Why organic chem. as a pre-requisite for dental hygienist?

I've noticed that in my state, colleges require organic chemistry (1-2 quarters) for admission to dental hygienist programs, but not nursing. Also, the salary is about $10,000-15,000 more a year!





It would seem to me that there would be more requirements for nursing, but I must not know enough about the work of dental hygienists.





Any insight would be much appreciated.

Why organic chem. as a pre-requisite for dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists actually treat gum disease by scaling teeth, give injections in some states to numb the mouth, take x-rays, etc. The equivalent of a basic nurse is a dental assistant which is less schooling than dental hygiene. A dental hygienist is more equivalent of a nurse practitioner or physicians assistant. Some colleges offer health occupations chemistry and dental hygienists and nurses take that, at least that is what I had. Dental hygienist making more than a nurse would depend on area working in. They actually make about the same in some cases, but a dental hygienist would probably work less hours.
Reply:Hmmm...... i would say they both make about the same although, working in someone else's dirty mouth is never free!! So maybe dental makes more because of all the work and college years.





I also thing organic because the chemistry that used to be taught was not right for the dental so they made them go organic. And it's probably way more because you have to clean dirty mouths!





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Reply:organic chemistry is a great tool when trying to understand organic processes like periodontal disease and inflamation. it is a foundation for disciplines such as molecular and biochemistry as well as immunology and development. i see it like learning how to add before you multiply. it's an important stepping stone to becoming a knowledgable and competent hygeinist.