What Are The Key Steps To Become A Dental Hygienist?
As we’ve learned in recent years, a career in the medical industry is a great way to further one’s personal growth and learning. Traditionally, medical jobs are secure, decent paying, and have a level of fulfillment— knowing that you’re in a profession that aims to help other people. If you’re so inclined, One of the most in-demand professionals in the medical field is a dental hygienist. Like anything in this field, being a dental hygienist takes hard work and study. But with the right roadmap, you can start your journey today. It will take focus. It will take to termination. But in the end, it’s absolutely worth it. Here’s how you can start.
Education
Your first stop on the road to being a dental hygienist is school. Those who seriously want to become a dental hygienist tend to choose programs offered by accredited trade schools and universities. Do a little bit of research because each requirement may differ by state. Once you figure that out, find A program that is within your budget and is accredited by the American dental Association. Now, school will take a while. It might take you upwards of two or more years. But it is a sound investment in your career path. Plus, two years will go by so quickly, you won’t even notice it. Some universities offer it as a baccalaureate degree. This may be important if you want to eventually teach other dental hygienists in a program, or participate in clinical research.
Be sure to find out more about what additional certifications or skills you need to learn along the way. Some states may require extra licensure or specialized training depending on the procedures you plan to perform in the field.
The Exam
Next you have to take the board exam. The national board dental hygiene examination encompasses everything you’ve learned from day one up until you finish the course. Don’t worry, there are review courses and refresher courses, as well as free resources online to help you remember all the things. At this point, you would’ve been so ingrained in the world of dental hygiene that a quick review and mastery of specific skills are sure to get you a passing grade. Remember though, even if you did study as hard as you could, test taking ability is greatly hinged on test taking skills as well. Brush up on those, and you will be fine.
Proper preparation doesn’t mean that you just need to study for your test. Knowing what to expect will help you get the proper mindset for taking the test. One of the most commonly asked questions about DAT exam is about score determination. Knowing this, along with other important details such as exam format and content, can help you focus on areas that may need more attention. There are also various practice exams available to help you gauge your readiness for the actual test.
Apply For Work
Once you’ve gotten the education, passed the board exam, it’s time to find a job. Finding entry level jobs as a dental hygienist may be a little bit intimidating. In most trades that favor experience, fresh grads tend to be put through the gamut. But don’t you fear, all the soft skills that you learned in other industries still apply. Be calm, be courteous, and let the work speak for itself. In time, they’ll be down to see you and all the skills you have to offer. Do your due diligence and put your resume in as many places as you can, make some calls, and be patient.
These three basic steps may be simple, but provide a large roadmap to hell you can upgrade your career. Becoming a dental hygienist opens up so many doors. Experience in the medical field is often heralded for its intensity and specificity. Be coachable. Learn as much as you can. In the end, you’ll be just fine.
