dental hygienist all there is to know?!
Question: Dental hygienist all there is to know?
Need to know
+What are the benefits
+How do I go about getting my degree (how long)
+Do I need a year of college before getting started? (even if biology, chemistry and math credits were previously attained in high school)
+Should I get an associate's or bachelor's/master's degree?
+What state offers the highest paying salary? (would it be better to move to another state if salary is more profitable?)
+Will salaries increase or decrease in the future? Is this career expected to be in more demand in the future?
+Any extra information, from anyone who's an actual dental hygienist. More info about the workforce, expectations and recommendations. Thank you.
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
I dont think you really need a Masters degree but a Bachelors degree is necessary. And it takes about two-four years to become one. I hate to sound like a wet blanket but I believe there is not much demand for hygienists because dentists already know how to do everything a hygienist would do and that includes cleaning the teeth. Unless the clinic was in a very busy location perhaps in the city. I worked for a dentist and the hygienist will only come once every three weeks when the dentist didn't feel like cleaning someone's teeth! It seems like a dental hygienist is much like a dental assistant except the hygienist is more "educated" about the teeth. Most dental hygienists work part time. Dont let my answer dishearten you because Im only saying this based on where I lived and what I have experienced. There are still many dentists that have hygienists working along side them and I read recently, job prospects for hygienists are looking very favorable in the future till 2018. I think overall its a pretty good job and pays well.