can i go to school for dental hygiene then become a dentist?
April 26, 2009 by
Filed under Hygiene
My guidance counselor told me to go to a dental hygiene school first then move to a school that has a dentistry course, do i have to major in something first, i m kind of confused but so far ive applieed to schools that offer dental hygiene, then i am planning on continuing school and becoming a dentist
Luis R on Tue, 28th Apr 2009 10:41 pm
I’m not sure where you are in your education, but I hope the following information helps.
Dental schools are professional schools that typically requires a four-year degree. You don’t always need a four-year degree, but those that enter dental school without a four-year degree are typically the exception rather than the norm.
You can major in whatever you want, but keep the following in mind. Dental schools generally require that you have two-semesters of biology with labs, two-semesters of general chemistry with labs, two-semesters of organic chemistry with labs, two-semesters of physics with labs, two-semesters of English, and one-semester of biochemistry. Usually pre-dental students will major in Biology or Chemistry because the courses required to earn those degrees include the courses I mentioned above.
Your guidance counselor may be on to something if in fact there is an undergraduate program (bachelor degree program) available to you that offers dental hygiene. Since the application process to dental schools is competitive, many schools will look at your familiarity with the dental profession. Having studied dental hygiene will definitely help you with that aspect. But be sure to check that the dental hygiene program includes those courses I mentioned above, or that you are able to take those courses as electives.
Good luck to you as you pursue your goals.