How to Become a Dental Hygienist With a Bachelor’s Degree

Having a bachelor’s degree opens up a wealth of job opportunities in many sectors, but sometimes a traditional career track may not be fulfilling enough. If that’s the case, dental hygiene may provide a great opportunity to switch to a more engaging and rewarding career path. Dental hygienists play an essential role in the dental industry, providing preventive dental care and teaching patients about oral hygiene. With a bachelor’s degree, it’s possible to become a dental hygienist and here’s how:

Step 1: Consider Your Options

Before making the switch, it’s important to understand what the job involves and what opportunities are available. There is a variety of career paths in the dental hygiene field. Jobs range from administrative roles to clinical patient care, and from full-time positions to part-time and contract work. Decide what type best suits you and your experience level.

Step 2: Get Education and Training

The next step is to make sure you obtain proper education and training to become a dental hygienist. Completing a dental hygienist program (certificate or associate degree) is the most common route. This typically takes two to three years to complete, and involves in-depth study of the skills and knowledge needed in the field. Bachelor’s degree programs may also be available, depending on the state regulations.

Step 3: Pass Licensing and Certification Exams

Most states require dental hygienists to be licensed. Licensure requires passing written and practical exams. Before taking the licensure exam, most states require completion of a Board-approved dental hygiene education program and the passage of a background check. Certifications in specific areas of dental hygiene may also be earned to further knowledge and experience.

Step 4: Get Hired

The next step is to start looking for jobs. Many dental practices have their own website where they list job openings. It is also possible to find openings at websites such as Indeed. Additionally, you can contact local dental offices or state boards of dentistry to inquire about open positions. You may also decide to start your own practice as a dental hygienist.

Step 5: Keep Up With Trends and Technology

As with any job, it’s important to keep up with trends and advancements and invest in continuing education. Dive deep into staying on top of the latest knowledge in the field and invest in seminars and conferences geared towards dental hygiene. You should also invest in the necessary tools and equipment, such as computers and digital x-ray machines, to stay ahead of the competition. Additionally, staying up to date on the most current artificial intelligence (AI) advancements for the dental industry will be a valuable asset to have. AI tools are slowly but surely being implemented in the dental industry and those who understand and can use them can become indispensable assets to their practices.

Conclusion

Making the decision to become a dental hygienist with a bachelor’s degree is a great career move. You can benefit from the stability and job security health care professionals enjoy, while having the opportunity to get to know people and have more meaningful interactions with patients and colleagues. Just make sure you take the right steps to become a dental hygienist and keep up with the latest advancements in the field, and you’ll be well on your way.