Is Dental Assisting Before Hygiene School Worth Considering?

Is Dental Assisting a Stepping Stone to Dental Hygiene?

The path to becoming a dental hygienist is not as straightforward as one might think, and many aspiring hygienists wonder whether having experience as a dental assistant can help them succeed in their academic journey. In the insightful video titled Dental Assisting Before Hygiene School... Is It WORTH It?, Whitney, a registered dental hygienist, shares her experiences and expertise on this topic.

In the video titled Dental Assisting Before Hygiene School... Is It WORTH It?, Whitney discusses whether dental assisting experience is essential for aspiring dental hygienists, prompting us to explore its broader implications.

Understanding the Admissions Process

First and foremost, let’s address a common misconception: while some dental hygiene programs do prefer applicants with dental assisting experience, it is not a strict requirement for all programs. Whitney emphasizes that many schools focus primarily on academic prerequisites, such as grades, courses, and test scores, when evaluating applications. These institutions often have specific point systems that can benefit candidates with a dental assisting background, but this is largely a function of admissions competitiveness rather than direct relevance to success in dental hygiene school.

The Distinction Between Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene

It’s essential to recognize that dental assisting and dental hygiene are distinct careers with different skill sets. While some skills might overlap, they do not directly translate into an advantage for entering dental hygiene programs. Whitney wisely points out that dental hygiene schools are designed to teach students from the ground up, meaning that previous experience as an assistant might not actually ease the transition into the more complex responsibilities of a hygienist. In fact, it could lead to challenges in adapting to new methods taught in school.

Practical Skills vs. Academic Focus

Another point raised in the video is the particular areas where dental assistants might feel advantages, such as being familiar with dental terminology and the clinical environment. However, Whitney reassures future students that these aspects will be thoroughly covered in dental hygiene curricula. Even those who have prior experience may find themselves needing to relearn various procedures based on the specific techniques taught in school. This lack of transferability may detract from the perceived benefits of working as a dental assistant prior to entering dental hygiene school.

Networking Benefits of Being a Dental Assistant

Despite these challenges, there is a silver lining. Whitney mentions that having experience in a dental office can provide valuable networking opportunities that could lead to job placement after graduation. Familiarity with the nuances of dental office operations can certainly help hygienists feel more comfortable once they start working, and existing connections with practices might streamline the job search process. However, for those who haven’t worked as an assistant, it is important to realize that success in finding a job is still very much attainable given the current workforce shortage of hygienists.

Preparation Beyond Experience

For those still considering whether to take on the role of a dental assistant before pursuing dental hygiene, Whitney suggests alternatives such as shadowing a dental office or volunteering in order to gain observational experience without the commitment of being formally employed. This can provide insight into office workflow and patient interactions, excellent knowledge that will serve well in future endeavors as hygienists. Such experiences can also bolster resumes without the necessity of formal qualifications in dental assisting.

The Bottom Line: It’s Your Choice

In conclusion, while dental assisting experience is helpful, it is not essential for success in dental hygiene programs. Whitney emphasizes that aspiring dental hygienists should primarily focus on their academic qualifications and ensure they meet application requirements. Whether or not one chooses to gain experience as a dental assistant should be tailored to their personal career goals and the specific demands of their desired dental hygiene program.

For those interested in the dental hygiene career, Whitney also offers a free RDH video checklist that provides comprehensive information about becoming a registered dental hygienist, making it an invaluable resource for those contemplating this rewarding field.