Dental hygienists are one of the fastest rising professions in the United States of America. They are not only an integral part of any dental office but also play a vital role in promoting oral health. But that’s not the only reason to become a dental hygienists, there many reasons to become a dental hygienists.
Never have dental hygienists been so in-demand and had so many opportunities in the job market. Due to the explosion of the digital age, many colleges and universities offer their dental hygienists programs online, which means that a lot of your learning can be done digitally.
While licensure requirements vary from state to state, most states require dental hygienists to complete continuing education courses on regularly. If you’re looking to enter the profession, here’s how you can become a dental hygienist in the United States of America:
Requirements of Becoming a Dental Hygienist in the USA
How does someone became a dental hygienist in the United Sates? In order to become a dental hygienist in the United States of America, you will need to complete an accredited dental hygiene program (which usually last two to three years) and pass a National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. After completing the program, you will also need to obtain a state license in order to practice dental hygiene. Some other things you may need include strong communication skills, good organizational skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.
In addition to the educational requirements, most states also require continuing education credits to maintain licensure. Dental hygienists must also keep up with new technology and advances in their field by attending seminars and taking courses throughout their career.
To recap:
- To be eligible for licensure, applicants must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program with either an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree.
- After graduation, candidates must pass a written examination and a clinical skills examination administered by the state board of dentistry.
- Upon successful completion of these exams, dental hygienists are then licensed to practice in their state.
It is also important for dental hygienists to be aware of changes in technology and advances in their field by attending seminars and taking courses throughout their career. With the right education and training, you can become a dental hygienist in the United States of America!
If you need more resources, check out our resources page as we list the best resources for prospective dental hygienists. Also, the American Dental Hygienist Association is also a great resource.
