A dental hygienist is an individual who practices dental hygiene. Dental hygiene is the performance of educational, preventive or therapeutic dental services. A person trained and licensed to provide preventive dental services, such as cleaning the teeth and taking x-rays, usually in conjunction with a dentist. Career Videotape – Watch a short video about this profession
Occupational Outlook
Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014, ranking among the fastest growing occupations, in response to increasing demand for dental care and the greater utilization of hygienists to perform services previously performed by dentists. Job prospects are expected to remain excellent. For additional information visit theU.S. Dep. of Labor-Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Licenses & Certificates
Dental hygienists must be licensed by the State in which they practice. To qualify for licensure in nearly all States, a candidate must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school and pass both a written and clinical examination. The American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations administers the written examination, which is accepted by all States and the District of Columbia. State or regional testing agencies administer the clinical examination. In addition, most States require an examination on the legal aspects of dental hygiene practice.
For additional information on licensing in the State of Connecticut visit: www.ct-clic.com
Training
Most dental hygiene programs grant an associate degree, although some also offer a certificate, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree. A minimum of an associate degree or certificate in dental hygiene is generally required for practice in a private dental office.
Pathways
A bachelor’s or master’s degree usually is required for research, teaching, or clinical practice in public or school health programs.
Preparing for this career at Middlesex Community College
The following is a listing of the courses that are available at MxCC that are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training at Central Connecticut State University.
All of the General Education Program courses required in:
Arts and Humanities
Social Sciences
Behavioral Sciences
Natural Sciences
Communication Skills
Mathematics
Foreign Language Proficiency
What if MxCC does not offer my career of choice? Even if your career choice is not available at MxCC, you can still start your career training with us. Besides our core curriculum of allied health degree and certificate programs, we offer a comprehensive curriculum of General Education courses and other courses that might be applicable for transfer.
A percentage of General Education and elective credits are necessary to complete the requirements for any academic degree. We also offer many “Gen Ed” credits needed to complete a certificate program.
Middlesex Community College is committed to helping students achieve success in pursuit of their educational goals.
Did you know? Middlesex Community College offers a variety of course schedules. We hold day classes, evenings, and Saturdays. We also offer a variety of instructor-facilitated online courses. Class schedules are published each semester and available online.
