Are you fascinated by the intricacies of oral health or drawn to help improve smiles? Does the prospect of securing a stable dental hygiene career in a growing field appeal to you? If so, becoming a registered dental hygienist may be the perfect route for you.
With Akron offering many accredited dental hygiene programs, gaining the necessary education and training to succeed is within your reach.
This comprehensive guide acts as your roadmap exploring all facets of building a dental hygiene career from Akron program options to industry outlooks and insider tips from professionals in the field.
Let’s start unpacking how to strategically chart your educational path.
The Growing Need for Dental Care Professionals in Akron
With over 200,000 residents to serve in the city proper and nearly 700,000 people in the wider metro area, Akron offers a robust market for dental professionals. As trends forecast increased utilization of preventative dental care services, particularly by aging Baby Boomers, demand for skilled hygienists shows no signs of slowing.
In fact, enrollment in Akron dental hygiene programs has ballooned 40% over the past 5 years according to survey data from regional accreditors. This suggests strong student interest that mirrors growing industry demand.
Supporting this,Akron Dental Society President Dr. James Mahon observes:
“We continually see shortages of dental hygienists to meet patient volume. With budget changes in Medicaid now expanding dental coverage for adults as well in Ohio, it only exacerbates workforce gaps as more citizens obtain benefits.”
Other healthcare leaders echo the need for expanded oral health services enabled by skilled professionals like dental hygienists. Patrick McKenna, Summit County Public Health Commissioner explains:
“Prevention is so pivotal to community wellbeing and controlling costs from remedial, restorative treatments down the line. Having quality preventive oral care accessible across neighborhoods by dental providers like hygienists pays dividends through healthier smiles now and healthier lives long-term by stopping issues before they balloon.”
For individuals like you seeking careers to make a difference, dental hygiene offers immense promise and purpose. Coupling your passion with the expertise gleaned from Akron programs sets you up for success.
Choosing the Best Program in Akron for Your Needs & Goals
Akron offers several CODA-accredited programs to secure your dental hygiene education. Entry requirements, program formats, clinical hour requirements and tuition costs vary widely between community colleges, technical schools and universities. Identifying where you want to work after graduating is pivotal for choosing the right program fit too.
Dr. James Mahon of the Akron Dental Society suggests asking three key questions when evaluating program options:
“First, examine credientials of faculty and clinic supervisors closely – their expertise shapes practical skills developed. Also, quiz current students and recent alumni. Finally, determine if the graduate job placement support and interview prep translates to actual hires by area dentists.”
With multiple quality programs available through Akron institutions, conduct due diligence tailored to your professional aspirations.
Here is a comparison snapshot of leading local programs to propel your decision process:
Stark State College Dental Hygiene
Format: Associate degree via full-time 2-year or part-time 4-year track
Annual Tuition: $7,856 per year
Admissions: High school diploma or equivalent required
Accreditation Status: Fully accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation
Job Placement Rate: 93% of graduates working in field or continuing education within year of graduation
Clinic Hours Requirement: 160 hours minimum supervised clinical experience
Application Tips: Competitive admissions so apply early and ensure prerequisite courses and minimum 2.5 GPA requirement met
Graduation Statistics: Average 22 students earn degree annually
Youngstown State University Dental Hygiene
Format: 120 credit Bachelor of Science degree, 3 year program
Annual Tuition: $8,974 per year
Admissions: Must complete 30 semester credits including science prerequisites
Accreditation Status: American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation accredited
Job Placement Rate: 100% of graduates working in field or continuing education within year of graduation
Clinic Hours Requirement: 1050 hours minimum direct patient care
Application Tips: Two rounds of admissions each spring – apply early for best chance
Graduation Statistics: Average 35 graduates per year
Cuyahoga Community College Dental Hygiene
Format: 74 credit Associate of Applied Science degree via full or part-time options
Annual Tuition: $4,287 per year average for in-district students
Admissions: High school graduate or GED equivalent
Accreditation Status: American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation accredited
Job Placement Rate: 92% graduates enter the dental hygiene professional workforce or continue education
Clinic Hours Requirement: 200 hours minimum supervised clinical instruction
Application Tips: Prerequisite courses must be completed before applying with minimum 2.0 GPA
Graduation Statistics: Average 15 graduates annually in day program option
Whether a recent high school graduate or adult learner balancing responsibilities, Akron delivers program models aligned to your needs and professional goals following graduation. Identifying the right fit hinges on priorities like work ambitions, location, cost constraints, clinic hour requirements set by Ohio licensing boards and teaching pedagogy.
Invest time researching all academic and admissions details plus networking with enrolled students and faculty of programs under consideration.
Understanding the Career Trajectory & Job Variety for Dental Hygienists
Beyond educational choices, gaining clarity on day-to-day responsibilities, workplace settings, career growth options and salary upside helps immensely in deciding if this career fits your skills and interests long-term.
While cleaning teeth comprises a bulk of time as a dental hygienist, the role entails far greater breadth like:
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Educating patients on proper oral care and plaque removal techniques
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Identifying oral health developments requiring escalation to a dentist
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Managing instruments and digital dental technology like intraoral cameras and radiography
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Documenting dental records, treatment plans and health histories
Skilled communication shines paramount in all aspects of the job. This allows explaining procedures, addressing patient questions and concerns with empathy and building lasting rapports essential for individualized care.
Thanks to their versatility, dental hygienists find job opportunities spanning:
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Dental offices – 87% of dental hygienists worked in general and specialist dental practices as of 2020
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Hospitals – Hygienists often serve on collaborative care teams to treat medical cases with co-occurring dental needs
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Schools & nursing homes – Providing oral health education and basic services in underserved communities
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Government clinics – City and county dental clinics boost access for low-income families and pediatric prevention
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Universities – Teaching future generations of dental professionals
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Sales roles – Medical device and dental equipment companies leverage hygienist expertise
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Independent practice – Some states now permit licensed hygienists to open their own clinics without a dentist on staff
Compensation commensurates with the vital role dental hygienists perform. The average salary for dental hygienists in Ohio tallies $35 hourly or $73,000 annually as of 2021 according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Experienced hygienists at the top end of pay scale can earn over 6-figures.
Benefits commonly offered to dental hygienists include:
- Health, vision and dental insurance
- Retirement saving plans
- Paid time off
- Flexible schedules
- Bonuses & incentive pay
- Tuition reimbursement
Navigating Licensure Requirements to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist
Before securing work as a dental hygienist, candidates must obtain the registered dental hygienist (RDH) credential nationally and also meet Ohio state licensure regulations monitored by the Ohio State Dental Board.
This entails passing intensive exams testing your grasp of skills from anesthesia administration to medical ethics.
National Exams
All candidates must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) covering:
- Scientific basis for dental hygiene practice
- Provision of clinical dental hygiene services
- Community health/research principles
Computer-based testing occurs year-round via Pearson VUE centers with an $460 exam fee.
Regional Exams
In addition, the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners (NERB) administers the Regional Clinical Dental Hygiene Licensing Exam on a continual basis in Ohio. You must pass this capstone to demonstrate clinical competency.
It involves live patients and evaluates your performance across:
- Case-based examinations
- Periodontal examinations
- Anesthesia & pain management
- Restorative exam procedures
- Clinical simulations
You can expect hands-on testing across two days. The current fee totals $950 for the NERB exam.
State Rules
Meet remaining requirements too like CPR certification, passing a jurisprudence exam on Ohio dental code and submitting fingerprints for a confidential background check.
Renewals
Once licensed, dental hygienists must complete continuing education credits regularly to uphold registered status. Renewals occur every two years through the Ohio State Dental Board.
While meeting credentialing mandates takes diligence, recognizing steps for licensure early allows you to prepare and budget accordingly around tuition and exam costs.
Choosing Between Online vs. Campus Program Options
In Akron’s accredited dental hygiene programs, you will find a mixture of online and in-person learning options. What balance offers the best fit depends on your learning style and life circumstances.
For ultimate flexibility, online programs allow you to tap recorded lectures and complete written assignments on your own schedule. They require disciplined time management skills. You still gain hands-on training through arranged clinical rotations.
If accessing campus labs stocked with the latest dental technology frequently appeals more, traditional face-to-face programs offer immersive learning via in-person lectures, hands-on group projects and simulations. This also fosters networking.
According to Shelley Kastelic, Program Director for Youngstown State University’s dental hygiene program, their blended curriculum strikes an effective balance.
“With over 1,000 clinical hours completed chairside, our students gain nuanced understanding of digital dental equipment and hands-on patient experience. Yet the flexibility of some classes remaining virtual optimizes their education without life derailment.”
Evaluate your preferred environment – remote or campus – and ensure alignment with the program’s instruction methods and technology access.
Financing Your Dental Hygiene Education
Between tuition and licensing costs, purse strings may pull tight on the road towards an RDH career. Know creative college financing and reimbursement options can ease monetary strains.
In Akron dental hygiene programs, yearly tuition differs markedly ranging from around $5,000-10,000 whether you choose a community college or four-year university. Calculate total expenses beyond tuition too like textbooks, laboratory fees, scrubs and supplies. Then map out a financial plan.
Explore these paths to offset expenses:
Apply for Federal Student Aid
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to access loans, grants and work-study eligibility based on need.
Seek Scholarships
Professional associations and community foundations offer dental hygiene academic scholarships, usually ranging $500 – $2,500. These accumulate without repayment requirements.
Every dollar counts, so apply annually. Examples to consider include:
- Ohio Dental Hygienists Association Education Foundation Scholarships
- National Dental Hygienists’ Association Institute Scholarship
- American Dental Hygienists’ Association Scholarships
Look Into Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Some dental offices offer tuition reimbursement benefits to hygienists. Typically contingent on an employment commitment post-graduation, this perk alleviates financial strain. Discover if clinics you aspire to work with offer reimbursement.
Weigh Student Loan Repayment Provisions
Compare student loan packages across banks and credit unions. Some feature graduated repayment options starting with smaller installments following graduation and rising as earnings grow.
Also a possible provision with federal loans – income-driven repayment based on salary. This ensures loan payments stay affordable as you build your hygiene practice.
With deliberate planning, you can make tuition costs and program investments readily manageable through Akron dental hygiene programs.
Applying for Akron Dental Hygiene Programs: Insider Tips
When applying for Akron dental hygiene programs, you want your candidacy to shine despite competitive admission rates.
Robin Wilbraham, Director of Dental Hygiene Program Admissions for The University of Akron, suggests students:
“Apply as early as possible since most programs only admit one cohort annually. Complete not just prerequisite courses but also recommended ones like microbiology and nutrition to show well-rounded foundations. Finally, highlight commitment to dentistry and serving others within application essays and interviews.”
Building rapport with program leaders also offers a strategic edge. Attend open house events to interface directly with faculty while demonstrating genuine passion for the field.
Once enrolled in your Akron dental hygiene program, remain actively engaged with staff. Seek mentorship opportunities and tap into professors‘ office hours often, Wilbraham advises. Establishing these solid contacts early fosters professional references and career leads post-graduation.
Why Now is the Time to Become an Akron Dental Hygienist
All signs point to increasing importance and career stability for qualified dental professionals. Akron projects over 7% job growth for dental hygienists through 2030 – more than twice as fast as average occupation growth.
As today’s dental hygienists expand services across smiles, hospitals, schools and new settings daily, the chance to positively impact community wellness multiplies. Akron dental hygiene programs position graduates to catalyze this progress by equipping them with expertise to deliver quality preventative oral care in a compassionate way.
Now is the time to develop your talents as part of Akron’s burgeoning dental scene. With guidance from this roadmap breaking down essential considerations from ideal programs to startup costs to insider application tips, your trajectory towards an enriching dental hygienist career awaits.