How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania
Dental hygiene may be the perfect choice for you if you’re looking for a career in healthcare. Dental hygienists are responsible for providing preventative care and education to patients to maintain healthy teeth and gums. There are a lot of accredited dental hygienist colleges in Pennsylvania, and there are several steps that you must take to become a licensed dental hygienist. This blog post will outline the process of becoming a dental hygienist in Pennsylvania. Let’s get started.
Degree Requirement
To become a dental hygienist in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to earn an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from an accredited school. The Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene typically takes two years to complete and requires the completion of general education courses in addition to dental hygiene coursework. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), which is required for licensure in Pennsylvania.
Examination Requirement
To ensure that dental hygienists in Pennsylvania are providing quality care to patients, the state requires all licensure candidates to pass both a written and clinical examination. The written examination is administered by the Dental Hygiene National Board, while the state’s Board of Dentistry administers the clinical examination.
No Experience Required
In Pennsylvania, there are no experience requirements to become a dental hygienist. However, you will need to complete an accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).
Continuing Education
Dental hygienists in Pennsylvania must complete certain continuing education hours to renew their licenses. There are a variety of ways to fulfill this requirement, including taking courses offered by dental schools, professional organizations, and online providers. Many employers also provide continuing education opportunities for their employees.
Initial Licensing
The first step is to submit an application for licensure along with the required fee to the Board. If you have not yet graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program, you will also need to submit official transcripts and a course-by-course evaluation. The Board will review your application and determine if you are eligible to take the licensure exams.
Licensure Renewal
Continuing education is not required for renewal. The renewal period is every two years and begins on the licensee’s birthday. Licensees must renew their license by the last day of their birth month to avoid a late fee. A licensee who fails to renew by the expiration date may be subject to disciplinary action.
If you are interested in becoming a dental hygienist, Pennsylvania is a great state to pursue your education. The programs offered at local community colleges and universities provide students with the skills they need to be successful in this field. Dental hygiene is an important part of oral health care, and those who are trained to provide these services play a vital role in helping patients maintain their smiles. If you are looking for a career that offers stability and opportunities for growth, consider pursuing a career as a dental hygienist.