Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygienist Programs & Training

A career in dental hygiene is both personally and professionally fulfilling and is a profession that will continue to be in demand as our population ages and as research continue to show the link from good oral health to overall health.

If you dream about a healthcare career where no two days are the same, you are recognized as a professional, and can develop trusting relationships with patients, then training to be a dental hygienist at All-State might be a great fit for you! Through a comprehensive program of classroom instruction, laboratory classes and real-world experience, you will gain the knowledge and develop the skills you need to begin your career as a Dental Hygienist.

The dental hygienist training program at All-State prepares students to enter this exciting and rewarding field. If you are searching for dental hygiene schools in the metropolitan Philadelphia area, then All-State Career School in Essington is the right place for you!

Dental Hygienist Careers

Dental hygienists are licensed oral healthcare professionals and respected members of the dental team who provide preventative, educational and therapeutic services. The work of the dental hygienist supports the total health of a patient for the control of oral disease and promotion of oral health.

Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, clean teeth, and provide other types of preventative care. They are also largely responsible for educating patients on how to improve and maintain good oral health through proper hygiene techniques, including how to brush and floss correctly, and by explaining the relationship between diet and oral health.

The tasks hygienists perform, and the extent that they must be supervised by a dentist, will vary by state and place of employment. However, in our program you will learn many critical skills including how to:

  • Remove tartar, stains and plaque from teeth
  • Apply sealants and fluorides to help protect teeth
  • Take and develop dental x-rays to check for tooth or jaw issues
  • Assess patients’ oral health and report findings to dentists
  • Document patient care and treatment plans

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dental hygienist employment opportunities are projected to grow over the next decade much faster than the average for all occupations. While the majority of dental hygienists work in dental offices, there are a variety of other opportunities for a dental hygienist available in the following areas:

  • Clinical - Dental hygienists in the role of a clinician practice in collaboration with other health professionals in various settings, such as hospitals, community clinics, and nursing homes. They assess, diagnose, implement and evaluate treatment options and plans.
  • Corporate - Dental hygienists employed by companies that support the oral health industry through the sale of products and services may work as sales representatives, product researchers, administrators or educators.
  • Public Health - Dental hygienists who work in community health programs provide care to those who otherwise would not have access to dental care. These locations may include local health departments, inner city community clinics and Head Start programs.
  • Research - Dental hygienists who are researchers may work at places such as colleges and universities and governmental agencies, as well as corporations.
  • Education - Dental hygienists can also become educators and may be typically employed as clinical instructors, classroom instructors or program directors at colleges, universities and corporations.All-State Career School’s Dental Hygienist School

All-State Career School’s Dental Hygienist School

Our dental hygienist training program offers a combination of classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction. Various areas of study are covered, including:

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Nutrition
  • Radiography
  • Pathology
  • Medical ethics
  • Head and neck anatomy
  • Patient management
  • Periodontics (the study of gum disease)

Our dental hygiene program prepares students to sit for their state licensure exam after graduation. Obtaining the appropriate state license to qualifies graduates to work as entry-level hygienists.

Dental Hygienist Requirements

To become a dental hygienist, normally earning an associate degree in dental hygiene is required. In a traditional college environment, dental hygiene programs can often take up to three years to complete. While all states require dental hygienists to be licensed, specific licensure requirements vary by state.

Some states allow hygienists to independently diagnosis health problems and provide some treatments, such as the application of fluorides and sealants, and others are more restrictive. Regardless, once licensed, dental hygienists must complete continuing education requirements as required by their state.

Get Started Today

Enroll in All-State Career School's dental hygienist program and you will be on your way to becoming a valued member of the oral healthcare team! Contact us today to find out more about our dental hygienist training programs and to learn how you can enroll and get started on an exciting new career path. We can be reached by phone, email or live online chat.