Dental Hygiene / Dental Assistant: Wiregrass Dental Programs

Quick Facts: Dental Hygienists
2021 Median Pay	$77,810 per year $37.41 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	Associate's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2020	206,100
Job Outlook, 2020-30	11% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2020-30	23,100

 

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm

Summary

 

Quick Facts: Dental Assistants
2021 Median Pay	$38,660 per year $18.59 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	Postsecondary nondegree award
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2020	330,200
Job Outlook, 2020-30	11% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2020-30	36,900

 

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm

Purpose: The Dental Assisting program prepares the student to enter the workforce with all required certifications and training required by the Georgia Board of Dentistry to practice general and specialty dental procedures.

Curriculum: Curriculum includes classroom and clinical instruction in oral anatomy, restorative dental procedures dental radiography and infection control.

Careers: Dental Assistant

Requirements:

• Submit a completed application and application fee
• Be at least 17 years of age
• Submit official high school transcript or High School Equivalency transcript or college transcripts showing successful completion of 60+ semester credits or 72+ quarter credits
• Submit official college transcripts, if applicable
• Present acceptable ACCUPLACER, ACT, ASSET, COMPASS, PSAT, or SAT scores or GED score of 145 or higher or have one of the following: an associate degree or higher or have a HOPE GPA of 2.6 after the completion of 10^th grade. Documentation on a college transcript of successful completion of appropriate courses from a regionally accredited college or university may be accepted in lieu of test scores.

*Find out more about the Dental Assisting program HERE

Purpose: The Dental Hygiene Program prepares the student to enter the workforce as a registered dental hygienist.

Curriculum: Curriculum will include classroom and clinical instruction in oral anatomy, radiology, pharmacology, clinical dental hygiene, non surgical periodontal therapy and preventive dentistry.

Careers: Dental Hygienist

Requirements:

• Submit a completed application and application fee
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Submit official high school transcript or High School Equivalency transcript or college transcripts showing successful completion of 60+ semester credits or 72+ quarter credits
• Submit official college transcripts, if applicable
• Present acceptable ACCUPLACER, ACT, ASSET, COMPASS, PSAT, or SAT scores or GED score of 145 or higher or have one of the following: an associate degree or higher or have a HOPE GPA of 2.6 after the completion of 10^th grade. Documentation on a college transcript of successful completion of appropriate courses from a regionally accredited college or university may be accepted in lieu of test scores.

*Find more about out Dental Hygiene Degree HERE

Sandi Woodward

Advisor

Director of Dental Programs
Valdosta Campus

(229) 333-2100 ext. 5533 | sandi.woodward@wiregrass.edu

Berrien Hall, 200 Wing, Rm 220

Dental hygienists typically do the following: Remove tartar, stains, and plaque from teeth Apply sealants and fluorides to help protect teeth Take and develop dental x rays Assess patients’ oral health and report findings to dentists Document patient care and treatment plans Educate patients about oral hygiene techniques, such as how to brush and floss correctly Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm#tab-2

Dental assistants typically do the following:

• Ensure that patients are comfortable in the dental chair
• Prepare patients and the work area for treatments and procedures
• Sterilize dental instruments
• Hand instruments to dentists during procedures
• Dry patients’ mouths using suction hoses and other equipment
• Instruct patients in proper oral hygiene
• Process x rays and complete lab tasks, under the direction of a dentist
• Keep records of dental treatments
• Schedule patient appointments
• Work with patients on billing and payment

Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-2