Dental Hygienist Degree
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for dental hygienists is expected to grow by as much as 30% through 2016, making it one of the most promising occupations in the coming years with a strong job outlook. In 2006, it was estimated that 167,000 dental hygienists were employed in dental clinics, employment services and physician offices. In addition, it was reported that multiple job holding is common among the dental hygienists, indicating that the number of jobs available exceeds the number of qualified dental hygienists. Thus, individuals who are considering a lucrative and fulfilling career in the field of health care should consider a career as dental hygienists.
Because of the increasing number of the older population who needs oral care and the growing efforts towards preventive oral and dental care, the demand for dental hygienists is on the rise. Recent advances in dental care resulted in increased workloads for dentists, necessitating more dental hygienists to perform oral and dental care.
Building a career as a dental hygienist requires formal education and training obtained from a dental hygienist school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Dental hygienist degree programs are obtained at community colleges, technical colleges, dental schools and universities. Prospective dental hygienists can enroll in 2-year programs that offer a certificate or associate degree in dental hygiene. Baccalaureate degrees are achieved after completing the requirements of 4-year dental hygienists programs. For those who are interested to advance their careers into the fields of education, administration and research, masterŐs level programs are offered by some dental hygienist colleges and universities.
Interested students are required to have a high school diploma or GED before admission to any dental hygienist program. High school courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, English, psychology and sociology may be required by some dental hygienist schools. In addition, some institutions may require applicants to pass a dexterity test before they are accepted in the program.
Dental hygienist degree programs consist of didactic, laboratory and practicum practices. Degree programs include dental hygienist courses in basic sciences, such as dental and head and neck anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, chemistry, microbiology, immunology and oral pathology. Courses in dental hygiene, dental radiology, oral health education, community oral health, periodontics, medical and dental emergencies, patient management and special needs patient care, research, and dental materials are also included in dental hygienist degree programs.
Prospective dental hygienists are also required to complete around 585 hours of supervised clinical dental hygiene instruction. In practicum practices and internships, students are exposed to actual work settings, where technical and clinical skills required of dental hygienists are assessed and enhanced. Through hands-on experiences, dental hygienists are trained incorporate theoretical knowledge into actual practical skills, making them efficient and reliable health care professionals.