For those looking to begin a career as a dental hygienist in the healthcare industry, this post offers an overview of the dental hygienist programs in Alabama.
From here, you may learn more about the colleges in Alabama that are providing the program and choose the one that interests you. You might want to include dental hygiene to your list of possible occupations if you have a passion for oral health and are good at networking.
As a licensed dental hygienist in around three years after earning your degree, it is one of the more sought-after professions with room for future growth. It is also listed as one of the top 22 well-paying, low-stress jobs on our list.
As a dental hygienist, your responsibilities will include looking over patients’ dental and medical histories, screening them, performing dental cleanings, taking dental X-rays, providing preventive care, educating patients on proper oral hygiene, and assisting patients in achieving and maintaining good dental health. To do these tasks, you’ll either work alongside a dentist or in a dental office.
You must complete a dental hygienist school and obtain a license to practice in order to acquire these skills. Enrolling in a dental hygienist program at a recognized higher education school will suffice to obtain this education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation, or CODA, has authorized dental hygienist programs in the US; if it has not, do not apply for that program.
Dental hygienist programs are typically associate’s and bachelor’s degrees that take 3 and 4 years respectively to complete. There are various certification programs available as well, and these last for around a few months. But you can get a master’s degree to go even further and become a professional. In this post, I’ve highlighted the dental hygienist schools in the US state of Alabama so you may choose among the ones that offer the program. You can explore additional dental hygienist programs offered throughout the US to expand your options, or you can stay with the Alabama-based programs we’ve compiled here.
Start getting ready for this program by enrolling in some free online dentistry classes, and consider finding work as a medical assistant, especially in a dental office, to obtain practical experience and improve your chances of getting accepted into dental hygienist program in Alabama.
Finding online universities that offer the program will allow you to continue working while pursuing your degree and licensing. Dental hygiene is another excellent career option.
You can also read some of our other intriguing blog pieces, such as the one on odd degree programs and quick courses that lead to good jobs. If you are also interested in working overseas, the following degrees are the best bets for landing a job in Canada.
To get back on subject, allow me to walk you through the procedures for earning a dental hygiene degree and a license.
Requirements for Dental Hygienist Programs in Alabama
You must complete both theoretical and practical training in the subject at a recognized higher education institution before applying for your license to practice as a dental hygienist. However, you must first submit an application to a school that offers the program.
The prerequisites that each candidate for a dental hygienist programs in alabama must fulfill in order to be admitted into one of the institutions are listed below..
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
- You must have completed high school or hold a
- You must have taken science and math courses in high schools
- Submit high school transcripts
- Some dental hygienist schools in Alabama set entrance exams, you need to pass it
- Complete an entry interview, if any.
- Clear all medical and legal requirements
- International applicants whose first language is not English must take the recognized English language proficiency tests and submit scores.
- International applicants must provide proof of finance to fund education
- Complete application form
- Recommendation letter(s)
- A personal statement or essay or statement of purpose may be required.
University dental hygiene bachelor’s degree programs are typically 4 years long, whereas 2-year programs are offered in community colleges. Make sure you are aware of the requirements before applying to any of these programs. Follow the additional advice listed below to improve your chances of being approved.:
- Either meet the recommended high school CGPA or go above and beyond
- Get high grades in the entrance exams if given
- Gain some experience in the healthcare field by working as a medical assistant at a dental clinic or any healthcare facility.
- Write a strong essay or personal statement
- Be involved in community programs and other extracurricular activities.
Average Cost of Dental Hygienist Schools in Alabama
In Alabama, dental hygiene programs typically cost $5,736 for in-state students and $14,632 for out-of-state students each year. Cost varies according on degree kind, institution, and residency status. Verify the price with your host institution to be sure.
Best Dental Hygienist Schools in Alabama
The following are the best schools in Alabama for dental hygiene programs:
- ortis College
- Calhoun Community College
- Wallace State Community College
- The University of West Alabama
How to Become A Licensed Dental Hygienist in Alabama
The following are steps to becoming a licensed dental hygienist in Alabama:
- Apply for a CODA-approved dental hygiene program at one of the colleges in Alabama
- Graduate from the program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
- Pass a Dental Hygienist Clinical Examination from an approved provider
- Apply for a Dental Hygienist Licensure with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
- Maintain your dental hygienist license in AL.
Top Dental Hygienist Programs in Alabama
Here is a breakdown of the best dental hygienist programs in Alabama and the schools that are offering them.
- Associate of Science Degree in Dental Health at Fortis College
- Calhoun Community College Associate of Applied Sciences Dental Hygiene Program
- Pre-Professional Dental Hygiene Program at the University of West Alabama
- Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene at Wallace State Community College
1. Associate of Science Degree in Dental Health at Fortis College
An associate’s degree in dental hygiene is available from Birmingham, Alabama’s Fortis College to students who want to get started in the dentistry industry. This program will prepare you for the licensure exam you must pass after graduation to be eligible to work as a licensed entry-level hygienist. It is one of the best in the state because it has some of the highest graduation rates.
You might want to go above and above the entry standards and use those extra ideas I provided above to boost your chances of getting admitted because the program is competitive and only offers a limited number of fields. For further details on the application process and deadlines, speak with the institution.
2. Calhoun Community College Associate of Applied Sciences Dental Hygiene Program
One of Alabama’s top dental hygiene programs is the one offered at Calhoune. It has received CODA approval and satisfies the state’s educational standards for dental hygienists. In order to get you ready for the licensing examinations and allow you to start working in Alabama, the college provides an associate of applied sciences, or A.A.S.
Applicants must submit an application form, have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher, and an ACT composite score of 18 or higher from a test completed within the last three years in order to be considered for admission to the program.
3. Pre-Professional Dental Hygiene Program at the University of West Alabama
Preparing students for Wallace State Community College’s major professional degree in dental hygiene is the University of West Alabama’s pre-professional dental hygiene program. By enrolling in this pre-professional program, you elevate yourself above the competition and boost your chances of getting accepted.
Every institution would want to take you into their dental hygiene or dentistry program because UWA prepares you for further study in the program.
4. Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene at Wallace State Community College
One of the finest dental hygiene programs in the state, Wallace Community College’s associate of applied science in dental hygiene is famous for preparing students for national, regional, and state licensing tests. The college’s Health Division administers the program, which has received CODA approval.
You must have a current CPR certification, as well as pass drug testing, background checks, physicals, and immunizations in order to enroll for this program at WSCC. Anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology are required courses.
I hope this list of Alabama schools and dental hygiene programs may you in your decision-making. To learn more about the program, including the application deadline and tuition costs, get in touch with the admissions office of your top-choice college or university..
Dental Hygienist Programs in Alabama – FAQs
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Alabama?
In Alabama, obtaining an associate’s degree in dental hygiene and passing the licensing test to become a licensed dental hygienist takes two years.
What is the salary of a dental hygienist in Alabama?
The average annual salary of a dental hygienist in Alabama is $73,377.
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