It will also put a smile on a lot of other people’s faces. As a dental hygienist or dental assistant, you’ll enjoy a lot of job satisfaction – because it feels great to make a difference in people’s lives. It’s a solid career with potential for the future, and offering great pay and benefits.
If you are returning to college, consider a degree and career that offers a better future for you and your family. Take a look at the job that US News & World Report ranked #2 in Best Health Care Support Jobs, Dental Hygienist. Then contact C2C and see how you can apply your previous credits, complete your degree, and work toward this lucrative career.
What you’ll do
Though the jobs are similar, becoming a dental hygienist typically requires more education and training. Once certified as a dental hygienist, you will work one-on-one with patients – cleaning stаіns and plaque buildup, sеаrсhing fоr іndісаtоrs оf оrаl disease, applying dental prophylaxis, sealants, and topical fluorides and educating patients on oral care and hygiene.
As a dental assistant, you will also perform hands-on work with dental patients, assist the dentist, and/or performing clerical functions in the dental practice. Depending on your training, you might also find yourself prepping patients for procedures and even assisting the dentist during the procedure.
Why you’ll love it
There are many reasons to consider a career in the dental field. Here are some of the more common responses people give for loving their job.
You’ll have a chance to make a positive impact. Every day, you will help people become and remain healthier.
You’ll enjoy the flexibility. You can likely set your own schedule – full-time, part-time, just weekends, floating between dental offices, etc. Which makes it a great career for single parents.
You’ll meet tons of new people. If you’re a people-person, this is a great choice for you. Patients from all walks of life will sit in front of you and share their stories.
You’ll earn good money. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2018, the median salary for a dental hygienist was $74,820. For dental assistants, it was $38,660.
You’ll have job stability. Your special set of skills will always be in demand and you’ll be able to find a job almost anywhere. In fact, the BLS projects the market for dental hygienists and assistants will grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
You’ll like working as part of a team. Working closely with the rest of your team, you’ll enjoy the camaraderie, professional collaboration, and even social aspects of your position.
You’ll have options. You can work your way up through the ranks. Take more classes to earn higher degrees, maybe even consider becoming a dentist yourself! And even if you don’t care to work directly on teeth, your dental hygiene degree can lead you to a career in public health, an administrative role in a dental practice, a clinical instructor, a dental sales rep, or another related career path.
First step – get your degree
Your career in the dental field begins with an associate or bachelor’s degree. Often, credits from your previous college classes can be applied toward certain degrees. In fact, depending on the credits you have earned already, you might be closer to your degree than you think.
Many public colleges and universities that offer an accredited dental hygienist degree in Mississippi:
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Copiah-Lincoln Community College
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Hinds Community College
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Meridian Community College
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Mississippi Delta Community College
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Northeast Mississippi Community College
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Northwest Mississippi Community College
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Pearl River Community College
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University of Mississippi
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University of Mississippi Medical Center
Use C2C as a resource
Complete 2 Compete is a Mississippi program established to help people like you go back to earn the degree you’ve always wanted. The program can help you with a wide range of tools and solutions.
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C2C Grant –This $1,000 grant is renewable each qualifying semester and helps eligible C2C program participants cover the cost of tuition at any community college or university throughout Mississippi.
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C2C Coach – an experienced college counselor who will help you identify the fastest pathway to completing your degree, navigate the process, and be on your way to achieving your goals.
Contact C2C today and see if you qualify for this valuable program.
