Making the Leap: Transitioning from Dental Hygienist to Dentist

Are you a dental hygienist interested in advancing your career to become a dentist? This in-depth guide covers key steps for making the transition, from education requirements to licensing. Read on for tips to help you progress from dental hygiene to dentistry

Understanding the Differences

While hygienists and dentists work closely together, there are some key differences:

• Education Dentists complete 4 years of dental school after a bachelor’s degree; hygienists can start with an associate’s degree

• Scope: Dentists can perform procedures like fillings, extractions, and surgery; hygienists focus on cleanings and exams.

• Licensing Dentists require a state dental license; hygienists need a state hygiene license

• ** Leadership:** Dentists run their own practice and lead the dental team.

However, as a hygienist you gain valuable insights into dentistry and oral health care. This can provide a great foundation for transitioning into the role of dentist.

Why Make the Switch?

There are several compelling reasons to go from hygienist to dentist:

• Greater earning potential

• Ability to own your own practice

• Opportunity to perform more advanced procedures

• Higher level of leadership and responsibility

• Ongoing intellectual challenge of dentistry

• Chance to expand your impact through a broader scope of practice

As a dentist, you can shape treatment plans, take on complex cases, perform surgeries, and manage oral health concerns through restorative or cosmetic treatments. The autonomy and capabilities are vastly expanded.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Since most dental schools require it, the first step is completing an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. Helpful majors include:

• Biology or biochemistry: Learn about oral anatomy

• Health sciences: Gain a foundation in medical topics

• Microbiology: Understand infections and prevention

• Business: Useful for managing a future dental practice

Aim for a strong GPA, especially in the sciences, as dental school admissions are competitive. Also take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) during undergrad.

Step 2: Apply to Dental School

Earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) is essential. This 4 year graduate program covers:

• Oral biology, anatomy, and physiology

• Tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral conditions

• Restorative techniques like crowns, bridges, implants

• Oral surgery and extraction procedures

• Radiology, anesthesia, and pain management

• Hands-on clinical training

When applying, highlight your hygiene experience and any research, leadership roles, or volunteer work. This demonstrates your commitment to dentistry.

Step 3: Get Licensed in Your State

All dentists must pass national and regional board exams to obtain state licensure where they’ll practice. Key steps:

• National Boards – Assess classroom knowledge with a 2-part written exam.

• Clinical Board Exam – Assesses hands-on skills through patient treatments. Offered by regional testing agencies.

• State License – Apply to your state board with transcripts, exam results, and background checks.

• Continuing Education – Ongoing CE courses required to maintain licensure.

Step 4: Consider a Specialty

Beyond general dentistry, you can complete 2-6 more years of advanced residency training to specialize, such as in:

• Orthodontics – straightening teeth

• Endodontics – root canals

• Oral surgery – complex extractions and implants

• Pediatric dentistry – kid’s oral health

• Periodontics – gums and bone

This allows you to focus your practice while tapping into higher demand for specialized skills.

Transferable Skills from Dental Hygiene

Your background as a dental hygienist gives you many transferable skills that translate well to working as a dentist, including:

• Attention to detail and manual dexterity from performing cleanings and exams.

• Patient education – explain proper oral hygiene and preventive care.

• Managing medical histories – assess risk factors for periodontal disease.

• Comfort with radiology and imaging – take and review x-rays.

• Infection control – follow sterilization and sanitation protocols.

• Office operations – familiar with scheduling, insurance, and dental software.

• Communication – provide clear information to students and patients.

Leverage these experiences from hygiene as you market yourself for dental school and build your dentistry career. The hands-on work with patients provides a valuable foundation.

Transitioning from dental hygienist to dentist allows you to level up your education, skills, and practice. With some strategic planning and dedicated effort, you can join the ranks of dentists providing essential oral health care.