Dental Hygiene (Certificate vs. Associates vs. Bachelors)

[VBCTea]

Hello,

I started out at a New Jersey community college after high school and will be transferring to Rutgers University this upcoming Fall 2011 semester.

I am a New Jersey resident, and I was interested in applying to UMDNJ's Dental Hygiene program. I emailed the school, and they told me about the certificate option for those who have an Associate's Degree, who can complete the prerequisites at different schools and apply directly into the UMDNJ program.

I was wondering what the difference is between a Certificate, Associates and a Bachelor's degree is for Dental Hygiene.

I was wondering if I will have the same career/job opportunities with the certificate option compare to those who earned the Associate's degree option at UMDNJ. Or is the certificate considered "lowest" in rank?

Are Dental Hygiene certificate holders eligible to take the National and Northeast Regional Board examinations for dental hygiene licensure?

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[SeattleRDH]

Licensure differs by state. The best thing would be to go to New Jersey's DOH website and research the answer.

 

[youknowthedrill]

Ask your family dentist.

 

[Rdh777]

Here in the state of California it doesn't matter If you have a certificate AS degree in DH or bachelors to b honest. They make the same exact salary.
However, I would recommend going for Bachelors degree because you may get burnt out later like i have being a DH for 3 years. I am now going back to shchool for my Bachelors. Also good thing with Bachelors program is that you can teach if you wanted to later on. Or even go to Dental school if your tired of DH. Also I would visit COMDA or the ADA for more info for your particular state.

Good luck