How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Nebraska

Dentists treat illnesses and diseases of the teeth, gums and mouth. A typical work day for a dental practitioner involves giving oral care and hygiene advice/consultation, performing extractions/root canals/tooth replacements, carrying out and examining mouth X-rays, etc.
As of 2019, the number of general dentists working in Nebraska stands at 490 as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you want to become one as well, then this guide can help you. It talks about everything you need to know about working as a Dentist in the Cornhusker State.

Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET Online
Dentists are either general practitioners or specialists in a particular area. You will need additional education and potential residency training to become a specialist. In terms of work hours, you might have to work long shifts as well as weekends on a regular basis to manage the influx of patients.

Jobs for dentists are expected to increase by 7% between 2018 and 2028. This is faster compared to the average growth in jobs expected for other occupations. Moreover, dental services will be more in demand as the population grows older.

To become a dentist in Nebraska, take the steps outlined in this section.

1. 1. Finish Your Bachelor’s Studies

This is where your journey will begin. You can specialize in any subject but taking at least a few science-related courses (biology, physics, chemistry, etc.) is recommended. Some dental schools may accept candidates with 2 to 3 years of undergraduate education. Students following this route usually earn their Bachelor’s degree as a portion of the dental education program.

2. 2. Take the DAT (Dental Admission Test)

After obtaining the Bachelor’s degree, you have to sit for and pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Try to do as well as possible because entry to dental school is dependent on your DAT score.

3. 3. Go to Dental School

In dental school, you will study for 4 years to attain either a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. See to it that the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), working under the umbrella of the American Dental Association (ADA), has accredited the program at your school of choice.

4. 4. Get Licensed

Once you have your dental degree, you can apply for a license from the Nebraska Board of Dentistry operating under the umbrella of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Passing the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) along with the state-endorsed clinical exam is a must for eligibility.

5. 5. Become a Specialist If You Want

Qualified dentists choose to work either as general practitioners or specialists. Following are the areas of specialty.

Specialists need to study further for 2 to 4 years. They may also have to complete a residency to be eligible for a license from the Nebraska Board of Dentistry.

Becoming a Dentist in Nebraska takes about 8 years. You will spend 4 years studying for a Bachelor’s degree followed by 4 years in dental school. If you want to specialize in a specific area rather than practice general dentistry, then you will need additional education (2 to 4 years) and possibly residency training afterwards.

Nebraska’s aspiring dental professionals must come up to the following criteria.

In 2019, Nebraska’s general dentists earned $138,250 in annual mean wage. This is as per the latest data made public by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.