Obtaining a Degree in Dental Hygiene
There is always an increasing demand for dental hygiene professionals, so it is no surprise that many students are enrolling in a degree in this field. In fact, this is one of the most popular fields of study in the U.S., with over 100,000 students earning their degree each year. However, there are some important things to keep in mind when looking into a program. Here are a few:
Associate degree
Obtaining an Associate degree in dental hygiene can help you begin a career in the dental field. These programs offer basic dental knowledge and prepare you to take licensure exams. You can also pursue a graduate degree in the field.
To earn an associate degree in dental hygiene, you will need to complete a series of general education courses. These include math, science, and English. However, some schools may also offer more specialized courses.
Dental hygiene programs are generally offered at proprietary dental schools and community colleges. Students can choose to attend one of these institutions or transfer to a university to finish a bachelor’s degree. It takes approximately four years to earn a dental hygiene degree.
The Northern Wyoming Community College’s dental hygiene program is offered in partnership with the University of Wyoming. This program includes cutting-edge technology and a full on-campus dental clinic. A minimum of 24 students are accepted each year.
Dental hygiene graduates are able to work in the field as a registered hygienist. All states require licensing of dental hygienists.
Some students decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree in order to gain greater knowledge and leadership skills. A BS in dental hygiene can allow students to enter management roles within the dental health industry.
Accreditation
A dental hygiene degree is an important step for those who want to begin a career in this field. It prepares students for a wide range of careers, including working in the health industry, public health administration, and education. Graduates also have the ability to pursue a certificate in pediatric dental hygiene.
In the United States, there are 331 accredited dental hygiene programs. All of them are recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. This accreditation means that the programs are eligible for licensure and have been approved to offer courses that prepare graduates for the licensing exams.
Some accredited dental hygiene programs are available online. These online courses can be more affordable than in-state tuition. Students can pay around $257 per credit hour.
Students can take advantage of a variety of financial aid options. As many as ninety-two percent of enrolled students receive some form of aid. Financial aid can help with tuition and other costs, and it can also connect students to funding opportunities.
Tuition for dental hygiene programs is cheaper than the national average. For in-state residents, the program is less than 12% of the average cost of a two-year degree. However, for out-of-state students, the rate is much higher, up to $26,896 annually.
Job outlook
When considering a career in dental hygiene, it’s important to consider the job outlook. These jobs are growing faster than the average for all occupations. This is due in part to the increased demand for healthcare, especially preventive care.
The dental field is always looking for new personnel to fill positions. Getting a degree in this field can help you advance your career. Whether you want to work in private practice or a corporate setting, the career options are plentiful.
Dental hygienists can work anywhere. They can perform services in a variety of settings, including community health centers, private home visits, and corporate offices.
A dental hygienist can earn a good salary. Depending on the location, the cost of living may have a bearing on the amount of annual pay. High-cost cities tend to offer higher salaries, while low-cost areas offer lower pay.
For a hygienist to be successful, they will need to learn the industry and gain experience in the field. The number of job openings will vary depending on the state, but the career outlook for this industry is projected to grow significantly in the next decade. As the baby boom generation grows older, the need for dental services will increase. In addition, people will continue to keep more teeth than previous generations, which will add to the demand for preventative dental care.
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