4 answers
Caroline
Student
Minooka, Illinois
2
Questions
Asked
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What is the difference college wise between being a Dentist and a Dental Hygienist?
I'm a sophomore in high school and I'm trying to look at all of my options. I want to know if there's a difference in the schooling. If I take the Dental Hygienist course, would I be able to take a year or two of college more, or is it a whole different thing? Any answers would be much appreciated.
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4 answers
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Caroline,
It is good that you are thinking about being a dentist or being a dental hygienist. There are some differences college wise between being a dentist and dental hygienist that you will need to consider. Dentists require a bachelors degree, doctoral degree, dental admission test, licensure and much more while Dental hygienists require a high school diploma/GED, an associate or bachelor of science degree, need to pass license exams, get license and much more. Best of luck to you when it comes to your journey!
It is good that you are thinking about being a dentist or being a dental hygienist. There are some differences college wise between being a dentist and dental hygienist that you will need to consider. Dentists require a bachelors degree, doctoral degree, dental admission test, licensure and much more while Dental hygienists require a high school diploma/GED, an associate or bachelor of science degree, need to pass license exams, get license and much more. Best of luck to you when it comes to your journey!
Nicole Mitchell-Toth
Private Practice General Dentist
10
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
The very short answer to this question is a hygienist requires 2 years of college and a dentist requires 8 years of college.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Caroline,
Dental Hygienist and Dentist are two different career paths with different education requirements. However....
If you want to be a dental hygienist, you need to pass an accredited dental hygienist program. There might be pre-requisites to pass before you can apply to the program, so please check with the colleges you would consider. In most programs at Community Colleges you would earn an associates degree (2 years), but at a few schools you can earn a bachelors degree (4 years). Next you need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) which includes a theoretical and a clinical part before you can apply for your license.
If you want to be a dentist, you need to go to Dental School, which is a graduate program. So, your first step would be to earn a bachelors degree (4 years). You can choose any undergraduate degree you enjoy (that's also your fallback option if Dental School doesn't happen), but you also have to pass the pre-requisite courses for Dental School. So, majoring in something biology or chemistry makes sense. You can then apply to Dental School where you train as a dentist and earn the degree Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). To be licensed you need to pass the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE or INBDE) as well as a clinical exam. Further specializations might require additional training.
Now, if you want to build your career in steps and keep your options open, you could go for a bachelors in dental hygiene. In Illinois, Lewis University and Southern Illinois University offer this option:
https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/dentalhygiene/
https://academics.siu.edu/health-professions/dental-hygiene/
If you want to break it up even further, you could get your associates degree first, get some experience and then transfer to a bachelors program. Lewis University e.g. partners with other colleges to offer a 2+2 option.
So, at this point, you can work as a dental hygienist and get dental experience. You can also use this bachelors as foundation to apply to Dental School to train as a dentist.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/oral-health/fast-facts-oral-health/dental-and-dental-hygiene-schools-illinois.html
https://embrasurespace.com/dental-licenses/how-to-become-a-dental-hygienist-in-illinois-a-complete-guide/
https://embrasurespace.com/dental-licenses/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-dentist-in-illinois/
Dental Hygienist and Dentist are two different career paths with different education requirements. However....
If you want to be a dental hygienist, you need to pass an accredited dental hygienist program. There might be pre-requisites to pass before you can apply to the program, so please check with the colleges you would consider. In most programs at Community Colleges you would earn an associates degree (2 years), but at a few schools you can earn a bachelors degree (4 years). Next you need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) which includes a theoretical and a clinical part before you can apply for your license.
If you want to be a dentist, you need to go to Dental School, which is a graduate program. So, your first step would be to earn a bachelors degree (4 years). You can choose any undergraduate degree you enjoy (that's also your fallback option if Dental School doesn't happen), but you also have to pass the pre-requisite courses for Dental School. So, majoring in something biology or chemistry makes sense. You can then apply to Dental School where you train as a dentist and earn the degree Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). To be licensed you need to pass the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE or INBDE) as well as a clinical exam. Further specializations might require additional training.
Now, if you want to build your career in steps and keep your options open, you could go for a bachelors in dental hygiene. In Illinois, Lewis University and Southern Illinois University offer this option:
https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/dentalhygiene/
https://academics.siu.edu/health-professions/dental-hygiene/
If you want to break it up even further, you could get your associates degree first, get some experience and then transfer to a bachelors program. Lewis University e.g. partners with other colleges to offer a 2+2 option.
So, at this point, you can work as a dental hygienist and get dental experience. You can also use this bachelors as foundation to apply to Dental School to train as a dentist.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Ahtesham Ghaffar
13
Answers
Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Ahtesham’s Answer
Becoming a dentist and a dental hygienist involves different levels of schooling. A dental hygienist usually completes a two- to three-year associate degree and passes a licensing exam. They focus on preventive care like cleanings, X-rays, and patient education and can earn a good income without many years of study.
A dentist needs to complete a four-year bachelor's degree and then four years of dental school to earn a DDS or DMD. This path is longer and more challenging, allowing them to diagnose, treat, and perform surgeries.
Starting as a hygienist means you can later apply to dental school but it's not just a few extra years. It's a separate program that requires a bachelor's degree and competitive entry. Becoming a hygienist is quicker and cheaper, while being a dentist offers higher pay and more responsibilities.
A dentist needs to complete a four-year bachelor's degree and then four years of dental school to earn a DDS or DMD. This path is longer and more challenging, allowing them to diagnose, treat, and perform surgeries.
Starting as a hygienist means you can later apply to dental school but it's not just a few extra years. It's a separate program that requires a bachelor's degree and competitive entry. Becoming a hygienist is quicker and cheaper, while being a dentist offers higher pay and more responsibilities.