Who Is A Good Candidate For An Accelerated Dental Hygiene Program
These accelerated dental hygiene programs are not for everyone. They may interfere with the time students spend with family and friends, and working students with family obligations may find an accelerated program difficult because of the rigorous schedule. But for students who can manage time and dedicate themselves to a more intensive college routine, accelerated degree programs provide an education that builds credentials and expertise in the shortest time of completion. Take an honest look at the considerations below to see if an accelerated program is a good fit.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offers a 71-credit associates degree program in dental hygiene. Graduates of the program have 100% employment rate in the field of dentistry. Students wishing to enter the program are fully eligible to apply for financial aid. In the summer of 2021, NWTC plans to transfer to an 8-week schedule, making the class schedule even more accommodating.
Tuition: $9,452
Land Lake College offers a workforce-ready associates degree in dental hygiene as part of the schools Allied Health Division. The program curriculum consists of 71.5 credit hours, and has an emphasis on patient treatment, including removal of stains and deposits from teeth, as well as prevention of oral health disease. The school also prioritizes the training of the student as a dental health educator.
Tuition: $5,096
Online Dental Hygiene Program:
A dental hygienist aspirant, who is in search of a flexible attendance structure, should apply for an online dental hygiene program. While searching for schools with online program facilities, always keep a CODA approved institution in the first preference. You can also apply for an online bachelors degree course in the dental hygiene program if you do not want to be a part of the associate degree in dental hygiene program.
Online dental hygiene programs take 3 years to complete, just like traditional dental hygiene programs.;
In online dental programs, you need to learn everything, that is learned by a traditional student. You need to gain experience in fieldwork along with lecture-based lessons.
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Accelerated Programs Differ From Traditional Programs In That:
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Courses are offered in compact semesters
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Bachelors degrees can be completed in as little as 32 months
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Clinical requirements may be met at campus simulation labs or at partnering local facilities convenient to online students.
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Coursework is tailored specifically to dental hygiene curriculum, minimizing the total number studies required outside the major field of study.
Lamar Institute Of Technology
Lamar Institute of Technology is also ranked as one of the best schools in Texas. Their 24 months long dental hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association.
Lamar Institute of Technology requires all their dental hygiene students to take the dental hygiene courses in the sequence presented in the degree plan. They are located at 802 E. Lavaca St., Beaumont, TX 77705.
For more information, you can visit their official dental hygiene pages at;
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Wallace State Community College
Hanceville, Alabama
The dental hygiene program at Wallace State Community College boasts of a 90% licensure rate, an excellent job placement rate, small class size, and award-winning faculty. Additionally, 96% of the programs graduates have passed the national exam on their first attempt. The 76-credit program, which accepts 30 students each year, can be completed in two years, including one summer semester. The dental students take advantage of the on-campus clinic where students can practice their clinical skills on real patients.
Tuition: $5,143
The associates degree program in dental hygiene at Bellingham Technical College accepts 10 students each application cycle. Their curriculum is designed as a sequence of didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses that fulfill the educational objectives established by the American Dental Association. The program is 7 consecutive quarters in length, and students will learn under the supervision of licensed dentists and dental hygienists on state-of-the-art equipment at BTCs on campus dental clinic.
Tuition: $5,194
Lewis And Clark Community College
Godfrey, Illinois
At Lewis and Clark Community College, the dental hygiene program curriculum is built on the belief that there are 5 interrelated essential roles for dental hygienists clinician, educator, administrator, advocate, and researcher. Students have access to top-notch faculty, as well as an advanced training facility. Graduates of the program have a 100% employment success rate in the field.
Tuition: $3,780
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Program Overview & Benefits
Dental Hygiene has been recognized and practiced as a profession for over fifty years.; Dental Hygienists work with clients and patients and can treat them independently of the dentist with certain restrictions. Dental Hygiene is a dynamic and challenging health care profession that allows for a wide range of practice environments. These include general dental practices, speciality offices, independent dental hygiene clinics, research and education, and public health positions.
Dental Hygienists perform a myriad of services for clients and patients. These include scaling and root planing , educating clients and patients on oral hygiene, putting sealants on teeth, and teeth whitening. Further education can also be pursued that allow for even more duties and responsibilities.
Important Qualities For Dental Hygienists
Critical thinking. Dental hygienists must use critical thinking skills in order to assess and evaluate patients.
Communication skills. Dental hygienists must accurately communicate with dentists and patients about oral health status, oral hygiene care plans, and, as needed, lifestyle counseling.
Detail oriented. Dental hygienists must follow specific rules and protocols to help dentists diagnose and treat a patient. Depending on the state in which they work and/or the treatment provided, dental hygienists may work without the direct supervision of a dentist.
Dexterity. Dental hygienists must be good at working with their hands. They generally work in tight quarters on a small part of the body, requiring fine motor skills using very precise tools and instruments.
Interpersonal skills. Dental hygienists must work closely with dentists and patients. Some patients are in extreme pain or have fears about undergoing dental treatment, and the hygienist must be sensitive to their emotions.
Problem-solving skills. Dental hygienists develop and implement oral hygiene care plans to maintain or improve patients’ oral health.
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Top 6 Best Dental Hygiene Schools In Texas
In order to be eligible to work as a certified dental hygienist in Texas, you need to first meet the set qualifications and requirements. One of which is finishing an ADA accredited dental hygiene program from one of the colleges or universities that offer dental studies.
To help you with, we have compiled here the top rated dental hygiene schools in the state of Texas.
Have Your Own Dental Hygiene Practice
Finally a huge benefit to becoming a dental hygienist is the amount of options you have to practise. 4% of dental hygienists have established their own practises outside of the dental office norm. Mostly in BC, Alberta and Ontario. You can also practise in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospital, public health, educational institution, long term care facility and research facilities. You can mix things up interprofessionally as well with denturists, dentists, nurses, physicians, massage therapists and chiropractors. Not to mention you can treat clients in different settings, from their homes, schools, mobile practices as well as long term care facilities.
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Prerequisite Courses In Dental Hygiene
Most dental hygienist degree programs require preliminary study in biology, math, chemistry and anatomy. Once admitted to a program, the core courses will be similar in subject matter regardless of the school or institution selected. Typically, an associate’s degree coursework focuses on the theory and practice of dental hygiene, while an advanced degree’s curriculum adds upper division classes in specialized areas of interest and general studies coursework.
How To Become A Dental Hygienist: The Definitive Guide
We all want to have beautiful teeth, right?
Theres nothing worse than having something stuck in your teeth or the awful pain of a cavity.
While working in a dentists office, you could be the person that helps others get their pearly white smiles.
Armed with a pick and a mirror, you can defeat cavities with your skills as a Dental Hygienist.
Curious to know how?
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Dental Hygiene Program In Ontario
The dental hygiene curriculum is designed by the health experts who understand well what basic and advanced skills are required in prospective dental hygienists. This is the reason we have designed our curriculum as per the Dental Accreditation of Canada, the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, the Canadian Dental Association and The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities standards.
Curriculum Highlights
- Radiography Theory and Lab
- Health Promotion & Education I
Fox Valley Technical College
Appleton, Wisconsin
At Fox Valley Technical College, students have the opportunity to receive their associates degree in dental hygiene while studying at one of the leading technical schools in Wisconsin. The 70 credit program is financial aid eligible, and the most recently polled graduating class had a 100% employment rate. Students in the program will learn how to inspect the mouth, remove stains from teeth, apply preventative agents, prepare tests, and take dental x-rays. Graduates of the program will also be trained in counseling patients about nutrition and oral care and administering anesthesia.
Tuition: $9,969
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Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Job growth is expected to increase rapidly over the next decade. According to recent studies performed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and ONet, there will be approximately 20,000 new job openings for dental hygienists in the coming decade. With an employment change of over 40,000 professionals expected, the dental hygiene field is expected to grow at a rate of 15-20% a year during this current reporting period.
Contributing factors to this rapid growth include access to healthcare, oral health awareness, and cultural norms of oral health. These factors are intensified with a growing body of research linking oral health to overall health.
Data and technology will help continue to bring oral health into the spotlight and increase awareness. For example, data collected by the Mayo Clinic reveals research that indicates that oral health can contribute to the following diseases: diabetes, endocarditis, HIV, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis. The net result is a solid growth forecast for dental hygiene professionals for the foreseeable future.
Dental Hygiene School In Ontario
Are you currently thinking about pursuing a lucrative career as a dental hygienist but dont know where to begin? Then it is time to get on the professional programs on dental hygiene Ontario that are known for providing excellent education with attractive job career options. As a leading health institute or Dental hygiene school in Ontario, Canada, we always believe in delivering excellence in education. This is the reason that all our courses are related to dentistry are appreciated by millions of people who are looking for a quality platform to start their career in dental health.
Who is a Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a qualified professional who focuses on oral health and works with a dentist to give oral healthcare services to patients. Hygienists dont possess the legitimate authorization to diagnose or cure their patients, but they work along licensed dentists to ensure that correct conclusions and subsequent treatment are given.
Job Responsibilities of Dental Hygienist
There are five major job responsibilities that dental hygienists must follow when dealing with a patient. The following are these 5 essential tasks that are performed by dental hygienists.
How to Enroll for Dental Hygienist Program?
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Overview Of Online Dental Hygiene
Online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene programs are degree completion programs, meaning that applicants must have already earned an associate degree in dental hygiene before enrolling. Like most bachelor’s degrees, a dental hygiene degree generally requires the completion of 120-126 credit hours. However, because incoming students have already accumulated 60 or more credit hours of dental hygiene and general education courses while earning their associate degrees, most students enrolled in these online programs only need two years of full-time study to complete the remaining required courses in dental health.
Admission requirements for online bachelor’s degree programs in dental hygiene vary by school. All dental schools require applicants to have completed an associate degree in dental hygiene, usually with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, at a community college, technical school, or vocational school. Some schools require applicants to have passed the national board exam for dental hygienists, and some require applicants to be fully licensed, practicing dental hygienists. Depending on the dental hygiene courses taken in the associate degree program, some students may also need to complete one or more prerequisites before enrolling in a bachelor’s program.
What Is The Difference Between A Dental Technician Assistant And Hygienist
Are you interested in a career in dentistry? You dont have to be a dentist to reap the benefits of this exciting and rewarding field. There are many excellent job prospects at various levels of this industry.Three of the most common roles in the dental field are Dental Techs, Dental Assistants, and Dental Hygienists. In this blog post, youll earn the difference between each of these roles and find out which one is right for you!
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University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
At the University of Pittsburgh, students can take advantage of the only dental hygiene program in Pennsylvania that is located within an accredited dental school, a major research university, and is part of a major medical center. Their School of Dental Medicine offers both a bachelors degree and an associates degree in dental hygiene. The 2 year, 78 credit associates program consists of six terms, and students can choose between two yearly points of entry. The curriculum includes clinical practice for patients in the on-campus dental school, where students can practice services such as oral prophylaxis, periodontal scaling, application of sealants and fluorides, as well as patient education.
Tuition: $24,040
Q How Much Does It Cost To Become A Dental Hygienist
Most Associates degrees cost around $10,000 to complete.
This depends on where you go to school, of course, as many community colleges and universities can cost more than dental schools.
If you are looking to earn a Bachelorss degree, that can cost around $15,000 to $30,000.
Those that want a Masters degree can expect to pay another $35,000.
This means that it can cost between $10,000 and $60,000 to become a Dental Hygienist.
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Roles And Responsibilities Of A Rdh:
- Clean a patients teeth during a routine checkup
- Brush and remove the plaque and tartar from a patients teeth
- Responsible for polishing the teeth
- Take a note of the dental conditions
- Conduct screening procedures
- Carry out precautionary dental hygiene care
- Blood pressure check and health history review
- Guide patients on dental home care
- Assist the dentist in procedures such as tooth removal
If the hygienist observes a possible problem, he divulges the information to the dentist.He works under the supervision of a dentist.
Career Salary And Education Information
What They Do: Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventive dental care.
Work Environment: Nearly all dental hygienists work in dentists offices, and many work part time.
How to Become One: Dental hygienists typically need an associates degree in dental hygiene. Programs usually take 3 years to complete. All states require dental hygienists to be licensed; requirements vary by state.
Salary: The median annual wage for dental hygienists is $77,090.
Job Outlook: Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 6 percent over the next ten years, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for dental services will increase as the population ages and as research continues to link oral health to overall health.
Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of dental hygienists with similar occupations.
Following is everything you need to know about a career as a Dental Hygienist with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following Dental Hygienist jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:
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Work Schedule Of A Dental Hygienist:
Most dental hygienists, work part-time.; But some of them work as much as a dentist works.
Salary of a dental hygienist: Dental hygienists of Alaska get paid $114,790 per year, in California, it is 4106,240, in Columbia, it is $102,380, in Washington the amount is $93,200 and in Oregon, the salary of a dental hygienist is $87,270
The work environment of a dental hygienist: A professional dental hygienist generally works under the supervision of a dentist. The percentage of dentists who work in the offices of dentists is 93%, 1% works in the offices of physicians, 1% is under government and the rest 5% works part-time.;
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Recognized as currently the largest dental school facility in America, UNCs School of Dentistry is also the only dental school in the state to award baccalaureate degrees. Admission to the University at large does not guarantee admission to the School of Dentistry.
Students are required to complete two years of prerequisite and general curriculum courses before applying to the dental hygiene program. A personal interview may also be required before admission.
Once accepted to the School of Dentistry students may enroll in the Certificate program of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. This major requires 61-62 credits.
Classes may include Nutrition, Histology, Radiographic Interpretation, Dental Ethics and Jurisprudence, and Special Care in Dentistry. After graduation, students may be eligible to apply for the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Education.
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