What is the process of becoming a Dental Hygienist ?!

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A dental hygienist must be licensed by the state in which they practice. To qualify for licensure, you need to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program and pass written and clinical exams. Almost all states require the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in addition to the regional or state clinical exam. Some states may require an exam on the legal aspects of dental hygiene practice. After earning licensure, dental hygienists may use "RDH" after their names to signify that they are a Registered Dental Hygienist.

To become a dental hygienist, you'll need either a 2- or 4-year degree in dental hygiene. Most programs are two years long and lead to an associate's degree. They are offered through community colleges and technical colleges.

Dental hygienist school programs at universities are typically four years and lead to a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's offers a broader educational base in the humanities and other disciplines through two years of prerequisite courses such as English, speech, psychology, sociology, nutrition, chemistry and biology.

An associate degree is all you'll need to start practicing in a private dental office, but a bachelor's or master's degree can lead to careers in research, administration, teaching or clinical practice in public or school health programs.

Each dental hygienist school has different entry requirements, but you'll generally need to fulfill theses prerequisites:

High school diploma or GED
Minimum age of 18
High school courses in math, chemistry, biology and English
Minimum 'C' average
College entrance exam scores
Most programs favor applicants who have completed at least one year of college. Some bachelor's programs require two years of college prior to enrollment in a dental hygiene program as well as completion of courses in chemistry, English, speech, psychology or sociology.

Good Luck!

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