Mississippi dental hygienist schools are designed to give students the education needed to become a dental hygienist in the state of Mississippi. Courses include hands-on dental skills and background medical and life-science knowledge. Associate’s degree programs can be completed in around two years, while certificate programs take nine months to a year.
What Is a Dental Hygienist?
The dental hygienist is a member of the health profession who has successfully completed all requirements from an accredited school or university and has then passed national written and practical exams that are required by the Mississippi state license board.
It would be hard to find something that people like less than having to keep a dentist appointment. While that is still basically true, it used to be far worse than it is today. The addition and expansion of the role of dental hygienist has significantly improved the overall oral health of dental practice clients. This equates to fewer cavities and greatly reduces gum disease.
The role of the dentist, overall, has not changed all that much. Basically, they treat and correct problem areas. Despite the fact that new procedures and advancement in dental equipment has greatly reduced the amount of pain or discomfort experienced by clients, if given a choice, most people would prefer to be doing just about anything else. The dental hygienist, conversely, is charged with the doing everything possible so that the client never has to undergo any sort of major treatment from the dentist.
The hygienist combines thorough cleaning services and the educating of clients on how to properly care for their teeth and gums at home. If the client will keep those semi-annual cleaning visits and do their homework, their future interaction with the dentist can be nothing more traumatic than a simple check-up.
Requirements for Becoming a Dental Hygienist
As the population has increased and more people have begun to recognize the benefits of proper dental care, the demand for dental hygienists has steadily increased. This has created competition for the available slots in training programs and not every applicant has been able to be accepted. To increase one’s chance of admittance, an early focus on education is recommended. Most schools will require a high school diploma or GED with at least a “C” average. They will look for classes in biology, chemistry, math and English and many prefer, if not require, college level credits in chemistry, English, sociology, psychology and speech.
Rewards of Being a Dental Hygienist
The rewards of working as a dental hygienist are many. You will have the opportunity of being a skilled professional in a highly rewarding and well-respected field. The service that you will provide will be one that increases the health and quality of life of your clients.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that for dental hygienists in the state of Mississippi, the average median salary is just over $50,000 per year. Actual wages, of course will vary based on level of education, experience and longevity at a particular location for each individual.