Possible to be Hygienist D3 in MA?

[RU1992]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I was just wondering if its possible to be a dental hygienist after your second year of dental school in Massachusetts if you take the licensing exam. Someone had told me that it was possible before (according to the website that I provided below), but I would just like other people to confirm that this is possible because I've heard mixed opinions. I would really appreciate it if someone could clarify this for me. Thank you so much!

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/regs/234cmr004-20100820.pdf

 

[KittySquared]

Yeah as long as you take the licensing exam. Not difficult at all it you're a D3. I think Tufts pays for it if you qualify.

 

[RU1992]

Thanks KittySquared! So you're positive its allowed in MA, right? And what do you mean by "if you qualify", just so I understand? Thanks again!

 

[KittySquared]

I am somewhat certain. Cause I know someone who did that. They were able to get Tufts to pay for the hygiene exam and then worked part time and made some $$. You have to have certain grades for Tufts to pay for it. I don't know the details. Be sure to ask admissions or academic advisors or something to make sure.

 

[RU1992]

I'm going to Boston University, but thats my goal as well (not necessarily for them to pay for it, that'd be nice though). I just wanted to confirm that its possible to be a hygienist as a dental student in Massachusetts. I know in certain states, its not possible, so wanted to make sure MA was one of those that allowed it.

 

[KittySquared]

Check with the school. Workout the costs as well and see if its worth it. You can wait tables and make more $$ probably lol.

 

[RU1992]

How much is it financially to take the hygienist exam? Is it very pricey, is that why you suggest that? I'm interested in any job that pays well, other than something food/bar related honestly. Are there other options out there?

 

[Daurang]

Yes, my room mate did it it parttime during d3 and made $30 /hr 15 years ago.

 

[RU1992]

I'm wondering how people manage this with school, specifically being a hygienist. Do they find an office that is open on Saturday/Sunday? Or do they try to work late nights at an office or skip class to work? I'm just curious how it worked out for the people you guys know

 

[fuqele]

I'm really interested in this as well.

Sent from my Desire HD using SDN Mobile

 

[Barking Lamb]

I'm wondering how people manage this with school, specifically being a hygienist. Do they find an office that is open on Saturday/Sunday? Or do they try to work late nights at an office or skip class to work? I'm just curious how it worked out for the people you guys know

I'm just wrapping up my first year in school and it wasn't as time consuming as I was led to believe. Sure, I worked harder than undergrad but I still had plenty of time.

Not to mention in year 3 and 4 we have little to no classes, it's just time in the clinic. (The older students tell me life is pretty good.)

 

[RU1992]

Can anyone echo the same statements from a Boston University student's standpoint?

 

[KittySquared]

I can't remember exactly, but I think it was like $1800 or something in that ballpark. Written and clinical portions included. Some exams differ a lot from others e.g. Florida, and others have very similar ones (a national and regional board). You really should check out the Mass state board of dentistry and also your school's allowance for you to work as a hygienist.

I've known some who worked like 5-9pm after class for 2 or 3 days a week during 3rd and 4th years. It honestly isn't THAT much cash, but it does pay some bills, which s nice.


Edit: There are others who make more $ bartending, waitressing and such. But yeah, it's not everyone's cup of tea. Can you imagine - dental student by day, Hooter's girl by night. lol...

 

[RU1992]

Haha, we'll stick with being a hygienist. I wonder what the typical pay scale is like for dental students that are hygienists (especially in MA)....

 

[tinman831]

Haha, we'll stick with being a hygienist. I wonder what the typical pay scale is like for dental students that are hygienists (especially in MA)....

The same as any normal hygienist.

 

[RU1992]

Okay, thanks!

 

[Upperbyte]

I make 41/hr at an office, and 36/hr in another. I would say you should not expect any less than 35. And I am not sure what you would have to do in addition to be able to administer LA. It is a separate NERB in NH, but not sure what you would have to do. The LA NERB is a computerized exam, you don't have to do it on a patient. But the costs for the whole thing are definitely over $1000. My NERB was $925 for just hygiene, if I remember. Then there is state jurisprudence and national boards.