To become a dental hygienist, a qualification from a dental hygienist school is required.
The qualification can either be a certificate, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene.
The specific requirements may vary from country to country but some sort of qualification in dental hygiene as a prerequisite is common among all the countries.
Dental Hygienist Programs In the U.S.
In the United States of America, dental hygienist programs either grant a certificate (after a year’s study), a two year associate degree, a four year bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in dental hygiene.
The most common qualification is an associate degree, perhaps because it does not require a very long study period and that majority of jobs require an associate degree as the minimum qualification.
The school must have an accreditation from the American Dental Association (ADA). A dental hygienist will also require a State license from the state in which they work in.
Dental Hygienist Programs In Australia
In Australia, minimum study period is two years. Qualifications in dental hygiene are an advanced diploma, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.
The most common qualification is a bachelor’s degree which is acquired after three years fulltime study. Dental hygienist schools must be accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC).
Dental hygienist licenses are renewed every year and some states may require proof of enrolment in continuing education programs for license renewal. Entry into dental hygiene programs in Australia is very competitive as there are not very many training facilities.
Dental Hygienist Programs In Canada
In Canada, dental hygienist programs will offer a two year diploma program as this is the minimum requirement to become licensed. Dental programs are regulated by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB).
The largest dental school which offers all sorts of dental qualifications and specialization including dental hygienist qualifications is at the University of Toronto.
Like in the United States, duties of the dental hygienist will vary according to geographical location.There are many similarities between dental hygienist practices the world over.
Most will require a minimum post-secondary education, typically a two-year education program. Another similarity is that dental hygienist programs are overseen by a board.
