TRAITS

for Success

good hand-eye coordination

work well under stressful

   conditions

organized and flexible

excellent people skills
   
 
ental hygienists are important members of the dental health care team. 
Working with dentists, they provide dental care by examining teeth for
cavities, removing tooth deposits, applying fluoride and sealants, and
performing preventive services.  They instruct patients on methods to improve
and maintain their oral health, including brushing, flossing, and eating the proper
foods.  Dental hygienists record patient histories, update patient charts, and make
impressions of teeth so that treatment options can be evaluated by a dentist.
They also do oral cancer and blood pressure screenings and take x-rays.
Some hygienists design and implement school and community health programs.
Average Starting Salary $55,862
Work Environment
Community health agencies
Dental and dental hygiene schools
Dental companies
Dental offices
Health Maintenance Organizations
Industry
Public health departments
Academic Requirements
A college preparatory diploma is
recommended.  Dental hygiene two-year
programs lead to associate degrees while
four-year programs lead to bachelor's  
degrees. Some hygienists enter post-
certificate dental hygiene programs to
programs to earn bachelor's degrees in
dental hygiene or related fields such
as biology or health education.  A dental
hygienist may also pursue a master's
degree in  health education, adult
education or public health.
 
           
          Licensure, Certification and
          Registration
          Prior to graduation from an accredited
          program, a dental hygienist must pass the
          Dental Hygiene National Board
          Examination given by the Joint
          Commission on National Dental
          Examinations.  This must be followed by 
          the state clinical examination given by the
          Central Regional Dental Testing
          Agency.  Upon licensure by the Georgia
          Board of Dentistry, dental hygienists may
          use the initials RDH (Registered Dental
          Hygienist).
           
          Professional Organizations
          American Dental Hygienists'
               Association
          (312) 440-8900
          www.adha.org
           
          Georgia Board of Dentistry
          (478) 207-2400
          www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/dentistry
           
          Georgia Dental Hygienists
            Association
          www.gdha.org
           
           
           
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
     

Associate Degree

 Lanier Technical College (with  

Armstrong Atlantic State University

      Gainesville State College)  
Athens Technical College Middle Georgia Technical College  
Central Georgia Technical College Ogeechee Technical College  
Coastal Georgia Community College Valdosta Technical College (with  
    (with Armstrong Atlantic State      Valdosta State University)  
     University) West Central Technical College  
Columbus Technical College    
Darton College Bachelor's Degree  
Georgia Highlands College Armstrong Atlantic State University  
Georgia Perimeter College Clayton State University  
  Medical College of Georgia  
     
 
Table of Contents

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