5 Ways To Become A Dental Hygienist At Midlands Tech

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Becoming a dental hygienist can be a rewarding career path for those who are passionate about oral health and helping others. At Midlands Technical College (Midlands Tech), students can pursue an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Dental Hygiene, which prepares them for a successful career in this field. Here are five ways to become a dental hygienist at Midlands Tech:

Program Overview Midlands Tech's Dental Hygiene program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a licensed dental hygienist. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and is taught by experienced faculty members who are licensed dental hygienists themselves.

Step 1: Meet the Admission Requirements To be eligible for the Dental Hygiene program at Midlands Tech, students must meet the following admission requirements:

• Earn a high school diploma or equivalent
• Take the required prerequisite courses, including anatomy, physiology, and biology
• Achieve a minimum GPA of 2.5
• Complete a dental hygiene observation experience
• Submit a program application and fee

Step 2: Complete the Program Curriculum The Dental Hygiene program at Midlands Tech consists of 74 credit hours of coursework, which includes both classroom and clinical instruction. The program curriculum covers topics such as:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Oral pathology
• Pharmacology
• Radiology
• Dental hygiene techniques
• Patient assessment and management

Students also participate in clinical rotations, where they gain hands-on experience in providing dental hygiene care to patients.

Step 3: Gain Clinical Experience Clinical experience is an essential part of the Dental Hygiene program at Midlands Tech. Students participate in clinical rotations at the college's on-campus dental clinic, as well as at off-campus clinical sites. This hands-on experience helps students develop the skills and confidence they need to become a successful dental hygienist.

Step 4: Pass the Licensing Exam After completing the program, students are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) clinical exam. Passing these exams is required to become a licensed dental hygienist in the state of South Carolina.

Step 5: Pursue Professional Development The Dental Hygiene program at Midlands Tech prepares students for a successful career in dental hygiene, but it's also important for students to pursue professional development after graduation. This can include joining professional organizations, attending continuing education courses, and staying up-to-date on the latest research and techniques in the field.

Dental Hygiene Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Dental Hygiene program at Midlands Tech can pursue a variety of career opportunities, including:

• Clinical dental hygiene practice
• Public health dental hygiene
• Dental hygiene education
• Research and development
• Sales and marketing

Conclusion

Becoming a dental hygienist requires a strong foundation in the sciences, as well as hands-on clinical experience. The Dental Hygiene program at Midlands Tech provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field. By following these five steps, students can become a licensed dental hygienist and pursue a rewarding career in oral health.