Dental Hygienist Programs
As you explore the idea of either going back to school or enrolling in a top online college for some terrific career training that will last you a lifetime, dental hygienist programs have obviously caught your attention. For that, congratulations are in order, for the career field is blossoming once again, and your online college education will prepare you for this field that the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates one of the highest growth potential through 2018!
Job Overview
Because of the myriad of possible job responsibilities, dental hygienist programs include courses in basic dental hygiene—both in proper, daily care and in cleaning of teeth and gums—as well as public health, diagnostic testing, administering and reading x-rays and a host of other specific job-related areas.
Your background should include biology, chemistry and math. Since effective communication is highly desirable and often necessary, improving your written and spoken communication skills can offer even more opportunities than with even average skills. Foreign language knowledge is a definite bonus. You can work in a dentist’s office, a clinic, in research or even in the public sector for the Department of Public Health. Career opportunities granted by accredited dental hygienist programs are virtually unlimited. Often, entry level positions focus on patient care experiences in dental care and cleaning, and you would also educate and train patients on proper dental care. Both of these encompass the very basic responsibilities of a dental hygienist.
Dental Hygienist Programs
Whether you choose offline or online courses, dental hygienist programs must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation or CODA. This national organization is responsible for standardization of requirements and qualifications for dental hygienists throughout the country. Individual states issue licenses that are valid within that state, and restrictions and authority differ from state to state, but CODA accreditation of an oral hygienist program is required to qualify for state licensing.
Most oral hygienist programs require at least one year of college before acceptance into the specialized course of study. Depending on the level of education for which you strive, you could receive a certificate, diploma, associate’s degree or even a bachelor’s degree in dental health. Post-graduate degrees at the master’s level are also available, though few entering this field pursue that degree before entering the work force, especially since many master’s programs require a minimum number of years of experience.
Many schools offer not only the specialized courses but also general courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, periodontology that is regarding gum diseases, radiology and other career-related topics. How comprehensive the courses are depends on your level of study—for what entry point you wish. Most states require at least an associate’s degree, however. Regardless of your mode of study—offline or online, dental hygienist programs prepare you for both accreditation as a Licensed or Registered Dental Hygienist and the state licensing exam that grants you legal authority to work as a dental or oral hygienist.
As you explore this career opportunity, ensure the program you choose is both comprehensive and accredited: Getting a degree from an unaccredited program does not advance your career opportunities. Make sure when you are enrolling in dental hygienist programs that they are accredited.
