Dental Hygienist???

I am going to school to become a dental hygienist, now my question is - the school I plan on attending is a technical certified dental school, so lets say I apply for a job at an office and it's between myself an another candidate who attended a 4 year university, would that candidate get chosen over me because they went to a university while I Just went to a technical school whos main focus was dental.

Dental Hygienist???
Most of the schools out there that offer a Dental Hygienists program are on the Associates Degree level. Typically this indicates a 2-year program. Very rarely would you see a Dentist require a Bachelor's degree in this area- unless they are looking for someone who could fill in a more than just a hygienist; possibly a business/office manager.





In any case- Hygienists are in demand and the education that they receive is intense. If you pass through the program- the Dentists know you can maneuver in an office setting. This is provided that you are going to an accredited school and you will be ready for your states licensing when you are finished. This would probably be a good reason as to why there are so few schools offering the program and the acceptance into a program is so competitive.





You see the same type of thing with nursing- there is not much of a difference in pay or job offers between an RN and a BSN. The difference come in when you get the Masters. The bachelor's looks good on paper, but in this career setting your associates will provide you with a good position.





If you decide at a later date to go back for additional education in this area- you will have work experience to boot. Check into your local paper; most offices want experienced personnel- mot many mention a requirement of a bachelors in Dental Hygiene.





Good Luck.
Reply:Maybe so..There is alot of competition over dental hygiene jobs..it'll be hard to find a job without some sort of competition..


Good luck though! :)!
Reply:Probably not. By it's nature, a two-year degree in dental hygiene is a very hands-on degree. Because of that, most four-year colleges do not offer a four-year degree in that field. Therefore, if you're up against someone with a four-year degree, it probably is not in a related field. The only exception I could see is if someone first got a two-year degree in dental hygiene and then continued their education to get the four-year degree. Hope this helps!