ECPI Dental Hygienist Program
If you are looking for a dental hygiene degree program, you may have many choices. The ECPI Dental hygienist program offers a two-year degree, but there are other options. You can also earn your AAS degree in five semesters at Lord Fairfax Community College. You can also find career diploma programs through San Joaquin Valley College. You can also choose to pursue an externship program to gain experience in a real-world dental office.
ECPI University offers a two-year degree in dental hygiene
The Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene degree is usually a two-year program, offered by a technical college, university, or both. This degree program includes prerequisite courses in English composition, general chemistry, anatomy, and infection control in dentistry. It prepares graduates for state licensing exams. There are many dental hygiene schools offering this degree program. Here are some of them. ECPI University’s Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene program prerequisites:
ECPI University’s School of Health Science offers a two-year program in dental hygiene, and an AS degree program in health administration, as well. ECPI University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. To enroll, students must possess at least a high school diploma and must pass an admissions test. For out-of-state students, the annual tuition is $20,880.
Graduates of the program can work in private dental offices or can opt for jobs in state health programs or school health programs. In addition to private practices, bachelor’s degrees prepare students for master’s degrees in dental hygiene and prepare them to become teachers and researchers. ECPI University is located in California and offers a two-year program in dental hygiene. There are many other accredited dental hygiene programs in the US.
Lord Fairfax Community College offers a five-semester AAS Degree in dental hygiene
The program requires students to complete a two-year tuition period and requires over $4,900 in fees to complete. Students must spend a minimum of $3,500 on their first semester of classes. Admission requires successful completion of an annual criminal background check and a negative drug screening test. Applicants must provide documented proof of completion of these prerequisites. If they are HIV positive, they may want to reconsider their career goals.
This program is available to students at both campuses of Lord Fairfax Community College. The Middletown location offers the AAS Degree in dental hygiene and the Luray-Page County Center offers the program in dentistry. Other courses offered at both locations include general business, engineering, American sign language, fine arts, forensic science, nursing, communications, and agriculture science. There are over 75 associate degree programs and certificates available at the college’s three locations.
Applicants must have at least four units of high school English and mathematics, as well as one unit of biology and chemistry. Students must have completed Algebra II. Students must earn a grade of C or better in the required math and science courses. The cumulative GPA must be at least 2.5 to qualify for admission. Applicants with a 3.0 GPA will be prioritized.
To apply for this program, applicants must have at least 60 semester hours of general education coursework. Candidates without previous experience in dental assisting should observe one full workday in a dental office. Applicants with limited space will be given priority over others. LFCC is part of the Virginia Community College System. It serves the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, and Warren.
Laurel Ridge Community College also offers a five-semester Associate Degree in dental hygiene through a joint venture with Virginia Western Community College. The program is highly competitive, with only 18 students selected every two years. Dawn Southerly, the coordinator of the program, emphasizes a high G.P.A. and a passion for helping others. The program is rigorous, competitive, and demanding, with approximately six to eight hours of clinical and laboratory work each day. Typical nighttime homework involves about two hours of reading and study.
Students in a dental hygiene program should become members of the American Dental Hygienists Association, which supports students in their studies. The organization raises funds for professional advancement and helps students in the community by providing free x-rays and teeth assessments. It is also a good idea to find a dentist within the area you live in. Your local dentist may be able to recommend a dental hygienist if you have a question about the profession.
San Joaquin Valley College offers a career diploma in dental hygiene
The associate degree in dental hygiene is a three-year program, with the first half of the curriculum focused on liberal arts coursework. The second half includes specialized coursework in dental hygiene. Students will gain expertise in various aspects of the dental field, including clinical procedures, x-ray techniques, and advanced scaling and root planning methods. Students will take part in extensive clinical sessions that start out as eight hours a week and increase to twelve to sixteen hours per week during terms three and four. Students must also avoid working while enrolled in clinical classes.
Students pursuing a BSDH degree must have a minimum of 80 units of lower division classes and a current RDH credential in the state in which they currently practice. SJVC’s first BSDH graduating class achieved great results in a relatively short period of time. As the dental industry becomes more accessible, more short-term educational steps are being discovered.
The dental hygiene program at San Joaquin Valley College requires approximately 16 months of academic dedication. Students will learn about dental health from an integrated perspective with small class sizes. The college’s high board pass rate indicates that the program meets the national board’s eligibility requirements for the written exam. The college also offers externships and clinical experiences for students interested in pursuing a career in the field.
In addition to providing dental hygiene courses, the college also offers other dental health programs. The California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (CDPHE) accredits San Joaquin Valley College as an institution. This means the school has met compliance standards as set forth by the California Private Postsecondary Education Act. Before enrolling in a program at SJVC, prospective students should review its school performance fact sheet and catalog.
The Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene program begins in the summer semester and runs for two years. The program is full-time and consists of daytime classes. Graduates can take the National Dental Hygiene Board exam, and work in various dental offices, specialty clinics, and nursing clinics. For admission to the program, students must complete prerequisite courses and have a grade of 3.0 in science courses. To qualify, applicants must complete general education courses with an “A” or “C” in mathematics and science.
Obtaining a license to practice as a dental hygienist is crucial for a successful career. The position is stable, rewarding, and can lead to a comfortable income. To become a dental hygienist, however, you must obtain a professional education from a reputable dental hygiene program. In addition to the training required by California law, you must pass the RDH examination and complete a board-approved clinical course.
