If you have your heart set on a career as a dental hygienist, there are several things that you need to look out for, and several traps to avoid when considering dental hygienist programs. I am sure that you are now aware that this profession is in the top thirty fastest growing occupations in America, and that the average dental hygienist salary paid is approximately $70,000.
Another great thing to know is the fact that this profession also offers superlative job security. Perhaps the fact that job growth of over 30% is expected at least through 2018 and beyond means that for those who graduate from dental hygienist schools over the next three to five years should experience easy hiring opportunities in most if not all of the highest paying regions around the country.
Dental hygienist jobs are going to remain abundant for decades to come, but it must be understood that the primary drawback to all of this, is that gaining entry to this field is not going to be as easy as one might think.
Dental Hygienist Programs
Dental hygienist programs have begun to become inundated with applicants, and in order to pare the stacks of applications to acceptable levels they have tightened the requirements necessary to gain admittance to their schools. Don’t let this deter you though, if you’re determined enough, there is no doubt that you will be able to find a school that accepts you and fits your goals and your budget.
In order to present a stronger candidate for review, there are a number of things that you are going to need to have on your application. Some schools require that an applicant have studied biology, math, chemistry, and English in high school. Some require high scores on college entrance examinations such as the SAT. Some even require a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in high school as a reflection of commitment to academics.
Hygienist Programs – Public or Private
One of the more important questions you must determine is whether to choose a public or a private school program. There are pro’s and con’s to either choice, and you must decide which program meets most of your objectives while maintaining affordability.
If we look at a private or for profit school, the first thing you see is the glitzy and glamorous marketing package they have assembled for to wow the senses, but be careful, because in the long run, it’s probably you who will be paying for all that hype through the battery of fees and the high tuition that you’ll end up paying.
Don’t get me wrong, because for profit schools do have a place and many students who graduate from their programs can go on to lucrative careers sometimes sooner than students at state colleges and universities. The question is whether you are willing to pay, sometimes as much as 4X or more the tuition rate than a public school.
One advantage they can have is the fact that they can be better funded with better resources, lab equipment and smaller class sizes. They can also afford better teachers and instructors to present cutting edge clinical techniques for practicing students. This often translates to a better learning experience overall, and higher GPA’s for graduates.
Dental Hygienist Programs in Public Schools
Though often less expensive in tuition, public schools may often be lacking in funding, thus experience older equipment, fewer resources, and sometimes maxed out class sizes. One of the biggest laments of students is waiting on long waiting lists for required courses in order to graduate.
This isn’t always the case with all public schools providing dental hygienist training, but it means that if you do your due diligence, you should be able to locate the right school, and the right circumstances to choose which dental hygienist programs fit you, your lifestyle and your budget.