Pursuing a career as a Dental Hygienist

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marissapotter@hotmail.com - 26 Sep 2005 21:10 GMT

Hello,
I'm fairly new to this group and to news groups in general. I
joined about a week ago, as it was a requirement for a college writing
class to join a group that was centered on a career we are interested
in. I'm currently a senior in high school and I am interested in
pursuing a career as a Dental Hygienist. After graduation, I plan to
attend a community college to take a 1-year Dental Assisting course. I
have already started to complete my prerequisites so that I can apply
for entrance into the program right away. So I was wondering, is
taking the Dental Assisting course first, before spending another
2-years at a different college a good move? Also, are the other
classes that I should take prior to applying for the program? Perhaps
office procedures, medical terminology, health services, etc.? Any
advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

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Vaughn - 26 Sep 2005 22:59 GMT

>... After graduation, I plan to
> attend a community college to take a 1-year Dental Assisting course. I
> have already started to complete my prerequisites so that I can apply
> for entrance into the program right away. So I was wondering, is
> taking the Dental Assisting course first, before spending another
> 2-years at a different college a good move?

I see no reason why you can't take the 1-year certificate program first,
but please do not let that be the end of your education. The obvious advantage
of taking the certificate first is that you can start working at least part time
while you continue your education. If you must go to school part-time (after
that first year) it is amazing how much you can accomplish by taking one or two
courses every semester and NEVER SKIPPING A SEMESTER AND NEVER-NEVER DROPPING A
CLASS. I did my entire college education from Freshman through my Master's
degree in exactly that fashion.

> Also, are the other
> classes that I should take prior to applying for the program? Perhaps
> office procedures, medical terminology, health services, etc.? Any
> advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Other's may have different ideas, but I think that you can't go wrong with
any Business class. Some people seem to forget, but dentistry is a business.

Writing is a skill that you need to learn early, it will pay dividends both
at work and with your education. Take your required Communications classes as
soon as possible, because the skills you gain will improve your grades in other
classes. Do not shy away from classes just because you discover in advance that
there will be a writing assignment.

Good Luck;
Vaughn

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Joel M. Eichen - 26 Sep 2005 23:57 GMT

>Hello,
> I'm fairly new to this group and to news groups in general. I
>joined about a week ago,

Welcome, WELCOME, welcome Old Tiumer ....... some people have only
joined today at 2pm.

>as it was a requirement for a college writing
>class to join a group that was centered on a career we are interested

EXCELLENT!

I recommend this for people learning to speek English good.

Try WordWeb too. I fire it up 20-30 times a day.

>in. I'm currently a senior in high school and I am interested in
>pursuing a career as a Dental Hygienist. After graduation, I plan to
>attend a community college to take a 1-year Dental Assisting course.

How about this" Dental Hygiene, followed by some courses leading to a
B.S. in Dental Hygiene, then right on to dental school.

You are bright enough, I can already tell. Go for the brass ring!

Joely

> I
>have already started to complete my prerequisites so that I can apply
>for entrance into the program right away. So I was wondering, is
>taking the Dental Assisting course first, before spending another
>2-years at a different college a good move?

Nope.

I know believe me I know ,,,,,, I taught EFDA in Pennsylvania, Dental
Assistants who fill teeth after the doc drills them!

>Also, are the other
>classes that I should take prior to applying for the program? Perhaps
>office procedures, medical terminology, health services, etc.? Any
>advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

1- 'Puter.
2 - General science. Get interested in it now.

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