Is it better to do a year in dental assistant class then go in to dental hygiene?

This year I will be appling for the dental assistant course at durham college. I don't want to become the assistant I'm hoping to do a year of this course so I have a better chance to get in to the hygiene program. Do you think this will help my chance to get in, instead of starting in to the hygiene program right out of high school.

Is it better to do a year in dental assistant class then go in to dental hygiene?
Apply for both if you can get directly into the dental hygienist program.





If you don't get in, then go ahead and do the dental assistant class.





What is most important is that you have your pre-req's and good grades...if your dental hygiene program is not lottery based like the nursing programs are, then you'll benifit from a preceptership or internship at a local dentist. Also any extra classes you can apply to it, such as medical terminology or whatever.





But yeah if you are eligible now and have all your pre-reqs...it certainly wouldn't hurt to try.
Reply:my advice - apply to 10 programs and be willing to move to the nearest 1 you get into, especially if you are single and do not have kids, because then there is no excuse. just bite the bullet and do it. and then - get ready to work your tail off. DH school is fiercely competitive, it took me 3 yrs to get in. i don't know why some people claim it is easy to get in. all schools have different specific things they suggest that help you get in. it's very valuable career - but you really have to love it or it's not worth the serious (serious) toll it takes on your body.