Dental Hygienist Programs
From certification to Master's Degrees.
Becoming a dental hygienist isn’t actually as complicated as you might think. Contrary to popular belief, you do
not have to attend a four year university in order to become a dental hygienist. That is just one of many options
that are available in dental hygienist programs. What are your options then? Well, let’s take a
look at the various dental hygienist programs that are at your fingertips.
Dental Hygiene Certificate
This is the simplest method of getting started on your path to a career in dental hygiene. Generally speaking, a
certificate will take anywhere from a year to two years, and will educate you in the core requirements for dental
hygienists.
Associate’s Degree
You can also attend a college - whether it’s a state university or even a community college will depend upon
your area’s offerings - in order to obtain your associate’s degree. The difference between two years for your
associate’s or a year or two for your certificate is mainly the cost, though if you’re going to attend school for
two years, it may be more worth it in the end to come out with your associate’s rather than a simple
certificate.
Bachelor’s Degree
There are four year dental hygiene programs that are available for those wanting their
bachelor’s degree. In this dental hygienist program, you will have to go through general education prerequisite
classes in addition to your core major classes, but obtaining your bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene can actually
set you up for more career flexibility in the future.
Master’s Degree
A master’s degree is also available when you are researching dental hygienist programs. A prerequisite to your
master’s is, of course, that you obtain your bachelor’s degree. The higher degrees are generally for those who
would like to work more in the research field rather than in a dentist’s office.
State Certification
No matter what dental hygienist program you take advantage of, keep in mind that you’ll have to be state
certified prior to actually being able to practice dental hygiene wherever you are. The certification testing will
be made up of two parts - a written examination and a clinical exam.
If you move from one state to another after you’ve begun your practice, keep in mind that you may have to renew
your certification according to your new state’s particular laws and guidelines.
Continuing Education
Even if you do not quite have the funding to attend college at this point in time and are only financially able
to pursue a certificate, do not let this discourage you while researching dental hygienist programs. There are
plenty of opportunities to continue your education and a wide variety of online schooling options that are
available. You can always begin with your certificate and progress onward and upward through higher education. It
may even prove to be that much more beneficial to you in the long run, as you will have hands-on experience in the
meantime to supplement your education.
No matter what your education level or your financial abilities at this present point in time, there are dental
hygienist programs available for you to take charge of your career and change your life!
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