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Career Colleges    » Pennsylvania    » Health, Medical, and Nursing     » Dental Hygienist

Pennsylvania Dental Hygienist Degrees

Dental Hygienist Degrees: Pennsylvania Colleges

Looking for accredited career colleges, technical schools, and universities in Pennsylvania offering Dental Hygienist degrees. Ready to enter the dental hygiene profession? Academic programs provided by community colleges, technical colleges, dental schools or universities

Going to a Pennsylvania college is a great decision. The Keystone state boasts rolling countryside, pristine small-town life, and two world-class cities. Philadelphia, the Cradle of Liberty, is a thriving and energetic city with one of the strongest art scenes in America. Whether you are taking in experimental theater at the Painted Bride, enjoying some of country's finest dance with Philadanco or the Pennsylvania Ballet, or listening to the lush strings of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Philly is sure to give your life an abundance of arts events to enjoy.

Outdoor life is very enjoyable in Pennsylvania. It is a major stop on the eastern flyway for migratory birds, and you are likely to see avian visitors you never dreamed of. You have a choice, within a short drive, of rolling hills, peaceful beech-and-oak forests, or scenic mountains. Going to college in Pennsylvania will mean that you are rarely at a loss for things to do.

Pennsylvania Colleges: Dental Hygienist Degrees

Do I Want to Be a Dental Hygienist?

Dental hygienists are oral health professionals who work under the supervision of licensed dentists. Along with teaching patients proper oral hygiene, they may conduct patient assessments, oral inspections and teeth cleanings. Hygienists often work in general and specialty dental clinics but may also find employment in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.

Dental hygienists receive their education through academic programs at community colleges, technical colleges, dental schools or universities. The majority of community college programs take at least two years to complete, with graduates receiving associate degrees. Upon completion of this degree, a hygienist will have to take the license examinations (national and state or regional), become licensed and to work in a dental office.

University-based dental hygiene programs may offer baccalaureate and master's degrees, which generally require at least two years of further schooling. These additional degrees may be required for a career in teaching and/or research, as well as for clinical practice in school or public health programs.

Dental hygiene program admission requirements vary depending upon the specific school. Additionally, these programs include courses in liberal arts (eg, English, speech, sociology and psychology); basic sciences (eg, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, immunology, chemistry, microbiology and pathology); and clinical sciences (eg, dental hygiene, radiology and dental materials). After completion of a dental hygiene program, dental hygienists can choose to pursue additional training in such areas as education, business administration, basic sciences, marketing and public health.

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