Becoming a Dental Hygienist?

Cliff Tyre: Just visit the American dental association's website. They have tons of information on dental careers including becoming a dental hygienist. They provide a job description, educational requirements and more. I'm providing the link in the resource section. Go check the website out. Hope this helps.

Rocio Karvis: I don't know what the requirements are for getting into hygiene school, but I do know that it's competitive. It's a great paying job though - they make a lot more than assistants. The difference is assistants help the dentist, and hygienists clean teeth, apply sealants, and some other periodontal procedures. Becoming a hygienist requires licensing. The requirements for assistants vary from state to state.

Kaley Lappas: To be a dental hygienist you have to have an actual degree, go to school, and obtain a state license. Some colleges a Dental Hygiene Degree is a 2 year Associates, in others it's a 4 year bachelors degree. Check out the ! colleges to see which one fits you. Starting pay is around $25 to $40 an hour, depending on where you live. The difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist is that a dental assistant is limited on the duties on which he/she can perform because there's no formal schooling required to be a dental assistant. A dental assistant sits chairside with the dentist and hands him/her instruments, prepares the room for patients, takes x-rays, adjusts dentures and partials. They may not do actual dentistry. A dental hygienist cleans teeth, educates the patient on periodontal disease and home care, performs periodontal procedures, etc. Their job has more responsibility, hence the schooling...Show more

Troy Staton: dental hygiene is that way to go! Im going to school for it at a community college....but most likely you will have to wait a year or two b4 they accept you. Dental assistants is a one year program and you deff. dont make anywhere near what a hygienist! makes, an assistant just hands the dr tools and stuff.You wil! l earn a certificate and a lisence after you take your board exams and when your done you will be making from 40 to 80 dollars an hour depending on where you work and your experience....Show more

Carmelina Enoch: I know a couple of dental hygienists. In my area, it's very easy to get into the program. It only takes an AA to be a hygienist. It's a career to be proud of if you don't get tired of cleaning tartar off of people's teeth.

Danyell Rowback: I have been a dental hygienist for 21 years and still love every minute of it. Very rewarding and a great career to have if you want a family.