Dental hygiene..and dental assistant?

Question

im going in to grade 11 and i am taking most of my required courses to get in for one or both of those in college

i took a biology, math, and now i only have to take another science( most likely chemistry i will take)

what other courses do you recommend i should take?

should i take another math in grade 12

i live in ontario if that will help you understand the cirriculum here and everything

i just want to get opinions for people who have gone into the field and what they wished they would have taken to make it alot easier

Answer 1

Definitely take biology related courses... Anatomy, Microbiology, Chemistry are all good places to start.

Depending on where you go to school, math may not be as important. Some programs require you take statistics, so if your high school offers a statistics course, it might be a good idea to take that.

Also, take any health related courses... And, if you want to get a good start now, take a yoga class or something similar. It'll help with building up your core muscles, which are necessary for your body health when you become an assistant or a hygienist.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Dental hygienists perform cleanings and periodontal maintenance on patients...dental assistants assist the doctor. You don't need any formal education to be a dental asst., where as to be a hygienist you need a degree...you can get an associates in hygiene in many states, meaning only two yearas of college. Some programs require a 4 yr degree.

Answer 3

Well.... if you're planning on becoming a dental hygienist, it helps if you have a sadomasochistic streak...I hate them!  

Answer 4

Lots of science classes!!!!!  Biology, Anatomy...

In North America, you only need an associates degree to go to dental hygiene school.  So, it's 2 yrs. of college and then 2 yrs. of hygiene school.

Math is also important for college!  

Dental assisting doesn't require a college education and there is a lower pay rate....a great option for you would be to work in a dental office.  Since you are still in school, try going to local dental offices and explain that you are interested in the field and would love to soak up as much knowledge as you can before hygiene school.  You can start by filing charts and answering phones.  Eventually you can work in the back and learn a lot about teeth!  You'll need all of the knowledge you can get about the mouth to help you with your studies.