The job market for dental hygienists is on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), between 2023 and 2033, there will be about 16,400 job opportunities for dental hygienists annually. With such a promising outlook, pursuing a dental hygiene degree might be for you.
Dental Hygiene Associate Degree
As a dental hygienist, you can help people smile with confidence. Dental hygienists are key members of a dental care team that makes a positive difference in people’s lives.
With the Dental Hygiene Degree (DHY) from Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC), you’ll grow the skills and knowledge to improve and maintain your patients’ oral health. An associate degree is required to become a dental hygienist. At MWCC, you can earn your degree in two years without breaking the bank.
Additionally, if you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in detail hygiene while saving time and money, you can. An associate degree from MWCC allows you to transfer to a public or private four-year institution.
What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
Dental hygienists perform cleanings and inspections to help maintain their patients’ oral health. They work closely with a dentist to provide patients with optimal care.
Here are some typical duties of a dental hygienist:
- Document medical data
- Capture and develop dental X-rays
- Use dental instruments to detect patient conditions
- Clean teeth with scrapers and polishers
- Apply preventive treatments like fluoride
- Examine gums for signs of disease
- Educate patients about proper oral care
- Assist the dentist with advanced oral procedures
The Dental Hygiene Program at MWCC
The DHY program at the Mount provides comprehensive education and hands-on training to become a successful dental hygienist. We prepare students with the knowledge, values and skills needed to enter the workforce upon graduation. Students who complete this program demonstrate the following competencies:
- Use what they learned in the classroom to provide optimal care in their field.
- Develop a comprehensive care plan using scientific investigation methods.
- Create and implement campaigns to inform patients and the community of proper oral care techniques.
- Communicate professionally across verbal, written and electronic conversations.
- Meet the legal, ethical and regulatory standards set by the State Practice Act and Code of Ethics for Dental Hygienists.
- Pursue lifelong learning and professional growth in the field of dental hygiene.
Dental Hygiene Courses
At the Mount, many of our courses include hands-on training to help you put your theoretical knowledge into practice. You’ll learn the basics like biology and anatomy before taking a deep dive into the following subjects:
- Dental Hygiene Process of Care
- Dental Materials
- Periodontology
- Oral Pathology
- Pain Control
- Dental Ethics
- Community Oral Health
- Pharmacology
- Sociology
Throughout the curriculum, you’ll meet with your dental advisor regularly. They’ll introduce new challenges and offer encouragement to help you reach your full potential. By working so closely with your dental advisor, you’ll develop the necessary skills to become a registered dental hygienist (RDH).
In your second year, you’ll have the opportunity to work hands-on with actual patients in a clinical setting. All dental hygiene students complete service learning for the community by providing real dental care for local patients under the supervision of a dental advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Hygiene
Please refer to the following answers to other frequently asked questions.
Can Dental Hygienists Become Dentists?
Yes, a dental hygienist can become a dentist. The education and experience that dental hygienists build is an excellent foundation for dentists’ work. Both work in similar environments, which adds another layer of familiarity. However, for a dental hygienist to become a dentist, they’ll need to further their education.
Dentists typically require a bachelor’s degree to meet the minimum education requirements. This is where an associate degree can lay a solid foundation for dental hygienists to streamline the education process and kick-start their new careers.
Dentists must also complete dental school — but they must first complete the Dental Admission Test (DAT) to qualify. In dental school, they’ll obtain a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Afterward, dentists must earn a dental license. They must pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE).
Are Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists the Same?
No, dental assistants and dental hygienists are not the same. Although they have some similarities, they differ in terms of education, certification and duties.
Dental assistants typically perform administrative duties. However, they also assist dentists and dental hygienists with minor clinical skills. On the other hand, dental hygienists often have more clinical duties than administrative ones. They typically work with a dentist and can have a dental assistant for additional help.
Both are quite similar in terms of their hard and soft skills. That said, dental assistants may find computer literacy more prevalent than compassion and time management for dental hygienists.
Regarding education and certification, they differ. Some states do not require a degree for dental assistants but only a GED certificate or high school diploma. Other states may require them to have an associate degree accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). State laws may also require dental assistants to be certified by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
In contrast, dental hygienists have more requirements. They must complete a CODA-accredited associate degree at the very least. Dental hygienists can also choose to pursue a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree. All states also require them to have a license from the state they work in.
What Is the Average Dental Hygienist Salary in Massachusetts?
According to Salary.com, the median annual wage for dental hygienists in Massachusetts is over $92,000 — with $72,000 as the minimum and $112,000 as the maximum. According to the U.S. BLS, the median annual wage is over $87,500 when considering dental hygienists across the U.S.
These salaries depend on various factors. For instance, you must take your education level, experience, location and work environment into account. Many salaries may include benefits like vacation days, sick leave or retirement contributions. These benefits vary by employer and whether you work full-time.
Earning a Dental Hygiene Degree Online
Whether you’ve just graduated high school, chosen to switch careers or decided to give college another try, online learning is a convenient option for many students. Many of the courses required for the DHY program are available online, so you can meet all of life’s responsibilities while continuing your education.
MWCC offers online English, math, biology, sociology and psychology sections that count toward the Dental Hygiene Degree. The capstone course, Dental Hygiene Process of Care IV, is also offered in a hybrid online format.
How to Apply
The Dental Hygiene Degree is a selective program requiring additional application components. Students interested in applying for the DHY program must first attend a selection program information session.
You may submit a Dental Hygiene Degree program application if you meet the necessary criteria. You must also submit a high school diploma or equivalent, any official transcripts from other colleges and any other documents required to demonstrate the minimum requirements for eligibility. The college reviews applications and notifies candidates of their decision by mail approximately 60 days after the deadline.
Earn a Dental Degree at MWCC
At MWCC, we provide accessible education so everyone can achieve their dream career. If you have a passion for dental hygiene, you can earn an associate Degree in Dental Hygiene in as little as two years! We provide affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, online courses and student support services so that you have the tools to succeed.
Join one of the largest growing healthcare fields and start your dental hygiene education at MWCC. Request more information today to discover if our Dental Hygiene Degree program is the right fit for you!
The DHY program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements.” The CODA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a specialized accreditation body. The CODA can be contacted at 312-440-4653, at the commission’s web address or at 211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60611.
