How much time does it take to become a Dental Hygienist?

Evelyn,

I am a dental hygienist in Washington State. Dental hygiene programs require candidates to fulfill certain requirements before applying. There is a list of college science classes and other basic classes that colleges require for graduation that must be taken. Many people are able to complete these classes in one year. It is essential that you have really high grades in the prerequisite classes. I had a 3.98 GPA which got me into hygiene school in the 10th open slot with only 20 positions available. I think knowing that you need straight A's to get into hygiene school is the best advice I can share.

Once this list of required classes are completed, you are ready to apply to a dental hygiene program. Once you are accepted, most programs take two years to complete. In our state there is one or two programs that take three years, but that is because the students earn a bachelor's degree rather than an associates.

Hope this was helpful.

Hello, Evelyn. I am a dental hygienist in Dallas, TX. There are many programs where you can just get an Associate degree but there are many that offer Bachelor degrees. So you have to decide which is best for you. Associate degree programs usually take 2 years while, a Bachelor degree will take longer (about 4 years). I have a Bachelor degree in Dental Hygiene. I went to a community college to get my basics (core curriculum) and the pre-reqs for the dental hygiene program I was applying for finished first. I received my Associate of Science from the community college I attended (this took me 1.5 years), then applied for the dental hygiene program, which took 2 years to complete. The dental hygiene school you apply for should have a list of requirements, so make a checklist of the things you need to get done.

Dental school and the dental hygiene are different. To become a dentist you must first obtain a Bachelor degree then apply for the dental school you want to go to. I'm not completely sure of the process for applying for Dental School, but I think you have to take a test before applying.

With prerequisites about 3-3.5 years for AS and 4 years for BS. Good luck!

Hello Evelyn,

Some Dental Hygiene Programs are in Dental Schools, so you may be attending and working with Dental Students while you are in a DH Program.

Also, the requirements for Dental School acceptance into a DDS (Dentist) Program are much harder than for a DH Program. While grades are just as important for both, in a DDS Program you have to complete a Bachelors Degree first, and all (certainly most) courses are expected to be completed at the University/College level, not a Junior/Community College. While in a DH Program, even one set in a Dental School, pre-requisite courses can "generally" be taken at a Junior/Community College rather than at a 4 year school.

Good luck!!! Also, if you live near a school or schools that have a DH Program, even if its at a 4 year school, call up the DH Admissions office and schedule a meeting! You won't know what you need to do until you ask them specifically. Generally we all have similar requirements, but some courses from other schools are transferable, while others are not. So it's best to ask before you take a course that you won't need! You don't want to waste time or money! DH Admissions folks can show you around the school and explain the program. You may even find that you would rather attend one over another just by taking a tour!!

Most hygiene programs are offered at Junior Colleges, although it is a 2 year degree getting in is not easy. Count on atleast a minimum of 3 years.

Hygiene has nothing to do with going to dental school. You could get a buisness degree and apply to dental schools.

Be prepared to work at accomplishing this goal but it is well worth it in the end.

Good luck!

Most hygiene programs are not offered at Junior Colleges, although it is a 2 year degree getting in is not easy. Count on atleast a minimum of 3 years.

Hygiene has nothing to do with hoing to dental school. You could get a buisness degree and apply to dental schools.

Be prepared to work at accomplishing this goal but it is well worth it in the end.

Good luck!

Evelyn,
Dental Hygiene: There are 2 yr programs and 4 yr programs. Both programs require prerequisites prior to you applying to the program. Each Hygiene program has different prerequisites.

If you choose to go to a 2 year program, and decide you want to go back and get a BS at some point in time, there are programs which you can do that online. If you alumni you graduate from offers it, then the hours left to take it is less. If you choose to go to another program, then the hours are more.
Dental School: They are different programs and yes, you would need to apply separately. Undergrade 4 yrs prior to you dental application to go to dental school.
If you are undecided on which way to go, I would personally try the dental hygiene route then if it is something you like then continue to the dental program. The only issue is the prerequisites for dental school requires more science core classes (i.e. physics, biochem, organic, inorganic chemistry...)
It is a very competitive program so do not be discouraged! If you truly feel it is your calling, don't give up! Best to you!