Career in Dental Hygiene

 

JOB DESCRIPTION: Since each state has its own specific regulations regarding responsibilities, the range of services performed by dental hygienists varies from state to state. Patient care services rendered by dental hygienists may include:

• Patient screening procedures, such as review of the health history and dental charting.
• Removing calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from the teeth.
• Applying preventive materials to the teeth (sealants and fluorides).
• Counsel patients regarding good nutrition and its impact on oral health.
• Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene techniques to maintain oral health.

TRAINING: A career in dental hygiene requires a minimum of two years of college education. Some dental hygiene programs are longer than two years, and may culminate in a baccalaureate degree. Because the dental hygiene education program includes dental and basic science courses, high school preparation should include biology and chemistry.
After an individual completes a dental hygiene program, he/she is required to take the necessary licensure examinations required by the State Board of Dental Examiners, prior to performing dental hygiene duties.

REWARDS: Personal satisfaction, prestige, creativity, flexibility and security.

Dental hygienists have opportunities to work in a wide variety of settings, from private dental practices to educational and community institutions.

SALARIES: Dental hygienists earn salaries that compare favorably to those earned in other hea1thcare fields requiring similar college education. Salaries may vary according to the hygienist's experience and responsibilities, geographic location and the type of practice or other setting in which the hygienist works.

 

West Los Angeles College RDHAP Communication - Department of Dental Hygiene

Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice Program

This program will provide participants with the necessary information to develop and implement an RDHAP practice.  There is a combination of classroom and independent study to facilitate a full-time work schedule.

• Opportunities for group discussion and team-work is provided during classroom sessions.
• The time interval between the class schedule provides ample time to complete projects and research assignments.

State Licensure Requirements:
Valid CA RDH license Within the last 3 years, 2000 hrs of clinical experience ~BA or AA degree with 120 semester hrs

                 
Class Schedule:                        

February 9 & 10,  2007            

March 23 & 24, 2007                

April 27 & 28, 2007                        

June 1 & 2, 2007                        

State Ethics Exam: June 1, 2007      

 

RDHAP Contact Information

Coming soon including job regulations, programs and local RDHAP's.

 

For more information, please contact:

California Dental Association Auxiliary Recruitment Program
P.O. Box 13749
Sacramento, California 95853

Auxiliary Recruitment Statewide Planner:
1-800-736-7071 en. 4300

Northern California Auxiliary Career Specialist:
1-800-736-7071 en. 890

Southern California Auxiliary Career Specialist:
1-800-736-7071 en. 8911892

 

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