Table of Contents
For some people, finding the right career is like pulling teeth. Nothing seems right, or the pathway is too long and expensive. Or, you might worry about the job opportunities for specific career paths.
Have you ever thought about becoming a dental hygienist? The great thing about it is there’s plenty of jobs available and the forecast is promising.
Don’t keep worrying about your future. Keep reading to find out how to become a dental hygienist.
Why You Should Become a Dental Hygienist
There are a lot of reasons you should consider a job in dental hygiene. For one, the pay is competitive. While salaries fluctuate between states, you can still expect a median of 70,000 dollars.
Second, there’s quite a bit of job security in dental careers. After all, everyone needs their teeth cleaned. You should expect to be able to keep your job for as long as you want it. If you’re looking to find a career fast, this is also the path for you.
While some degree plans can take years at a time, dental hygiene doesn’t. You can expect three years of school time.
How to Become a Dental Hygienist
Now that you know why you should become a hygienist, here’s the how. You’ll find it’s not as hard as it seems.
1. The Education
Like most careers that involve health, you must have a degree to become a dental hygienist. But, unlike others, an Associates degree will get you through the door.
There are great schools that are accredited in which you can study. An Associates degree from one of these places will get you into licensing. Though, if you want to keep rising on the dental ladder, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree.
2. Get Licensed
After you complete your education at an accredited college, you must get your license. No-one can practice in the U.S. without one.
What are the requirements for this license?
Mostly, you’ll need the credits from your accredited dental hygiene program. You may want to get other certifications such as CPR. After that, you’ll take an exam from the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
3. Interpersonal Skills
Also known as bedside manner in other professions, interpersonal skills are critical. If you feel you don’t possess them yet, work on it throughout college.
Interpersonal skills are important when you’re dealing with patients all day. You’ll work with patients who are rude, patients with anxiety, and other special cases.
What do these skills look like? It’s being able to keep a patient calm when they have sensitive teeth during procedures. It’s also in the way you treat children during their visit. These little things really matter.
Start Your Career in Family Medicine
Working in healthcare is a rewarding career path. There are endless jobs available, and you’ll never stop helping people in need.
Now that you know how to become a dental hygienist, don’t wait. You can start school and be well on your way to your dream job. To help you become successful in all other areas of life, make sure to browse the rest of our lifestyle section!
