If you happen to’ve worked as a dental assistant, you’ve built up deal of technical knowledge. You understand how dental clinics are run, and also you’ve been within the room during diagnostic procedures and coverings. This sets you up well to advance your dental profession. So how exactly do you transition from being an assistant to being a dental hygienist?
Keep reading to learn what the change in role will mean, the steps you’ll need to take to make it occur and the way your experience as a dental assistant will help.
Differences between dental assistants and dental hygienists
Dental assistants handle a variety of responsibilities, from scheduling and recordkeeping to preparing patients and equipment for appointments. As a dental hygienist, chances are you’ll keep just a few of those responsibilities but you’ll be directly involved in providing care to patients.
Dental hygienists have additional responsibilities
Dental hygienists are chargeable for multiple elements of patient care. They conduct patients’ initial oral health assessments, including tests and screenings. Additionally they provide preventive care like cleanings, fluoride treatments and patient education. Nonetheless, hygienists don’t provide the ultimate diagnoses or treatment plans for specific issues.
Dental hygienists have higher salaries
You’ll need additional education, training and certification to turn out to be a dental hygienist. The extent of experience and the increased responsibilities of the role mean that dental hygienists have higher compensation than that of dental assistants. Depending in your experience, where you reside and the practice where you’re employed, your salary as a hygienist could also be between 50-100% greater than your dental assistant salary.
How to turn out to be a dental hygienist
To start working as a licensed dental hygienist, you wish to display an understanding of the relevant science, procedures and best practices. This could be done in just a few steps.
1. Complete a level from an accredited dental hygiene program
You may apply for licensure with either an associate or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from a program that’s been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Program lengths vary according to the degree type and the college you attend. Associate degrees generally take about two years, while bachelor’s degrees generally take about 4. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll give you the option to test out of a few of the prerequisite courses.
Your experience as a dental assistant means that you just’ll likely be accustomed to a few of the subject material covered in this system’s coursework and clinical training. As well as, your experience may also help with the applying process, as dental programs are sometimes competitive.
Having support from your employer whilst you pursue your degree can ease the method. It’s common for people to work as dental assistants while in class to turn out to be dental hygienists. Nonetheless, dental hygiene programs are typically full-time, so this requires flexibility from your employer. Depending in your employer and this system you attend, chances are you’ll also give you the option to do your clinical training at your current practice.
2. Pass your required exams
As well as to earning your degree, you’ll need to pass several examinations before you apply for licensure. The precise requirements vary by state. In Minnesota, you wish to pass:
- The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, which assesses your ability to understand and apply information from the biomedical and dental hygiene sciences.
- A clinical examination administered by the Central Regional Dental Testing Service, American Board of Dental Examiners or Western Regional Examining Board, which evaluates your ability to perform typical dental procedures, make diagnoses and plan treatments.
- The Minnesota Jurisprudence Examination, which covers knowledge areas, including the overall duties of a dental care provider, personal conduct, ethics and infection control.
3. Find a chance
When you’ve earned your degree, passed your exams and are licensed, all that’s left is to start working as a dental hygienist. If you will have relationship along with your current practice, chances are you’ll give you the option to make the transition there. If there aren’t any openings for a dental hygienist, ask in the event you can intern as one or tackle a few of the additional responsibilities. That have will prime you for when a chance does come up.
Advance your dental profession at HealthPartners
If you happen to want to make dental care your profession, having an employer that supports you matters. They need to recognize the dedication you’re showing by striving to advance your profession.
At HealthPartners, we imagine in helping one another succeed. With flexible scheduling hours, continuing education reimbursements and the likelihood for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, you’ll work in an environment that champions your development. We also offer competitive advantages for workers working 15 hours or more per week, including comprehensive medical and dental advantages, generous paid break day (PTO) and a 401k.