Did you know October is National Dental Hygiene Month? It’s a great time to celebrate clean teeth and a perfect opportunity to think about your career. Whether you’re already a dental hygienist or just considering the field, you might be wondering how to take things up a notch. Sure, an associate degree in Dental Hygiene gets you started, but have you thought about what a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene could do for you?
Whether you’re eager to earn more, move into leadership, or explore exciting areas like public health or education, a bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene has a lot to offer. Plus, with so many flexible online programs available, advancing your career doesn’t have to disrupt your life. Let’s dive into the benefits of earning a bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene and see why it might be just the boost you need!
1. Go beyond clinical practice
If you’re already in the dental hygiene game, you know the drill—working directly with patients to help them maintain good oral health. But what if you could apply your skills and knowledge in entirely new ways? That’s where a bachelor’s degree comes in!
With a BS in Dental Hygiene, you can step outside the clinic. Ever thought about teaching? You could become an instructor at a college, shaping the future of dental hygiene. Or maybe public health piques your interest? With this degree, you could work in public health organizations, creating outreach programs that promote preventative care. And let’s not overlook research!
You could be part of studies that shape the future of dental care, ensuring that new techniques and treatments are safe and effective. These are just a few reasons why a bachelor’s in dental hygiene can expand your career options beyond what you might have thought possible.
2. Boost your earning potential
Let’s be real—one main reason to return to school is to earn more, right? Good news: a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene can really give your paycheck a lift. While you can make a decent living with an associate degree, a BS makes you much more competitive for those higher-paying roles.
Think about management or administrative positions in dental practices. With your BS, you could qualify for roles like clinical director or practice manager, where you’d oversee operations and lead patient care strategies. These jobs often come with bigger salaries and better benefits, plus opportunities for long-term growth. And don’t forget about educational institutions and public health agencies—they usually pay more than private practices. If you’re eyeing positions in those areas, a bachelor’s degree can be your ticket to achieving those higher-paying jobs.
3. Step Into Leadership Roles
Ever dreamt of leading a team or managing a dental office? A bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene is a fantastic way to make that happen. Those with a BS are often considered for leadership roles combining clinical knowledge and management skills. With your degree, you could become a clinical supervisor or department head, overseeing other hygienists and ensuring your team provides top-notch patient care.
These roles give you a chance to make a real difference in how a dental practice operates and shape the experiences of your colleagues and patients. And it doesn’t stop there! You might find yourself in leadership positions within professional organizations or government agencies, advocating for better dental care policies. If you love to lead and drive change, this is a key perk of earning a bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene.
4. Enhance your clinical skills
A bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene isn’t just about new job opportunities—it’s also about sharpening your skills in your current role. One of the most significant benefits of earning your degree is the advanced clinical training you’ll receive.
With a BS in Dental Hygiene, you’ll dive deeper into subjects like oral pathology and advanced patient care. This means you can tackle more complex cases and provide top-notch care. Patients can really notice when their hygienist is knowledgeable about advanced procedures, which sets them apart.
Plus, improving your clinical skills can lead to better patient outcomes. There is certainly something gratifying about knowing you’re providing the best possible care because you’ve taken the time to upskill.
5. Make dental care better
Think of the impact you’ll have. If you’re passionate about helping underserved communities or tackling larger health issues, a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene can lead you to a fulfilling career in public health. Instead of focusing on individual patients, you can work to improve the whole community’s smile.
With a BS in Dental Hygiene, you can get involved in developing community outreach programs, designing preventive care strategies, and advocating for policy changes to make dental care more accessible. Public health roles allow you to have a broader impact, especially in communities lacking access to dental care. It’s a rewarding career path for anyone looking to make a real difference.
6. Flexibility through online learning
We get it—you’re busy! Going back to school while juggling a full-time job can feel overwhelming. But here’s the silver lining: many bachelor’s programs in Dental Hygiene are now offered online, meaning you can advance your education without leaving your job behind.
Online programs provide the flexibility to complete coursework on your own schedule. Whether you’re working full-time or managing family commitments, an online BS in Dental Hygiene lets you study at your own pace, making career advancement more attainable than ever.
So, if you’re worried about fitting school into your life, online learning can be a game-changer. You get all the benefits of a bachelor’s degree without sacrificing your current responsibilities.
7. Pave the way to advanced degrees
Finally, earning a bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene can set the stage for even more advanced education. Many dental hygienists go on to pursue master’s degrees in areas like public health, education, or healthcare administration.
With a BS in Dental Hygiene under your belt, you’ll be well-prepared for these next steps, opening even more doors for career advancement. A master’s degree can lead to high-level roles in academia, research, or policy development—and yes, those positions often come with even better pay and more influence in the profession.
Earn your degree at UB!
There’s no doubt about it—the benefits of earning a bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene are plentiful. From expanding your career options to boosting your earning potential, stepping into leadership roles, and even pursuing a path in public health, a BS in Dental Hygiene can transform your professional journey.
And with flexible online options, it’s easier than ever to advance your career while maintaining your current job. Ready to take the next step? Explore how University of Bridgeport’s online bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene can help you unlock your full potential in public health organizations, creating and implementing community outreach programs focusing on preventative care.