Meaningful Smiles: Discover the Rewarding Path of Dental Hygiene at Jackson College
June 26, 2024
Are you seeking a meaningful career that makes a real difference in people’s lives? Consider the field of dental hygiene – a growing industry brimming with exciting opportunities!
Jackson College’s dental hygiene program offers a close-knit, supportive learning environment to help students achieve their goals.
“I was working in the field for the past four years and really enjoyed it, so it was time for me to further my education,” said Gabby Draft of Addison, a dental hygiene student.
Student Billy Myles of Onsted shared a similar sentiment. “I have worked in the dental field already as an assistant and wanted to advance my career. I also wanted to help more people and contribute in a new way.”
Helping others is a common motivation among students. “I chose this program to benefit people who are uneducated about oral hygiene,” said student Hailey Fullerton of Jackson.
Admission to the program is competitive and the curriculum is rigorous, but Jackson College’s dedicated faculty are committed to their students’ success. “They want you to succeed,” Draft noted.
“They’re more than willing to go out of their way to help us understand the material and ensure we are on the right track,” added Myles.
Jackson College admits a small cohort of 10 students who progress through the program together, spending upwards of 30 hours each week in close collaboration. This peer support fosters camaraderie and aids in their collective success.
“We’re all close. It took us like a week to get to know everyone,” said Erin Prater of Michigan Center.
Effective time management and setting priorities are crucial for students in the program. While study and family time are prioritized, some work hours and other activities may need to be adjusted to accommodate the program’s demands. Students advise doing some research and considering the commitment.
“You need to manage your life outside of school differently, because it’s a very busy schedule,” said Emily Salenbien of Tecumseh.
The dental hygiene program also entails several expenses that students must plan for. Costs include instrument kits, personal protective equipment like magnifying goggles or “loupes,” and the fees for five board exam
s, amounting to thousands of dollars. To help offset these expenses, a dental hygiene student club hosts annual fundraisers.
“All of our students do get jobs, and many now have sign-on bonuses, so there is a reward for the expense,” said Patricia Guenther, program director and registered dental hygienist. In Michigan, employment for dental hygienists is projected to rise by 11 percent in the coming years, surpassing the national average growth rate of 7 percent.
A dental hygiene career not only promises a stable and rewarding professional path but also the opportunity to make a significant impact on people’s lives. If you are enthusiastic about healthcare and helping others, this might be the perfect field for you.