2 answers
Haylee
Student
Grafton, Ohio
5
Questions
Asked
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what college offers good education for Dental hygiene and how many years in college?
I am in 11th grade and I am thinking of maybe doing this career but don't now the steps that need to be taken.
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2 answers
Gina Cabrera
EC
130
Answers
Hernando, Florida
Updated
Gina’s Answer
To become a dental hygienist, you will typically need to complete an accredited dental hygiene program. These programs are offered at various colleges and universities across the United States. Here are some steps to consider:
1. Research accredited programs: Look for dental hygiene programs that are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Accreditation ensures that the program meets specific educational standards. You can find a list of accredited programs on the American Dental Association (ADA) website.
2. Prerequisites: Check the prerequisites for dental hygiene programs at the colleges you are interested in. Prerequisites may include courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Make sure to plan your high school coursework accordingly.
3. Duration of the program: Dental hygiene programs typically take two to three years to complete, depending on whether you pursue an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree. Associate's degree programs are more common and generally take two years, while bachelor's degree programs may take an additional year or two.
4. Admission requirements: Each dental hygiene program will have its own admission requirements, which may include a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, and an interview. Be sure to review the specific requirements for the programs you are interested in and plan accordingly.
5. Licensing and certification: After completing an accredited dental hygiene program, you will need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a state or regional clinical examination to become licensed. Requirements for licensure vary by state, so it's important to research the specific requirements in the state where you plan to practice.
6. Continuing education: Dental hygienists are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licensure and stay up-to-date with advancements in the field. These courses can be completed through professional associations, colleges, or online platforms.
It's also a good idea to reach out to dental hygiene programs directly to gather more information about their specific curriculum, clinical experiences, and any additional requirements they may have. This will help you make an informed decision about which program is the best fit for you.
1. Research accredited programs: Look for dental hygiene programs that are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Accreditation ensures that the program meets specific educational standards. You can find a list of accredited programs on the American Dental Association (ADA) website.
2. Prerequisites: Check the prerequisites for dental hygiene programs at the colleges you are interested in. Prerequisites may include courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Make sure to plan your high school coursework accordingly.
3. Duration of the program: Dental hygiene programs typically take two to three years to complete, depending on whether you pursue an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree. Associate's degree programs are more common and generally take two years, while bachelor's degree programs may take an additional year or two.
4. Admission requirements: Each dental hygiene program will have its own admission requirements, which may include a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, and an interview. Be sure to review the specific requirements for the programs you are interested in and plan accordingly.
5. Licensing and certification: After completing an accredited dental hygiene program, you will need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a state or regional clinical examination to become licensed. Requirements for licensure vary by state, so it's important to research the specific requirements in the state where you plan to practice.
6. Continuing education: Dental hygienists are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licensure and stay up-to-date with advancements in the field. These courses can be completed through professional associations, colleges, or online platforms.
It's also a good idea to reach out to dental hygiene programs directly to gather more information about their specific curriculum, clinical experiences, and any additional requirements they may have. This will help you make an informed decision about which program is the best fit for you.
Mahi Patel
Student Advisor and Dental
99
Answers
Davie, Florida
Updated
Mahi’s Answer
Several colleges and universities offer reputable programs in dental hygiene. It's important to note that the duration of dental hygiene programs may vary, but they typically take around 2 to 4 years to complete. Here are a few examples of institutions known for their dental hygiene programs:
University of Michigan - School of Dentistry:
The University of Michigan offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program. The program is typically four years in duration and provides comprehensive education in dental hygiene.
New York University College of Dentistry:
NYU College of Dentistry offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. The program usually takes four years to complete.
University of Southern California - Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry:
USC offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program. The duration is typically four years, and the curriculum includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Adams School of Dentistry:
UNC Chapel Hill provides a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program, which usually takes four years to complete.
Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at MCPHS University:
MCPHS University in Boston offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program. The program is generally four years in length and includes clinical rotations.
University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Dentistry:
UMKC offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program that typically spans four years. The curriculum includes both theoretical coursework and clinical practice.
When researching dental hygiene programs, consider factors such as accreditation, clinical opportunities, faculty expertise, and the success of graduates in licensure exams. Additionally, some institutions may offer associate degree programs, which generally take around two years to complete.
Make sure to check the specific requirements and duration of the program at each institution, as they can vary. It's also important to verify that the program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) to ensure it meets the necessary quality standards.
University of Michigan - School of Dentistry:
The University of Michigan offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program. The program is typically four years in duration and provides comprehensive education in dental hygiene.
New York University College of Dentistry:
NYU College of Dentistry offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. The program usually takes four years to complete.
University of Southern California - Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry:
USC offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program. The duration is typically four years, and the curriculum includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Adams School of Dentistry:
UNC Chapel Hill provides a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program, which usually takes four years to complete.
Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at MCPHS University:
MCPHS University in Boston offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program. The program is generally four years in length and includes clinical rotations.
University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Dentistry:
UMKC offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program that typically spans four years. The curriculum includes both theoretical coursework and clinical practice.
When researching dental hygiene programs, consider factors such as accreditation, clinical opportunities, faculty expertise, and the success of graduates in licensure exams. Additionally, some institutions may offer associate degree programs, which generally take around two years to complete.
Make sure to check the specific requirements and duration of the program at each institution, as they can vary. It's also important to verify that the program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) to ensure it meets the necessary quality standards.