Entry-level Programs In Dental Hygiene

Entry-level Programs In Dental Hygiene

By:


Plan on getting into dental hygiene? Then you should know how to get started! Entry-level programs in dental hygiene differ from school to school. How to make the right choice? Read on to find out more information about entry-level programs in dental hygiene.

Entry-Level Programs Overview

Entry-level programs in dental hygiene are aimed at preparing students for the further work as dental hygienists. These programs lead to pursuing a certificate, Associate's or Bachelor's degree. It's up to you what program to choose. The main difference of entry-level programs in dental hygiene is length and curriculum. Let's be more specific about these differences.

To get Associate's degree you will need 2 years. And another 2 years to pursue Bachelor's qualification. As you may guess, Bachelor's degree holders will have better job choices and higher starting salary. The choice of work settings for higher degree holders is wider as well: they can work in education, administration, public health, research. Those with Associate's degree have narrower range of job choices.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), to become a dental hygienist students must undergo 86 credit hours for Associate's Degree and 122 hours for Bachelor's Degree. The choice of entry-level program in dental hygiene depends on your career goals. Both programs include theoretical and lab courses. Yet those who study for Bachelor's degree will have more clinical practice hours.

Way of Studying

You can choose the way of studying that would be the most suitable for you. Most entry-level programs in dental hygiene offer on-campus classes. 15 % of dental hygienist schools combine traditional studying with online courses. And there are also schools that offer distant studying only. Entry-level programs in dental hygiene must be accredited by the CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation). Only graduating from accredited dental hygienist school you will be able to get a license for practicing.

Admission requirements for entry-level programs in dental hygiene according to the American Dental Association (ADA) are as follows:

- High school diploma or GED
- Advanced knowledge of core subjects (math, English, chemistry, biology)
- Minimum average of C grade at school
- College entrance test scores
- Prerequisite courses completion (not less than 40 credit hours in English, speech, chemistry, psychology and sociology)
Getting prepared for school interview
- Having your essay done

This is just general information on entry-level programs' requirements. Each school may have its own list. So don't forget to check all the requirements before applying to the entry-level program in dental hygiene!


About the Author:
Jerusha is a Blogger who is writing about education and career choices for high-school students. She is interested in psychology, medicine and literature. More information about psychology schools can be found here: Psychology Schools



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


|

Loading...
Related....
Videos...

Recent UnCategorized Articles

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Copyright 2005-2011 ArticleSnatch, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.