What is an RDH??
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A dental hygienist is a licensed health care professional, oral health educator, and clinician who, as a cotherapist with the dentist, provides preventive, educational, and therapeutic services supporting total health for the control of oral diseases and the promotion of oral health. A registered dental hygienist has graduated from a minimum two-year college program that includes classroom studies and extensive supervised clinical experience. A dental hygienist also must pass a national written exam and a comprehensive state clinical exam to earn the RDH license.
Generally, the dental hygienist may work in general and specialty oral health practices. Other areas of employment include programs for research, professional education, and community health; hospital and institutional care of disabled persons; federal programs, such as the armed services; or other health service locations as specified in statute or as authorized by the state board of dentistry.
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EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Most dental hygiene programs offer either an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree. The American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation assures the minimal standards by accrediting quality programs, so the main thing is to be certain that the school you are interested in is accredited. Both associate and baccalaureate programs offer a strong clinical curriculum. The baccalaureate degree allows entry into some positions in teaching, administration, public health, corporate positions and other areas of dental hygiene practice that other types of dental hygiene education do not. It may also provide a broader base in the humanities and other areas outside dental hygiene.
Generally an associate's degree takes two years to complete; however, most dental hygiene programs require prerequisite courses be taken before entry into dental hygiene, so in reality it may take longer than two years. Baccalaureate degree programs usually require approximately four years of study. Some schools require two years of prerequisite study and two years in program. Every school is a little different, so check out the schools in which you are most interested.
Each school also differs in specific course requirements, but generally the basic courses include college-level English, speech, psychology, sociology, nutrition, chemistry, and specific biology courses. Be certain that you know what the prerequisite courses and entry requirements are for the school you would like to attend. Of course once you are in the program, curriculum content is specified by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation and the college you will be attending.
IDHA is a constituent of the ADHA a tripartite organization.
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