The dental hygiene profession has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by an increased focus on preventative oral care and the importance of good oral health in maintaining overall well-being. As a result, there is a high demand for skilled dental hygienists who can provide expert care to patients. If you're interested in pursuing a career in dental hygiene, the AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program is an excellent option to consider.
In this article, we'll delve into the details of the AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program, including its requirements, curriculum, and benefits. We'll also explore the advantages of pursuing a career in dental hygiene and provide tips for success in the program.
Why Pursue a Career in Dental Hygiene?
Before we dive into the specifics of the AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program, let's explore why a career in dental hygiene is an attractive option. Dental hygienists play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing essential care to patients to prevent oral diseases and promote good oral health. Some of the benefits of a career in dental hygiene include:
- Job stability and growth: The demand for dental hygienists is high, and the profession is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years.
- Competitive salary: Dental hygienists are well-compensated, with median salaries ranging from $70,000 to over $100,000 depending on location and experience.
- Flexibility: Dental hygienists can work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, and community clinics.
- Personal satisfaction: Dental hygienists have the opportunity to make a positive impact on patients' lives, helping them maintain good oral health and preventing oral diseases.
AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program Overview
The AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and training needed to become successful dental hygienists. Here are some key details about the program:
- Length: The program is two years in length, with students completing a minimum of 70 credit hours.
- Curriculum: The program includes coursework in dental hygiene, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and community health. Students also participate in clinical experiences, providing them with hands-on training in a real-world setting.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality and effectiveness.
Requirements for Admission
To be eligible for admission to the AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Education: Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- GPA: Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Prerequisites: Applicants must complete prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and chemistry.
- TEAS Score: Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 65 on the TEAS exam.
Curriculum and Coursework
The AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program includes a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and training needed to become successful dental hygienists. Here are some examples of coursework included in the program:
- Dental Hygiene Theory: This course provides an introduction to the principles and practices of dental hygiene.
- Anatomy and Physiology: This course provides an in-depth study of the human body, including the structure and function of the teeth, gums, and other oral tissues.
- Pharmacology: This course provides an introduction to the principles of pharmacology, including the use of medications in dental hygiene.
- Community Health: This course provides an introduction to the principles of community health, including health promotion and disease prevention.
Clinical Experiences
The AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program includes clinical experiences, providing students with hands-on training in a real-world setting. Students participate in clinical rotations, working directly with patients to provide dental hygiene care. This experience helps students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed as dental hygienists.
Benefits of the AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program
The AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program offers a number of benefits to students, including:
- Expert Faculty: The program is taught by experienced faculty who are experts in the field of dental hygiene.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: The program includes access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a dental hygiene clinic and laboratory.
- Hands-on Training: The program includes clinical experiences, providing students with hands-on training in a real-world setting.
- Job Placement: The program has a strong track record of job placement, with graduates going on to work in a variety of settings.
Tips for Success in the AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program
To succeed in the AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program, students should:
- Stay Organized: The program is demanding, and students need to stay organized to keep up with coursework and clinical experiences.
- Seek Help When Needed: Students should not hesitate to seek help when needed, whether it's from faculty, peers, or tutors.
- Participate in Clinical Experiences: Clinical experiences are a critical part of the program, and students should participate fully to get the most out of the experience.
- Stay Focused: The program is challenging, and students need to stay focused to achieve their goals.
Gallery of Dental Hygiene
FAQs
What is the length of the AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program?
+The AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program is two years in length.
What are the admission requirements for the AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program?
+Applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the article, including age, education, GPA, prerequisites, and TEAS score.
What kind of job opportunities are available to graduates of the AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program?
+Graduates of the AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program can work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, and community clinics.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information about the AB Tech Dental Hygiene Program. If you're interested in pursuing a career in dental hygiene, we encourage you to explore this program further. Remember to stay organized, seek help when needed, participate in clinical experiences, and stay focused to achieve success in the program.