Dental Hygienist Training

There are many dental hygienist programs available to those who are thinking about entering this field. Most of the programs will require that the applicant have a high school diploma or GED and has completed a college entrance exam. Many programs also require that the applicant wait at least a year after starting college before enrolling into their dental hygiene program. Not all colleges require this, however, most colleges have a waiting list to get into the program.

The programs can sometimes be taken online but the online programs do not train you on how to perform dental procedures required in a clinical exam. There are over 300 approved courses available in the United States. The courses are approved and accredited by the American Dental Association.

After successfully completing the training program, hygienists will need to take and pass state license exams. These exams are required by the state and are administered by the American Dental Association. The national and regional exams include both a written portion and a clinical portion. Some states also require a law exam about the ethics of working in a dental officet. Most states require an application fee, CPR certification, birth certificate, high school diploma, college diploma and a background check just to sign up to take the exams.

A good dental program will not only focus on book work but will also teach you hands on clinical procedures. Most programs are only two years long but there are six year advanced programs that teach advanced skills. The classes that are included in these dental programs include dental hygiene, nutrition, microbiology, physiology, radiography, dental materials and chemistry. The best place to find and attend two year dental hygienist programs are at local community colleges. They offer affordable programs and have smaller class sizes which makes it easier to learn all the skills required of a dental hygienist.

Those with a two year degree can work in private dental offices while those with a four year bachelor or masters degree will be able to work in clinical practice, teaching or research. Most hygienists hold a two year degree in dental hygiene or a bachelor degree in dental hygiene.

A registered dental hygienist with a basic two year associate degree can expect a salary of at least $30 an hour or over $60,000 per year. Most dental hygienists work part time but they are provided with very flexible hours. They also receive great medical and dental benefits.

You can find the best dental hygienist programs in your area at http://www.dentalhygienistprograms.us. Dental Hygienist Programs US is a site dedicated to helping everyone begin or advance their career as a dental hygienist.