How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Mississippi - MS

Professionally trained and licensed Dental Hygienists in Mississippi are expected to be in high demand through the year 2016, and the profession is expected to grow by nearly 31%. In Mississippi opportunities for these professionals to find gainful employment should abound as the dental field is expected to maintain solid growth along with low levels of unemployment.

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Mississippi

1. Before you can become a dental hygienist you must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
2. Immerse yourself in the dental hygienist profession by shadowing a practicing professional.
3. Find a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) approved dental hygiene program. The coursework will typically be completed in two-years, though there are four year bachelor's and advanced programs in Dental Hygiene.
4. Contact the Mississippi branch of the American Heart Association to learn how to get CPR certification or verify that your CPR training is up-to-date. You will need to maintain your CPR card as a practicing dental hygiene professional as well.
5. Take the national board examination to become a registered dental hygienist in Mississippi.
6. Passing the national board examination signifies to dental professionals in Mississippi that you have competency and ability to work as a registered dental hygienist in the state.