I'm considering a career as a dental hygienist and looking into schools in Kansas. Does anyone have recommendations or experiences with any particular program there? I'd appreciate any advice on choosing the right school for this field.
Certainly! As a dental hygienist, you'll play an important role in healthcare by helping patients maintain their oral health. In Kansas, several schools offer accredited dental hygiene programs.
Johnson County Community College and Wichita State University are two often-mentioned institutions when it comes to dental hygiene programs in Kansas. They both offer a 2-year program leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene. These programs focus on providing real-world experiences and hands-on training.
Johnson County Community College, located in Overland Park, has a well-equipped Dental Hygiene clinic where students get to provide dental hygiene services to the public under faculty supervision.
Wichita State University, located in Wichita, is another viable option. What sets their program apart is that they also offer a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene for those wanting to go beyond the Associate degree. This further education could potentially open up more career opportunities in the future.
When choosing a school, consider factors like the curriculum, hands-on practice opportunities, faculty's expertise, pass rates on the licensing exam, and location. Visiting the schools, attending open houses or information sessions, and talking to current students and faculty can also give you a better idea of the program's quality.
One additional point: remember that, to become a licensed dental hygienist, you must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a state or regional clinical licensure exam after you graduate. So make sure your chosen school is accredited and prepares you for these important steps.
Good luck with your decision! This field can be exceptionally rewarding, offering direct opportunities to make a difference in people's health and well-being.
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