The Coursework To Expect During Dental Hygienist Training

Dental hygienist training is becoming a greater need as more and more individuals decide to enter the field of dentistry. With the demand for oral health care continuing rise, expectations show that the job position for hygienists should also increase. This career choice is gaining in popularity due to the large salary , clean work environment, and overall low level of stress.

In the United States, the are several routes in which an individual can choose to follow to become a dental hygienist. The individual needs to be accepted into an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited university or institution. After being admitted, they then need to graduate from the school with a certificate, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or master's degree in the dental hygiene.

It is important to seek programs that are ADA accredited. In the United States, there are nearly 200 schools or universities that offer dental hygienist training. Individuals must graduate high school with a diploma or GED to be eligible for acceptance into one of the dental programs. 

To complete the certificate or associate's dental program, the usual term of length for these two programs are two years. For those individuals looking to obtain a bachelor's degree toward dental hygiene, the estimated completion time is around four years. A lot of students look to enter into the bachelor's program after completing their certificate or associate's degree to improve their changes of advancing in the dental industry. Those individuals wishing to advance beyond a bachelor's degree will enter a graduate programs that typically lasts two years.

The dental hygienist training classes listed under general course study are computer science, chemistry, and biology. An example of the classes involved in an oral hygienist major that one might expect to see follow:

First Semester:

Oral Biology

Dental Radiology

Neck and Head Anatomy

Dental Health Education

Introduction to Clinic

2nd Semester:

Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide

General and Dental Pathology

Geriatrics and Patient Management

Clinical Practice I

Dentistry and Nutrition

Third Semester:

Periodontics I

Pharmacology

Oral Health Material

Advanced Clinical Topics

Clinical Practice 2

Fourth Semester:

Periodontics 2

Financial Management and Practice

Clinical Practice III

Community Dental Healthcare

Ethics and Jurisprudence

After attending the ADA accredited school for dental hygienist training, the individual must then complete a written board exam and a clinical board exam in the state they wish to practice in and pass both exams to become licensed to practice for that state. There are five different types of exams that differ depending on the state or region one is seeking licensure. The written and clinical examinations usually average between $900-$1100 total to be taken.

The clinical exam will normally cover a patient treatment selection (identifying teeth and their problems), a radio-graphic component, and administration of local anesthesia if allowed and if qualified.

The written examination is not always necessary, but if it is, then the way it is administered will change from state to state also. Most states will require a multiple choice computerized test varying in length. There are a few states and regions that add essay-style questionnaires and have the student create an actual plan of care. Some states do not require a written or computerized examination.

Those who are able to pass the necessary dental hygienist training will be well on their way to a flexible, fulfilling career. By reading this article, I hope it provides some insight into what to expect if you are interested in pursuing this career choice.