What can I do with a dental hygiene certificate/degree?
While most dental hygienists find employment in general dental practices, opportunities for employment also exist in specialty practices such as periodontics or pediatric dentistry. Hygienists may be employed to provide dental hygiene services for patients in hospitals, nursing homes and public health clinics.
Graduates of DVC's two-year program must also complete requirements for the associate in science degree r before taking the licensure examinations unless they already hold this or a higher degree. See a counselor for specifics.
With additional education, dental hygienists can choose to pursue a teaching career in a dental school or a dental hygiene education program. Research careers, office management, business administration and clinical practice careers, in school or public health programs, also generally require additional education.
Many university-based dental hygiene programs offer baccalaureate and master's degrees. DVC's courses are transferable to most of these programs.
Are there any additional costs associated with the program?
Expenses for the two-year dental hygiene program are estimated at $6700. Two thirds of these costs are incurred during the first year.
