One thing to remember is that different states will require different types of licensing, so you will want to make sure that you have the correct licensing for your state. There will also be a great deal of testing required before you will be able to partake in dental hygienist employment, so make sure that you are ready for every part of this endeavor. Your role within the dentist office will be to inspect and clean teeth, while taking x-rays and dealing with other aspects of a checkup. Dental hygienist work is not for everyone, but it is definitely a rewarding career for those who get involved.
Educational Requirements
The majority of those who end up with jobs in dental hygiene take an interest in the subject while they are still in school. Science classes are very valuable for anyone looking for dental hygienist jobs, so make sure that you take these courses to properly prepare yourself. You will also have to take a college entry exam and your chances of being accepted will be much higher if you perform well in these science classes, so you will want to work hard while in high school to give yourself the best chance at being accepted. The earlier you begin preparing for this as a potential career, the more success you will have once you are ready.
A dental hygienist career also requires post-secondary education and you will probably need accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation before you can even enroll in a program. One reason that dental hygienist employment is so difficult to attain is that you must meet the admissions requirements before you can even get into school. Once you get into school, you will have to complete lab and classroom time and will eventually go on an internship at a dentist office. It is possible to receive with an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree before looking for dental hygienist work, although you will still have to pass an exam before you are able to begin applying for jobs.
Once you get your education out of the way, you will take a license exam, which is one of the final steps you must take before looking for jobs in dental hygiene. The majority of states call for you to pass a two-part exam, so make sure that you are prepared for this test. The test will be broken down into a written part and a clinical part and you must pass both before looking for dental hygienist jobs. You must also be aware of state laws and regulations before starting a dental hygienist career, as each state has different things for you to learn. Since dental hygienist employment includes so many different aspects, it might take some time before you are ready for this exam.
You will also complete some on the job training in preparation for dental hygienist work, as most people will begin by either volunteering or taking an entry-level job. The more you watch a licensed hygienist, the more prepared you will be for jobs in dental hygiene. Make sure that you take the time to learn all of the nuances of these positions, as this will help you to perform at a high level once you get started. If you can find an experienced hygienist to allow you to shadow him or her, you will learn much more than you would if you take a job right out of school, which might help your productivity in the long run.
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