Armstrong Atlantic State University is an institution in the University System of Georgia. They offer the Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene Education. The associate degree requires two years of study in dental hygiene courses as well as four mandatory classes in chemistry and biology. The associate's degree makes students eligible to become state-licensed hygienists. The bachelor's degree program requires the same courses as the associate plus six professional dental hygiene courses that must be taken upon completion of the associate degree and after obtaining state licensing. The bachelor's also requires courses that qualify students for employment in areas such as dental hygiene and dental assisting instruction, dental health education in public school systems, and public health.
Savannah Technical College provides two programs in dental assisting: the Dental Assisting Diploma and the Dental Office Management Diploma. For the Dental Assisting Diploma, students must complete three general core courses of five hours each in English, mathematics and psychology. They are then required to take 25 hours of fundamental courses in various subjects including microcomputers, human biology, health care, head and neck anatomy, microbiology, preventive dentistry, oral anatomy, oral pathology and professional practice. Specific courses following those include multiple classes in dental assisting, dental practice management and dental radiology. Many of the same courses are required for the Dental Office Management Diploma with some variations including the addition of business math, office accounting, office procedures, business ethics, human resource management, patient-relationship management and dental office procedures.
Becoming a dental hygienist in Georgia requires a license as well as completion of a certification program such as the one at Armstrong Atlantic State University. The BLS puts expected growth in the field at 38 percent between 2008 and 2018, making it one of the fastest growing occupations.
Becoming a dental assistant does not require a degree or any state licensing in Georgia depending on what functions the dental assistant performs. Those that involve only basic responsibilities such as office duties and working radiology equipment do not need licensing, though an education in the field can help those without prior experience get their foot in the door at a dental office. While many assistants learn their skills on the job with a properly licensed dentist, an increasing number find training in dental-assisting programs, such as the one at Savannah Technical College, which provide additional training in dental procedures. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the future job prospects for dental assistants are "excellent."