IS A CAREER AS A DENTAL HYGIENISTFOR YOU?

Here are some answers to your questions!

FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Infectious disease transmission can pose significant concerns in the dental workplace

All dental healthcare workers must understand the basic principles of disease transmission, infection control, and safety to minimized the risks associated with exposure to biohazardous agents.

To ensure an understanding of the risks presented and to implement safe work practices, federal regulations require that all healthcare professionals participate in specific training in infection control practices for exposure to an handling of biohazardous materials.

FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Upon entering Dental Health Professions, the students are given a training session that includes, but not limited to, an explanation of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, the Exposure Control Plan, hazard communication, engineering controls, work practice controls and personal protective equipment.

The Exposure Control Plan and the Bloodborne Pathogen standard are available to all students, faculty and staff in Programs’ Policy Manuals.

WHAT IS A DENTAL HYGIENIST?

Dental Hygienists are licensed professionals who provide preventive dental care and encourage patients to develop good oral hygiene skills.

TYPICAL DUTIES Evaluates and charts patient’s dental

health and history Administers infiltration anesthesia Removes hard and soft deposits and

stains from above and below the gum line and polishes teeth

Applies topical medications to teeth and between teeth to help prevent decay

TYPICAL DUTIES Exposes,develops and interprets x-

rays Places temporary fillings Removes sutures Places pit and fissure sealants Cleans, sharpens and sterilizes

equipment

Working hours range from 35 to 40 hours per week.

Dentists often employ hygienists for only two or three days per week.

It is not unusual for a dental hygienist to hold several part-time jobs.

WORKING HOURS

What are the steps to enrollment in the Dental Hygiene Program?

® Complete and submit a York Technical College Application

® Take the placement test or submit SAT/ACT scores

® Submit college transcripts (if applicable)® Meet with an Admissions Counselor ® Be accepted to the Pre-Dental Hygiene program® Work with your advisor each term® Meet requirements for program goal® Meet with an Admissions Counselor® Pay the $50.00 wait list fee® Pay the $100.00 deposit when seat is available ® Maintain 2.0 GPR each semester® Fulfill entry criteria

Physical ExamCriminal Background CheckHealth and liability insurance

COURSES TO TAKE IN HIGH SCHOOL

Algebra Biology Chemistry College Preparatory English

What job opportunities exist?

Dental Offices Schools Hospitals Civil Service offices

What salary will I make after completing this program?

Graduates earn $28-$30 per hour locally and $30-$35 per hour in Charlotte.

THINGS TO CONSIDER Curriculum is rigorous – requires extensive

reading, study time and good time management skills- takes 21 months to complete

Program runs concurrently – starts only once each fall; if you withdraw or fail a DHG course, you have to reapply to be able to reenter

Critical thinking required on the job Stress level – medium to high Must be a team player as well as able to work

independently Very interesting and rewarding field of study

MAKE AN INFORMED AND REALISTIC CHOICEDENTAL HYGIENISTS HAVE GOOD SCHEDULES AND EARN A GOOD SALARY, BUT:

You might find yourself trying to polish teeth of a geriatric client who forgot that it is necessary to brush everyday.

Or scaling hard deposits off teeth that you cannot see because of all the blood and plaque surrounding them

Or giving anesthetic (novacaine) injections when you might be “squeamish about shots”

And, you need to realize there are more harmful bacteria in the mouth than any other orifice of the body.

MAKE AN INFORMED AND REALISTIC CHOICE

You may work on patients with pus coming out from under the gum which gives off a foul odor.

You need to realize that every patient you see has the potential to transmit HIV, TB, or herpes despite what they tell you or how they look.

You may see patients, including children with badly decayed teeth and know they have no funding.

How much time should I expect to spend in this program to be successful?

The program is very demanding! The program is a full-time, Monday

through Friday, daytime program. Between the coursework and the

clinical rotations, successful students should plan to devote approximately 40 hours per week each semester to their education.

This schedule can make it challenging to be employed full-time while enrolled in the program.

For students who must work, it is highly recommended that they work no more than 20 hours per week.

How stressful is the clinical environment?

The program can be quite stressful. Classroom material must be retained for the clinical setting where students are acquiring hands-on skills to make the connection between theory and practice. Students must be willing to become motivated, independent learners and accept constructive criticism while in the clinical setting.

What are the physical requirements for this field?

Good hand dexterity Use of feet to operate

equipment The ability to sit or stand for

long durations of time

What type of special skills do I need to possess in order to be a successful Dental Hygienist?

Responsible/reliable Flexible/adaptable Good communication skills Like working with people and equipment Strong interest in science Able to apply principles of logical or

scientific thinking Able to interpret an extensive variety of

technical instructions and forms

MAKE AN INFORMED AND REALISTIC CHOICE

The grading scale for the DHG program for both coursework and clinicals:

Students MUST maintain a MINIMUM grade point average of 80 in all DHG coursework in order to remain in the program.

A minimum of 80 is required in all clinical coursework. Below 80 is considered unacceptable clinical performance.

IN OTHER WORDS…

Students who earn any grade below an 80 in any Dental Hygiene course will not be eligible to continue.

It is very difficult for students to work more than 20 hours per week and be successful in this program.

What are the estimated expenses

for the program?

Tuition & fees for five semesters (in county) $8,748 Textbooks $1,025 Uniforms $400 Universal Protection Kit $150 Instruments & Supplies $1,840 Liability Insurance $15 Health Insurance $944 -$1370

(if purchased through York Technical College) Physical Exam $120 Eye Exam $75 Dental Exam $25 Hepatitis B Exam (Recommended) $240 CPR Certification $50 National SADHA Dues $110 National Board Fee (SRTA) $1100 Infection Control Exam (optional) $100 Radiology Safety Exam (optional) $100 Nitrous Oxide Certification $25 Infiltration Anesthesia Certification $120 Graduation Fee/Cap/Gown $35 SC Dental Hygiene Licensure $150 Transportation to Clinical Sites Variable

What is required to become a Dental Hygienist once I graduate?

Students must pass licensure exams in order to practice dental hygiene?

Continuing education is mandatory for re-licensure each year.

CAN YOU PICTURE YOURSELF IN A CAREER AS DENTAL HYGIENIST?

If so, you may have additional questions.

Please feel free to contact: Edna Martin

Program Manager, at 981-7068