Is getting the a.s. in dental hygiene much easier than getting the b.s. in dental hygiene?

I know that getting a bachelor's degree is definitely harder than getting an associate degree in dental hygiene but is the difference significant?

Is getting the a.s. in dental hygiene much easier than getting the b.s. in dental hygiene?
No, the clinical time you need to put in and the base classes themselves are typically the same. They have to be- state licensing is regimented to provide the patient with proper care. It's the same in a nursing arena- the difference between the RN and the BSN is not much, but when you go and get the MSN then you will see the most opprotunities open up.





Check into you local papers, see what the dentists in your area are looking for. I would bet the most are looking for a qualified Dental Hygienist who has experience and is board certified. Your AS in Dental Hygiene covers this (in most states- check with your local licensing board).





If the school that you are looking into is like the one I am applying to, the entrance critera is tough and they usually turn away most of the applicants. This is because dental hygienists in most areas are in such a high demand- but they want quality/licensed people. This would be why your AS is set up to accomadate this request. The dentist does not want another assistant; usually the hygienist has a certain amount of independence.





Your AS degree in Dental Hygiene will provide you with the appropriate tools to go out and find a respectible and well paying job. Once you have experience, you can always make the decision to go back and further your education.





My brothers sister-in-law has her AS in Dental Hygiene and has been working for the same dentist for 5+ years. She earns six figures and has gone back only for additional certifications- not the bachelors. I asked her why not go back for the BA and she said in our area is was not worth it unless she was going to also get her Masters so she could teach- that's not for her.





Do yourself a favor and ask around- dentists, fellow hygienists and students. See what their take is on getting the BS as oppsed to the AS. You should get a good feel for what your market is looking for by the answers you recieve.





Good Luck.
Reply:The B.S. is two more years of school. You need it to teach in most colleges. In Ontario, it is easier for a hygienist with a B.S. to get the license to work independently (self-initiate). It just means paying the fee -- no other testing.
Reply:the clinical time in the dental hygiene program is the same for both degrees. the difference is in the pre requisites. in the US, they get paid the same and they both take national and state boards. there is not much of a difference except piece of mind that u have a 4yr degree and that if u are competing with someone for a job that has an associates degree u have a better chance of getting the job.
Reply:Not necessarily, but you do need to complete more degree requirements to obtain a B.S. degree. For instance, there are programs like NYU, University of Bridgeport, and UM in which AS and BS degree students take the same classes together but the BS degree students have to take extra courses in the upper division levels like those involving research and education methodology. Also an internship might be required by B.S. degree students and the completion of a more advanced level math requirement. You will most likely have a heavier course load when completing a B.S. degree in DH. But either way, obtaining an A.S or B.S. degree in Dental Hygiene is not a walk in the park, they are both challenging but very rewarding.