2 answers
Haylee
Student
Grafton, Ohio
5
Questions
Asked
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Where do I start and what do I need to do before going to college for Dental hygiene?
I am in 11th grade and don't know where a good starting point is and what will make it easier to get into this career.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Haylee !
If you haven't already, you should take math and science classes in high school to prepare you for your Dental Hygiene studies in college. I want to also mention Health Science, but you may have already taken that class.
As an independent study, I would advise going online and searching for oral diseases and learning about the various ailments your patients will come in with and how to recognize oral disease. You will be taught everything you need to know about the hands on practice during your college major. You can even search videos on You Tube for something in particular that you'd like to know about the career or situations you'd encounter as a hygienist.
You can get a heads up on the licensing you will obtain after you are finished with college. At some point, do a CPR training and update it whenever it needs to be renewed. You will need that to get your license and you can obtain it at anytime, but keep it renewed. Read more about the licensing exam at https://home.pearsonvue.com/nbdhe where you can even get an idea of what the test is like by seeing a practice test. But you won't be taking it until you get your college degree.
So, there are indeed a few things that you can do now to broaden your insight about your chosen field. I wish you all the best in pursuing a wonderful college path and career !
If you haven't already, you should take math and science classes in high school to prepare you for your Dental Hygiene studies in college. I want to also mention Health Science, but you may have already taken that class.
As an independent study, I would advise going online and searching for oral diseases and learning about the various ailments your patients will come in with and how to recognize oral disease. You will be taught everything you need to know about the hands on practice during your college major. You can even search videos on You Tube for something in particular that you'd like to know about the career or situations you'd encounter as a hygienist.
You can get a heads up on the licensing you will obtain after you are finished with college. At some point, do a CPR training and update it whenever it needs to be renewed. You will need that to get your license and you can obtain it at anytime, but keep it renewed. Read more about the licensing exam at https://home.pearsonvue.com/nbdhe where you can even get an idea of what the test is like by seeing a practice test. But you won't be taking it until you get your college degree.
So, there are indeed a few things that you can do now to broaden your insight about your chosen field. I wish you all the best in pursuing a wonderful college path and career !
Nidhi Magoo
17
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Nidhi’s Answer
Hi Haylee! Starting your journey towards a career in Dental Hygiene while still in high school is a great initiative. Here are some steps to help you get started:
1. High School Coursework: Focus on science and math courses. Biology and chemistry are particularly important as they will provide you with the foundational knowledge you'll need in dental hygiene programs. Also, consider courses in health, which can give you a broader perspective on healthcare professions.
2. Research Dental Hygiene Programs: Start researching dental hygiene programs to get an idea of their prerequisites and admission requirements. This will give you a clear picture of the academic path you need to follow.
3. Job Shadowing or Volunteering: If possible, try to get some exposure to the field through job shadowing or volunteering at a local dental clinic. This can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day work of a dental hygienist and can also look good on college applications.
4. Maintain Good Grades: Dental hygiene programs can be competitive, so maintaining a good GPA is important.
5. Prepare for College Entrance Exams: Start preparing for college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT, as many dental hygiene programs will require these scores for admission.
6. Community Involvement: Participating in extracurricular activities, especially community service, can make your application stand out.
7. Start Looking for Scholarships: There are many scholarships available for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Start researching these opportunities early.
8. Consider a CPR Certification: Many dental hygiene programs require students to be certified in CPR. You can obtain this certification while still in high school.
9. Develop Good Study Habits: Dental hygiene programs are rigorous, so developing good study habits now can prepare you for the academic challenges ahead.
It's always a good idea to reach out to academic advisors or admissions officers at the colleges you're interested in to get more specific guidance. Good luck on your journey towards becoming a dental hygienist!
1. High School Coursework: Focus on science and math courses. Biology and chemistry are particularly important as they will provide you with the foundational knowledge you'll need in dental hygiene programs. Also, consider courses in health, which can give you a broader perspective on healthcare professions.
2. Research Dental Hygiene Programs: Start researching dental hygiene programs to get an idea of their prerequisites and admission requirements. This will give you a clear picture of the academic path you need to follow.
3. Job Shadowing or Volunteering: If possible, try to get some exposure to the field through job shadowing or volunteering at a local dental clinic. This can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day work of a dental hygienist and can also look good on college applications.
4. Maintain Good Grades: Dental hygiene programs can be competitive, so maintaining a good GPA is important.
5. Prepare for College Entrance Exams: Start preparing for college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT, as many dental hygiene programs will require these scores for admission.
6. Community Involvement: Participating in extracurricular activities, especially community service, can make your application stand out.
7. Start Looking for Scholarships: There are many scholarships available for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Start researching these opportunities early.
8. Consider a CPR Certification: Many dental hygiene programs require students to be certified in CPR. You can obtain this certification while still in high school.
9. Develop Good Study Habits: Dental hygiene programs are rigorous, so developing good study habits now can prepare you for the academic challenges ahead.
It's always a good idea to reach out to academic advisors or admissions officers at the colleges you're interested in to get more specific guidance. Good luck on your journey towards becoming a dental hygienist!