Can you get a job in the dental hygiene field through online schools?

While you can't get *fully* licensed as a dental hygienist solely through online education, online schools can play a significant role in your path to a job in the field. The crucial aspect to understand is that clinical experience is mandatory. This is the hands-on training that you cannot get purely online.

Here's a breakdown:

* Online components are possible: Many accredited dental hygiene programs incorporate online learning for certain aspects of the curriculum, such as anatomy, physiology, and some theoretical courses. This can allow for more flexible learning arrangements.

* In-person clinical training is essential: To become a licensed dental hygienist, you MUST complete a substantial amount of supervised clinical practice in a real dental setting. This hands-on training is absolutely non-negotiable and cannot be replaced by online simulation.

* Accreditation is key: Ensure any program you consider is accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency. This accreditation is vital for licensure in your state. Unaccredited programs will not qualify you to take licensing exams.

* Job prospects depend on licensure: After graduating from an accredited program (that includes both online and in-person components), you will need to pass the relevant state and national board exams to obtain your license. Only then can you legally work as a dental hygienist.

In short: You might find online components *within* a dental hygiene program, but you cannot become a licensed dental hygienist solely through online learning. The hands-on clinical experience is unavoidable and is a key part of the education.