6 answers
Khai
Student
Olympia, Washington
2
Questions
Updated
846 views
What Steps should I be taking next as a high schooler to become a dental hygienist?
I am in the 10th grade and I am considering going into the medical field as fast as I can. I am considering becoming a dental hygienist due it only requiring at least an Associate Degree and I will be able to obtain next year if I am able to succeed in running start.
What are the next steps after high school that I should be taking to eventually becoming a dental hygienist? And is there any programs or schools in Washington state that I should consider going too?
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4 answers
Hadley Blankenship
Office Assistant
2
Answers
Knoxville, Tennessee
Updated
Hadley’s Answer
Hello, Khai!
Dental hygiene is a growing field, and I hope your studies go well!
First off, from what I understand, community colleges are the best colleges for receiving associate's degrees. In fact, that's how my dental hygienist received her degree! Here is a link to a website of colleges you can look at that offer dental hygiene studies:
https://wsdha.com/index.php?submenu=DentalHygienePrograms&src=gendocs&ref=DHprograms&link=DHprograms
Once you have completed your studies, you will need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, then gain certification within the ADHA (American Dental Hygienists' Association). Here is a link to the ADHA website that gives more details about certification.
https://www.adha.org/education-resources/become-a-dental-hygienist/
Since you are in high school and a sophomore, I'd consider you ask a guidance counselor at your school about dual enrollment programs and if your school offers them. Dual enrollment will let you take certain college-level classes for free that count toward your future college experience! Since you're only getting an associate's degree, I can't guarantee they will allow you to do the program, but it could let you save some money and time since you'd have to pay for/go to less classes in the future.
I hope this helps, and stay on that grind!
Dental hygiene is a growing field, and I hope your studies go well!
First off, from what I understand, community colleges are the best colleges for receiving associate's degrees. In fact, that's how my dental hygienist received her degree! Here is a link to a website of colleges you can look at that offer dental hygiene studies:
https://wsdha.com/index.php?submenu=DentalHygienePrograms&src=gendocs&ref=DHprograms&link=DHprograms
Once you have completed your studies, you will need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, then gain certification within the ADHA (American Dental Hygienists' Association). Here is a link to the ADHA website that gives more details about certification.
https://www.adha.org/education-resources/become-a-dental-hygienist/
Since you are in high school and a sophomore, I'd consider you ask a guidance counselor at your school about dual enrollment programs and if your school offers them. Dual enrollment will let you take certain college-level classes for free that count toward your future college experience! Since you're only getting an associate's degree, I can't guarantee they will allow you to do the program, but it could let you save some money and time since you'd have to pay for/go to less classes in the future.
I hope this helps, and stay on that grind!
Fernando Medina
Registered Dental Hygienist
1
Answer
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
That’s a great question, Khai! It sounds like you’re already thinking ahead about your future, and that’s awesome. Here’s a step-by-step guide for you to follow to become a dental hygienist after high school, along with some suggestions for schools and programs in Washington state:
### 1. **Focus on Your High School Studies**
- **Maintain Strong Grades:** Focus on excelling in math and science courses (like biology, chemistry, and anatomy) since these are foundational to dental hygiene.
- **Participate in Health-Related Activities:** If your school offers any health science or medical-related clubs, join them. Some schools also offer programs like HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) that can give you a head start.
- **Run Start (College Credit Program):** If you’re already considering Running Start (which allows high school students to take college courses), that’s a great move. It’ll help you knock out some college credits in subjects like biology, chemistry, or even English that you’ll need later in a dental hygiene program.
### 2. **Graduate High School**
- **Graduate with a Strong Transcript:** You’ll need to graduate with your high school diploma, and if you’ve taken college-level courses through Running Start, it can also give you a leg up when applying to dental hygiene programs later on.
### 3. **Find an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program**
- Dental hygiene programs typically require you to complete a minimum of an **Associate Degree** in dental hygiene. You can apply to schools that offer these programs after you finish high school, but make sure they’re **accredited** by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) so that your degree is valid for certification.
### Schools in Washington State to Consider:
- **Seattle Central College:** Offers a well-regarded dental hygiene program. It’s a public college and offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in dental hygiene.
- **Lake Washington Institute of Technology:** Located in Kirkland, they offer an accredited dental hygiene program that leads to an AAS degree.
- **Pima Medical Institute – Seattle Campus:** Offers a dental hygiene program that prepares you for the licensing exam.
- **Clark College:** Located in Vancouver, they offer a dental hygiene program that’s accredited and prepares you to take the board exams.
- **Eastern Washington University – Spokane:** They have a dental hygiene program with a great reputation as well.
### 4. **Prepare for College Admission**
- **Take the Required Pre-Requisite Courses:** Before being accepted into a dental hygiene program, you’ll need to have completed certain pre-requisite courses (e.g., biology, chemistry, anatomy, and math). If you’re not already taking these through Running Start, you can plan to take them when you start college.
- **Gain Clinical Experience:** Some programs require volunteer work or clinical experience in a dental office, so try to find opportunities to shadow a dental hygienist or dentist. This will also help you confirm if dental hygiene is really the right fit for you.
### 5. **Apply to a Dental Hygiene Program**
- **Submit Your Application:** Dental hygiene programs can be competitive, so you’ll need to apply and meet the entry requirements for the programs you’re interested in. Many programs also require you to pass an entrance exam and have a solid GPA.
- **Prepare for Interviews:** Some programs might require interviews, so be prepared to talk about why you want to be a dental hygienist and what steps you’ve already taken to get there.
### 6. **Complete the Dental Hygiene Program**
- **Graduate with an Associate Degree:** The dental hygiene program will include both coursework and hands-on clinical experience. You’ll learn how to clean teeth, take X-rays, educate patients, and much more.
### 7. **Pass Licensing Exams**
- **National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE):** After graduation, you’ll need to pass the national exam to become a licensed dental hygienist.
- **State Clinical Exam:** You’ll also need to pass a clinical exam specific to the state you want to work in. In Washington, the exam is typically the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) clinical exam.
- **State Law and Ethics Exam:** You’ll also have to take a state law and ethics exam to ensure you’re up to speed on dental regulations in Washington.
### 8. **Find a Job as a Dental Hygienist**
- Once you’re licensed, you can start working as a dental hygienist in a private practice, a dental clinic, or even in public health settings. You can also continue your education to specialize or advance your career if you choose.
### Bonus Tips:
- **Network with Dental Professionals:** Get to know people in the field by attending events or joining local dental associations (like the Washington State Dental Hygienists’ Association).
- **Keep Your Options Open:** If you find that you want to expand your career later on, you can pursue a Bachelor’s or even a Master’s degree in dental hygiene or related fields, which can open doors to teaching, research, or administration roles.
---
The good news is that with your early planning and interest in Running Start, you’re already ahead of the game! If you stay focused on excelling in your high school and college courses and gain relevant experience, you’ll be on track to graduate and start working as a dental hygienist in a few years. Keep up the great work!
Let me know if you want more information or have other questions about any of these steps!
### 1. **Focus on Your High School Studies**
- **Maintain Strong Grades:** Focus on excelling in math and science courses (like biology, chemistry, and anatomy) since these are foundational to dental hygiene.
- **Participate in Health-Related Activities:** If your school offers any health science or medical-related clubs, join them. Some schools also offer programs like HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) that can give you a head start.
- **Run Start (College Credit Program):** If you’re already considering Running Start (which allows high school students to take college courses), that’s a great move. It’ll help you knock out some college credits in subjects like biology, chemistry, or even English that you’ll need later in a dental hygiene program.
### 2. **Graduate High School**
- **Graduate with a Strong Transcript:** You’ll need to graduate with your high school diploma, and if you’ve taken college-level courses through Running Start, it can also give you a leg up when applying to dental hygiene programs later on.
### 3. **Find an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program**
- Dental hygiene programs typically require you to complete a minimum of an **Associate Degree** in dental hygiene. You can apply to schools that offer these programs after you finish high school, but make sure they’re **accredited** by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) so that your degree is valid for certification.
### Schools in Washington State to Consider:
- **Seattle Central College:** Offers a well-regarded dental hygiene program. It’s a public college and offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in dental hygiene.
- **Lake Washington Institute of Technology:** Located in Kirkland, they offer an accredited dental hygiene program that leads to an AAS degree.
- **Pima Medical Institute – Seattle Campus:** Offers a dental hygiene program that prepares you for the licensing exam.
- **Clark College:** Located in Vancouver, they offer a dental hygiene program that’s accredited and prepares you to take the board exams.
- **Eastern Washington University – Spokane:** They have a dental hygiene program with a great reputation as well.
### 4. **Prepare for College Admission**
- **Take the Required Pre-Requisite Courses:** Before being accepted into a dental hygiene program, you’ll need to have completed certain pre-requisite courses (e.g., biology, chemistry, anatomy, and math). If you’re not already taking these through Running Start, you can plan to take them when you start college.
- **Gain Clinical Experience:** Some programs require volunteer work or clinical experience in a dental office, so try to find opportunities to shadow a dental hygienist or dentist. This will also help you confirm if dental hygiene is really the right fit for you.
### 5. **Apply to a Dental Hygiene Program**
- **Submit Your Application:** Dental hygiene programs can be competitive, so you’ll need to apply and meet the entry requirements for the programs you’re interested in. Many programs also require you to pass an entrance exam and have a solid GPA.
- **Prepare for Interviews:** Some programs might require interviews, so be prepared to talk about why you want to be a dental hygienist and what steps you’ve already taken to get there.
### 6. **Complete the Dental Hygiene Program**
- **Graduate with an Associate Degree:** The dental hygiene program will include both coursework and hands-on clinical experience. You’ll learn how to clean teeth, take X-rays, educate patients, and much more.
### 7. **Pass Licensing Exams**
- **National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE):** After graduation, you’ll need to pass the national exam to become a licensed dental hygienist.
- **State Clinical Exam:** You’ll also need to pass a clinical exam specific to the state you want to work in. In Washington, the exam is typically the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) clinical exam.
- **State Law and Ethics Exam:** You’ll also have to take a state law and ethics exam to ensure you’re up to speed on dental regulations in Washington.
### 8. **Find a Job as a Dental Hygienist**
- Once you’re licensed, you can start working as a dental hygienist in a private practice, a dental clinic, or even in public health settings. You can also continue your education to specialize or advance your career if you choose.
### Bonus Tips:
- **Network with Dental Professionals:** Get to know people in the field by attending events or joining local dental associations (like the Washington State Dental Hygienists’ Association).
- **Keep Your Options Open:** If you find that you want to expand your career later on, you can pursue a Bachelor’s or even a Master’s degree in dental hygiene or related fields, which can open doors to teaching, research, or administration roles.
---
The good news is that with your early planning and interest in Running Start, you’re already ahead of the game! If you stay focused on excelling in your high school and college courses and gain relevant experience, you’ll be on track to graduate and start working as a dental hygienist in a few years. Keep up the great work!
Let me know if you want more information or have other questions about any of these steps!
Malcolm Higgins
Purchase Agreement Underwriter
7
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Malcolm’s Answer
Good morning Khai!
I would recommend researching if there's any local dental offices that would allow you to intern there to gain some hands on insight into the role you're looking to obtain. Any potential internships would also provide you networking opportunities to find the schools offering the best dental programs. You can also do some online searches to see about any virtual programs for dental hygienists if you're unable to find any local schools that provide what you're looking for. Wishing you the best in your journey to becoming an amazing dental hygienist!
I would recommend researching if there's any local dental offices that would allow you to intern there to gain some hands on insight into the role you're looking to obtain. Any potential internships would also provide you networking opportunities to find the schools offering the best dental programs. You can also do some online searches to see about any virtual programs for dental hygienists if you're unable to find any local schools that provide what you're looking for. Wishing you the best in your journey to becoming an amazing dental hygienist!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7223
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
A Very Good Day To You, Khai!
Steps to Become a Dental Hygienist in Washington State
1. Understand the Role of a Dental Hygienist Before pursuing a career as a dental hygienist, it’s essential to understand what the role entails. Dental hygienists are licensed professionals who provide preventive dental care, educate patients on oral hygiene, and assist dentists during procedures. They perform tasks such as cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, and applying fluoride treatments.
2. Focus on Relevant High School Courses As you are currently in 10th grade, focus on courses that will prepare you for a career in dental hygiene. Key subjects include:
Biology: Understanding human anatomy and physiology is crucial.
Chemistry: Knowledge of chemical reactions is important for understanding dental materials.
Mathematics: Basic math skills are necessary for dosage calculations and measurements.
Health Education: This can provide foundational knowledge about health and wellness.
3. Consider Running Start Program Since you mentioned the Running Start program, this can be an excellent opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. Look for community colleges in Washington that offer this program with courses related to dental hygiene or general education requirements.
4. Research Dental Hygiene Programs After high school, you will need to enroll in an accredited dental hygiene program. In Washington State, several institutions offer Associate Degrees in Dental Hygiene:
Pierce College: Offers an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene with comprehensive training.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech): Provides an accredited program focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Seattle Central College: Offers a well-regarded dental hygiene program with hands-on clinical experience.
Make sure to check each program’s prerequisites and application process.
5. Complete Prerequisites Most dental hygiene programs require specific prerequisites before admission. These may include courses in biology, chemistry, and sometimes even psychology or sociology. Ensure you complete these courses during your time at community college or through Running Start.
6. Apply to Dental Hygiene Programs Once you’ve completed your prerequisites, apply to your chosen programs. Be prepared for interviews or entrance exams if required by the institution.
7. Obtain Your Associate Degree Upon acceptance into a program, focus on completing your degree requirements over the next two years. This will involve both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
8. Pass National Board Exam & State Licensure After earning your degree, you must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) as well as any state-specific licensing exams required by Washington State to practice legally as a dental hygienist.
9. Pursue Continuing Education Once licensed, consider continuing education opportunities to stay current with industry standards and practices. Many states require ongoing education for license renewal.
10. Explore Job Opportunities With your degree and license in hand, start looking for job opportunities within dental offices, clinics, or public health organizations that employ dental hygienists.
By following these steps systematically from high school through licensure, you can successfully become a dental hygienist in Washington State.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA)
A leading organization representing the interests of registered dental hygienists across the United States; provides resources regarding education pathways and professional standards.
Washington State Department of Health - Dental Hygiene Licensing Information
Official state resource detailing licensing requirements for dental hygienists in Washington State including examination details and educational prerequisites.
Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
The accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that ensures quality standards for educational programs preparing students for careers in dentistry including dental hygiene programs across various states including Washington.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN====================|
|=================Programming For Your Nutrition Education===================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Steps to Become a Dental Hygienist in Washington State
1. Understand the Role of a Dental Hygienist Before pursuing a career as a dental hygienist, it’s essential to understand what the role entails. Dental hygienists are licensed professionals who provide preventive dental care, educate patients on oral hygiene, and assist dentists during procedures. They perform tasks such as cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, and applying fluoride treatments.
2. Focus on Relevant High School Courses As you are currently in 10th grade, focus on courses that will prepare you for a career in dental hygiene. Key subjects include:
Biology: Understanding human anatomy and physiology is crucial.
Chemistry: Knowledge of chemical reactions is important for understanding dental materials.
Mathematics: Basic math skills are necessary for dosage calculations and measurements.
Health Education: This can provide foundational knowledge about health and wellness.
3. Consider Running Start Program Since you mentioned the Running Start program, this can be an excellent opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. Look for community colleges in Washington that offer this program with courses related to dental hygiene or general education requirements.
4. Research Dental Hygiene Programs After high school, you will need to enroll in an accredited dental hygiene program. In Washington State, several institutions offer Associate Degrees in Dental Hygiene:
Pierce College: Offers an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene with comprehensive training.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech): Provides an accredited program focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Seattle Central College: Offers a well-regarded dental hygiene program with hands-on clinical experience.
Make sure to check each program’s prerequisites and application process.
5. Complete Prerequisites Most dental hygiene programs require specific prerequisites before admission. These may include courses in biology, chemistry, and sometimes even psychology or sociology. Ensure you complete these courses during your time at community college or through Running Start.
6. Apply to Dental Hygiene Programs Once you’ve completed your prerequisites, apply to your chosen programs. Be prepared for interviews or entrance exams if required by the institution.
7. Obtain Your Associate Degree Upon acceptance into a program, focus on completing your degree requirements over the next two years. This will involve both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
8. Pass National Board Exam & State Licensure After earning your degree, you must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) as well as any state-specific licensing exams required by Washington State to practice legally as a dental hygienist.
9. Pursue Continuing Education Once licensed, consider continuing education opportunities to stay current with industry standards and practices. Many states require ongoing education for license renewal.
10. Explore Job Opportunities With your degree and license in hand, start looking for job opportunities within dental offices, clinics, or public health organizations that employ dental hygienists.
By following these steps systematically from high school through licensure, you can successfully become a dental hygienist in Washington State.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA)
A leading organization representing the interests of registered dental hygienists across the United States; provides resources regarding education pathways and professional standards.
Washington State Department of Health - Dental Hygiene Licensing Information
Official state resource detailing licensing requirements for dental hygienists in Washington State including examination details and educational prerequisites.
Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
The accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that ensures quality standards for educational programs preparing students for careers in dentistry including dental hygiene programs across various states including Washington.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN====================|
|=================Programming For Your Nutrition Education===================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯