GPA can be calculated because you need to enter a college with a GPA.
To prepare for this effectively, you can call the dental hygiene program college(s) you've chosen and speak directly with a representative at the Dental Hygiene Program. Make sure to meet with your home school teachers to ascertain what form of home schooling you're receiving (under school district guidelines or independent), if you'll get a High School Diploma from the school district or not, take the SAT and speak directly with staff at Dental Hygiene Programs.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for the helpful advice! I know for a fact that I will not be getting a highschool diploma and I plan on getting my GED. I wasn't too sure if I needed to do SAT testing or not but what you said gave me a clear view. So thank you for taking the time to write to me!
Kiarra
Yes, that is an excellent plan as I would have advised. You are welcome for the advice !
Michelle M.
Miha B
Academic and Career Counselor | Human Resources Specialist | Internal Auditor
15
Answers
Winter Park, Florida
Updated
Miha’s Answer
It's awesome that you're thinking ahead about your education! To enter a dental hygiene program at your state university, completing certain prerequisite courses is necessary, and many of them can be taken at a community college before transferring.
1. Prerequisites for a Dental Hygiene Program
Each school has its own requirements, but common prerequisite courses include:
Biology (General & Microbiology)
Anatomy & Physiology I & II
Chemistry (General & Organic/Biochemistry)
Nutrition
Psychology & Sociology
English Composition
Speech/Public Speaking
Checking the specific university’s dental hygiene program for an official list of required courses is a good step.
2. Majoring or Minoring in a Subject
Most dental hygiene programs don’t require a specific major, but many students earn an Associate of Science or start with a Health Science or Biology-related major if planning to transfer.
3. Math Requirements
Math is not a major focus in dental hygiene, but some programs require a basic college-level math course (like statistics or algebra). Since you mentioned being capable but not passionate about math, there's no need to worry too much. Science courses like chemistry and biology play a bigger role in this field.
4. Additional Tips:
Looking into dual enrollment options can be helpful if available in your homeschooling curriculum.
Gaining shadowing or volunteer experience at a dental office can provide insight into the field.
Some dental hygiene programs have a competitive application process, so researching specific requirements early can be beneficial.
You're already thinking ahead, which is a great sign of your motivation! Best of luck on your journey!
1. Prerequisites for a Dental Hygiene Program
Each school has its own requirements, but common prerequisite courses include:
Biology (General & Microbiology)
Anatomy & Physiology I & II
Chemistry (General & Organic/Biochemistry)
Nutrition
Psychology & Sociology
English Composition
Speech/Public Speaking
Checking the specific university’s dental hygiene program for an official list of required courses is a good step.
2. Majoring or Minoring in a Subject
Most dental hygiene programs don’t require a specific major, but many students earn an Associate of Science or start with a Health Science or Biology-related major if planning to transfer.
3. Math Requirements
Math is not a major focus in dental hygiene, but some programs require a basic college-level math course (like statistics or algebra). Since you mentioned being capable but not passionate about math, there's no need to worry too much. Science courses like chemistry and biology play a bigger role in this field.
4. Additional Tips:
Looking into dual enrollment options can be helpful if available in your homeschooling curriculum.
Gaining shadowing or volunteer experience at a dental office can provide insight into the field.
Some dental hygiene programs have a competitive application process, so researching specific requirements early can be beneficial.
You're already thinking ahead, which is a great sign of your motivation! Best of luck on your journey!
Eric Scott Gold
Entertainer
36
Answers
Newtown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Eric Scott’s Answer
Hi! It's great that you're considering a career as a dental hygienist. To prepare for a dental hygiene program, you'll want to focus on a few key areas. Most programs require prerequisites like biology, chemistry, and anatomy, so taking these courses at a community college can be a good start. You might also consider majoring or minoring in a related field, like health sciences. As for math, while it's not the main focus, having a basic understanding can be helpful, so don't worry too much if it's not your strongest subject. You're already on the right track by planning ahead, and with determination, you can definitely succeed. Keep pushing forward, and good luck on your journey!
Thank you for the advice Eric!!! I feel a bit relieved knowing I wont have to be too stressed about math!
Kiarra