I have graduated from HS this year and I’m looking to extend my education. Recently, I have been drawn into dental hygienist, however, I notice most RDHs are a bit older than me. Should I wait a little while or go through soon? I also fear that I might drop out or fail once I am in. Thank You!!
A reason why it may seem like dental hygienists are older than you is because before you apply for a dental hygiene program there are prerequisite classes you must take. For some this can be done in a year, for others it takes longer. Once those are done, dental hygiene programs are 2-3 years on top of that. So by the time you graduate and are a dental hygienist, you are older.
You must do what you feel is right for you! Taking prerequisite courses will give you time to see if you have the motivation to complete the program.
I would recommend that you get your bachelor's degree in dental hygiene if you choose this career. There are more options for employment.
Debi
Thank you so much. I was a bit confused about taking the prerequisite classes. I am soon to enroll for my perquisite courses. Thank you.
k.cvs
You are most welcome! If you look at the hygiene program's website that you plan on applying to, it will lay out all of the prerequisite classes you need to take. They need to be completed before you can apply to hygiene school. Best of luck!
Kara RDH