How to Become a Dental Hygienist

Becoming a dental hygienist is a two-step process. The first step in how to become a dental hygienist is education. A minimum of a two-year associate degree is required for work in a private office but a bachelor’s or a master’s degree is required to work in a public program. There are over three hundred accredited dental hygienist programs available. Anatomy, radiography, chemistry, periodontology, microbiology, dental hygiene and physiology are just a few of the subjects studied by dental hygienist students.

The second step in becoming a registered dental hygienist (RDH) is being licensed in the state where you will practice. To get the license, one needs to pass a written test and a clinical exam administered by the American Dental Association. Each state requires different exams and requirements. For example, some states also require a legal exam, while other states require on-the-job training as part of the exam. Some states even have their own exams, which will need to be taken separately from the ADA exam. Once a person passes the exams and is licensed by the state, they are considered a registered dental hygienist and can get a job working for a private dental office. Follow the steps below to start your career as a registered dental hygienist.

How to become a dental hygienist

If you want to become a dental hygienist, follow these steps:

Step 1: Make sure you have a high school diploma. If you do not, enroll in college and get your GED. If you are still in high school, be sure to take classes in biology, mathematics and chemistry.

Step 2: Study for and take the college entrance exam. Test scores are required for admission into dental hygiene programs. Some colleges also require one year of attendance before they will admit you into their dental program.

Step 3: Research dental hygienist schools and find the best one for you. Once you have found a good program, enroll in the college. They will want to see your high school diploma or GED and college entrance exams. Once enrolled into the college, sign up for the program. You may need to wait a year before you can sign up. Meet with an advisor at the college to figure out which classes you will need to take.

Step 4: After you have graduated from college with your two-year associate degree, research your state dental hygienist requirements. Sign up for the exams required by the state. You will have to pay a fee to take the exams. Study hard and pass the exams.

Step 5: Create a dental hygienist resume. Visit the job board, network and call around to find job openings.

Step 6: Apply for dental hygienist jobs, go on interviews and get the job of your dreams.

Congratulations, you are now a dental hygienist!