Should I major in biology for dental hygienist or pediatrician?

Hi De'Asia,

The prerequisities for a dental hygienist and pediatrican are actually quite different. You can read more about htem at the Bureau of Labor Statistics--I've put links below. But generally a dental hygienist will have an associate's degree or possibly a bachelors degree. A pediatrician is a medical doctor, and therefore requires a bachelors degree, followed by medical school.

In both cases knowledge of biology would be extremely beneficial, but a dental hygienist would not major in biology. Their education would be more limited to what is directly applicable to dental hygiene. Whereas a doctor will have a more comprehensive study of biology as part of their pre-medicine requirements.

Although looking at the career path for a pediatrician may seem daunting, I would strongly encourage you to consider it, as medicine can be a very fulfilling career. While I personally did not pursue medicine, I have always been fascinated by it, and wish I had been encouraged to give it more consideration.

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Dental-hygienists.htm#tab-4
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm#tab-1