ADHA Access — May-June
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Making the Transition from Student to a Registered Dental Hygienist
Making the transition from a dental hygiene student to professional dental hygienist can be an overwhelming process. The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) understands the challenges and has developed several tools to help you navigate your career as you begin your journey into the dental hygiene profession. As the national organization for dental hygiene students and registered dental hygienists, ADHA is committed to supporting, empowering and developing you throughout your career.
The easiest way to become involved is to transition Your ADHA membership from "student" to "active." a With current student membership, transitioning is free. Call, email or login to your ADHA profile and make the switch to the professional membership. Make sure to have your license number on hand. By transitioning, you are letting ADHA know that you are a licensed dental hygienist. As a result, you will begin to receive information that is of interest to licensed hygienists, such as continuing education (CE) opportunities, professional leadership positions and networking opportunities. See the table for other suggestions to help during this time.
National Board Examination
While dental hygiene programs prepare students for the National Board Exam, many students find it helpful to use additional study guides and programs. The ADHA Online National Board Exam Review is an online review course offering you the ability to study from any location. If a student prefers self-study, ADHA also offers discounts on individual study guides.
If you are considering holding multiple licenses or moving keep in mind that each state has its own licensing board, and the requirements for licensure can vary by state. Use the Dental Hygiene Clinical Examination Summary to find out which regional exams are accepted by state.
Continuing Education
The requirements to renew your new license vary state-to-state. Find your state's dental board web address and the CE requirements that apply to you on ADHA's website.
High-quality CE programming on a wide variety of topics is available through ADHA's Center for Lifelong Learning, state and local ADHA chapter meetings and the ADHA website.
ADHA, State and Local Chapter Membership
Get involved with your local or state ADHA chapter and meet fellow dental hygienists in your area. Byattending local and state ADHA chapter meetings, you will have access to a variety of CE classes, find community service projects, network with other hygienists, and embark on your professional career with the support of the ADHA community.
Finding a Job
Finding that first job can seem overwhelming. To help, ADHA has a variety of tools available to you as you begin to look for your first position as a dental hygienist. The Employment Reference Guide includes resume and cover letter examples as well as interview Tips, and it is available through your online profile. Post your resume and look for open positions on ADHA's Career Center. Connect with your state and local chapters to meet hygienists in your area and network. Register for your district's listserv and stay up-do-date with dental hygiene news.
By registering you will receive email updates from your ADHA district trustee. To sign up, visit adha.Org/lists and select the lists to which you would like to subscribe. Find work loan repayment options in the ADHA Loan Repayment Guide. Research advanced degree programs through the Education and Careers section of ADHA's website.
Keep in Touch
As the largest professional organization representing the interests of dental hygienists, ADHA exists as a resource for you. If you have questions about your profession, your career, transitioning or your membership, contact us. We would love to hear from you .
For general questions, email student.relations @adha.netor call 312-440-8900. For specific questions, please use the directory at www.adha. org/contactus/i ndex. Html .
Lilliane Smothers is ADHA's manager of student relations.
With a current student membership, transitioning is free. } Call, email or login to your ADHA profile and make the switch to the professional membership.
Making the transition from a dental hygiene student to professional dental hygienist can be an overwhelming process. The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) understands the challenges and has developed several tools to help you navigate your career as you begin your journey into the dental hygiene profession. As the national organization for dental hygiene students and registered dental hygienists, ADHA is committed to supporting, empowering and developing you throughout your career.
The easiest way to become involved is to transition Your ADHA membership from "student" to "active." a With current student membership, transitioning is free. Call, email or login to your ADHA profile and make the switch to the professional membership. Make sure to have your license number on hand. By transitioning, you are letting ADHA know that you are a licensed dental hygienist. As a result, you will begin to receive information that is of interest to licensed hygienists, such as continuing education (CE) opportunities, professional leadership positions and networking opportunities. See the table for other suggestions to help during this time.
National Board Examination
While dental hygiene programs prepare students for the National Board Exam, many students find it helpful to use additional study guides and programs. The ADHA Online National Board Exam Review is an online review course offering you the ability to study from any location. If a student prefers self-study, ADHA also offers discounts on individual study guides.
If you are considering holding multiple licenses or moving keep in mind that each state has its own licensing board, and the requirements for licensure can vary by state. Use the Dental Hygiene Clinical Examination Summary to find out which regional exams are accepted by state.
Continuing Education
The requirements to renew your new license vary state-to-state. Find your state's dental board web address and the CE requirements that apply to you on ADHA's website.
High-quality CE programming on a wide variety of topics is available through ADHA's Center for Lifelong Learning, state and local ADHA chapter meetings and the ADHA website.
ADHA, State and Local Chapter Membership
Get involved with your local or state ADHA chapter and meet fellow dental hygienists in your area. Byattending local and state ADHA chapter meetings, you will have access to a variety of CE classes, find community service projects, network with other hygienists, and embark on your professional career with the support of the ADHA community.
Finding a Job
Finding that first job can seem overwhelming. To help, ADHA has a variety of tools available to you as you begin to look for your first position as a dental hygienist. The Employment Reference Guide includes resume and cover letter examples as well as interview Tips, and it is available through your online profile. Post your resume and look for open positions on ADHA's Career Center. Connect with your state and local chapters to meet hygienists in your area and network. Register for your district's listserv and stay up-do-date with dental hygiene news.
By registering you will receive email updates from your ADHA district trustee. To sign up, visit adha.Org/lists and select the lists to which you would like to subscribe. Find work loan repayment options in the ADHA Loan Repayment Guide. Research advanced degree programs through the Education and Careers section of ADHA's website.
Keep in Touch
As the largest professional organization representing the interests of dental hygienists, ADHA exists as a resource for you. If you have questions about your profession, your career, transitioning or your membership, contact us. We would love to hear from you .
For general questions, email student.relations @adha.netor call 312-440-8900. For specific questions, please use the directory at www.adha. org/contactus/i ndex. Html .
Lilliane Smothers is ADHA's manager of student relations.
With a current student membership, transitioning is free. } Call, email or login to your ADHA profile and make the switch to the professional membership.
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