Dental hygiene is a crucial aspect of healthcare, and Ivy Tech Community College offers a comprehensive program in dental hygiene that prepares students for a rewarding career in this field. With the increasing demand for dental hygiene services, this program is an excellent choice for those who are passionate about oral health and want to make a difference in their community.
The Ivy Tech Dental Hygiene Program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience needed to succeed in this field. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and is offered at several Ivy Tech locations throughout Indiana. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) clinical exam, which are required for licensure in the state of Indiana.
Benefits of the Ivy Tech Dental Hygiene Program
The Ivy Tech Dental Hygiene Program offers numerous benefits to students, including:
- Small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention and instruction
- State-of-the-art dental facilities and equipment, providing students with hands-on experience and training
- Experienced faculty who are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students
- Clinical experience in a variety of settings, including community clinics and private dental offices
- Opportunities for professional growth and development through membership in professional organizations and attendance at conferences and workshops
Curriculum and Coursework
The Ivy Tech Dental Hygiene Program is a two-year associate degree program that includes both classroom and clinical instruction. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in dental hygiene, including:
- Oral anatomy and histology
- Oral pathology and radiology
- Dental hygiene theory and practice
- Community health and epidemiology
- Pharmacology and pain management
- Periodontology and implantology
- Dental materials and laboratory procedures
In addition to classroom instruction, students participate in clinical experiences, which provide hands-on training and practice in dental hygiene procedures.
Career Opportunities in Dental Hygiene
Graduates of the Ivy Tech Dental Hygiene Program are qualified for a variety of career opportunities in dental hygiene, including:
- Clinical dental hygiene, working in private dental offices, community clinics, or hospitals
- Public health dental hygiene, working in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or community health centers
- Education and research, teaching in dental hygiene programs or conducting research in oral health
- Sales and marketing, working for dental manufacturers or suppliers
- Consulting and private practice, starting their own dental hygiene businesses or consulting with dental offices
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. With the increasing demand for dental hygiene services, graduates of the Ivy Tech Dental Hygiene Program are well-prepared for a rewarding and challenging career in this field.
Salary and Job Outlook
The salary and job outlook for dental hygienists are excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for dental hygienists was $80,200 in May 2020. The top 10% of dental hygienists earned more than $100,000, while the bottom 10% earned less than $60,000.
In terms of job outlook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental hygienists will grow 6% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing demand for dental hygiene services, particularly among older adults and those with chronic health conditions.
FAQs
What are the admission requirements for the Ivy Tech Dental Hygiene Program?
+The admission requirements for the Ivy Tech Dental Hygiene Program include a high school diploma or equivalent, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and completion of prerequisite courses in chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
How long does it take to complete the Ivy Tech Dental Hygiene Program?
+The Ivy Tech Dental Hygiene Program is a two-year associate degree program.
What kind of clinical experience can I expect in the Ivy Tech Dental Hygiene Program?
+Students in the Ivy Tech Dental Hygiene Program participate in clinical experiences in a variety of settings, including community clinics and private dental offices.
Gallery of Dental Hygiene Images
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information about the Ivy Tech Dental Hygiene Program and careers in dental hygiene. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about this program, please don't hesitate to contact us.