Do I need a bachelor's degree in order to become a dental hygienist?

What is the process after graduating high school?? Do I need to have a 4-year bachelor's degree PRIOR to going to dental hygiene school? Please help!

Do I need a bachelor's degree in order to become a dental hygienist?
No, a two-year degree in the field suffices. Here's ONE example (state requirements can vary):


"What Education/Training Does a Dental Hygienist Need?


Dental hygienists receive their education through academic programs at community colleges, technical colleges, dental schools or universities. The majority of community college programs take at least two years to complete, with graduates receiving associate degrees. Receipt of this degree allows a hygienist to take licensure examinations (national and state or regional), become licensed and to work in a dental office. University-based dental hygiene programs may offer baccalaureate and master's degrees, which generally require at least two years of further schooling. These additional degrees may be required to embark on a career in teaching and/or research, as well as for clinical practice in school or public health programs.





Dental hygiene program admission requirements vary, depending upon the specific school. High school-level courses such as health, biology, psychology, chemistry, mathematics and speech will be beneficial in a dental hygiene career. Most programs show a preference for individuals who have completed at least one year of college. Some baccalaureate degree programs require that applicants complete two years of college prior to enrollment in the dental hygiene program. Counselors, advisors and prospective students should contact the particular dental hygiene program of interest for specific program requirements.





Dental hygiene education programs provide students with clinical education in the form of supervised patient care experiences. Additionally, these programs include courses in liberal arts (e.g., English, speech, sociology and psychology); basic sciences (e.g., anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, immunology, chemistry, microbiology and pathology); and clinical sciences (e.g., dental hygiene, radiology and dental materials). After completion of a dental hygiene program, dental hygienists can choose to pursue additional training in such areas as education, business administration, basic sciences, marketing and public health.





Accreditation


The agency responsible for accrediting dental hygiene education programs and deciding whether or not they meet the standards for accreditation is the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association . There are approximately 235 Commission-accredited dental hygiene programs in the United States.





Examination and Licensure


Dental hygienists are licensed by each state to provide dental hygiene care and patient education.





Almost all states require that dental hygienists be graduates of Commission-accredited dental hygiene education programs to be eligible for state licensure. Additionally, almost all states require candidates for licensure to obtain a passing score on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (a comprehensive written examination) in addition to passing the state-authorized licensure examination. The state or regional examination tests candidates' clinical dental hygiene skills as well as their knowledge of dental hygiene and related subjects.





Upon receipt of their license, dental hygienists may use "R.D.H." after their names to signify recognition by the state that they are a Registered Dental Hygienist."


http://www.sccds.org/public/Auxillaries/...
Reply:One suggestion would be to do a 'job shadow' or 'hang out' with a Dental Hygenist to see IF you would be interested in doing what they do. If you are interested, find a community college or trade school where you could take a course in Dental Hygenist training. Usually takes about six to eight months to get a certificate, and, if the program is good, you can be placed with a dentist.





No, it does not take a four year degree. BUT, once you get the job, you can save up and get your four year degree. Dental Hygenists jobs get old after about two years of checking in people's mouths. You will need a new skill and a new career.