Have you ever dreamed of being a dentist? If you have, but have found yourself without the time or money to spend years and years in school, have you thought about becoming a dental hygienist instead? Instead of going to medical school and dental school, you can go to dental hygiene school and be finished in a matter of a few short years.
What Does A Dental Hygienist Do?
If you go to dental hygiene school and become a dental hygienist, you will be able to really make a difference in people’s lives. The short answer for what a dental hygienist does is that he or she cleans teeth. However, dental hygienists who have gone to dental hygiene school do much more than that. Part of their training while in dental hygiene school is about diet and prevention of tooth decay. A dental hygienist is the best way to learn about how to keep teeth cleaned properly and how to prevent dental decay. A dental hygienist will know what foods are best for an individual’s teeth, and how that individual can keep your teeth looking their best. A person’s smile is often times their best attribute. People want to keep their smiles bright and beautiful, and as a dental hygienist, you can do that for them!
Yes, dental hygienists do clean teeth. In dental hygiene school they learn how to scale and polish teeth. When specifically certified, a dental hygienist can also take dental x-rays for the dentist to use in diagnosing problems and deciding on treatment. In addition, almost all dental hygienists can provide fissure sealants. Some dental hygienists in certain states can also fill small cavities. While dental hygienists can do a lot, they are not dentists and cannot perform surgeries or dental implants.
Paying For Dental Hygiene School
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Today there are many grants, loans, and scholarships available for people going into colleges. Dental hygiene school is no different. This is especially true if you are a nontraditional student. If you have children or are married, or both, you can probably get more scholarships and grants than a traditional student could! Traditional students will get financial aid based on their parent’s salaries. You, however, will get financial aid based on your salary or yours and your spouse’s salaries combined. If you have children, that will be taken into consideration in how much aid you get. So if you think that you cannot go back to school because you do not have the money, apply for financial aid. You can become a dental hygienist in just a few years!