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Hello, my name is Stephanie and I am a senior in high school. Im really interested in becoming a dental hygienist and my question is, Does it make a diffrence if you get your associates degree rather then your bachelors?

Hello, my name is Stephanie and I am a senior in high school. How many years all together of college would I complete with an associate's degree? Is it a fun and easy job? Do I have to start off as a dental assistant? #dentistry #dental-hygienist #dental-assistant

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Crystal’s Answer

I earned a great position as a dental assistant with an Assoicate Degree and our daughter-in-law works at a mutisite dental office in a great paying position as a hygienist with an Associate Degree. Find out if the pay is that much better with a Bachelor Degree and take into consideration the additional cost. Also remember attending a community college is much less costly than attending a university. In considering a career, consider visiting dental offices and talking with those who can best answer your questions. Do what you are going to love.
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Shelby M.’s Answer

Hi Stephanie ! I’ve been a hygienist for 20 years and I love my career . I had no experience when I get as accepted into hygiene school and it was a bit intimidating. Most of my peers were experienced assistants and even had hygiene jobs lined up upon graduation ! I chose an associates degree and then went back 10 years later for a bachelors in Healthcare Leadership.

I did this because I didn’t want to be limited to that of dentistry. You will hear hear awful stories from hygienists that suffer from burn out and also may experience some horror stories regarding a select few private dental offices. I am glad I obtained my bachelors in Healthcare as it has allowed me to work as a sales rep and dental consultant . It also encourages progressive change in the ideas society has about dentistry being a luxury hence treated much differently than most medical fields . From what I understand Obtaining your bachelors in hygiene is of course more costly , more time consuming and only definitively opens up your ability to teach . I don’t discourage you going for it but I myself found little benefit in going for it .

Good luck and either way.. you’ve got this ! Welcome to dental hygiene :) shelby
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Jenny’s Answer

I am not familiar with the dental industry in-depth, but I think you can be a hygienist with an associate. My recommendation is still to go for a bachelor's degree if you can. It will help when competing for jobs. They may look at this as the deciding piece and it will also open doors to other avenues you may want to pursue as your career progresses (i.e. nursing or other healthcare related fields).
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