How to Become a Dental Hygienist for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

A career in dental hygiene is a fulfilling one as it provides long-term stability, competitive compensation, and significant opportunities for professional advancement. With a growing emphasis on preventive dental care, the demand for dental hygienists is increasing at a 9% growth rate—much faster than the average for all occupations. This guide will walk you through the essential steps on how to become a dental hygienist, from the education you'll need to the career progression opportunities available, helping you understand what makes this profession a strong and rewarding choice.

Key Things You Should Know About How to Become a Dental Hygienist

Most dental hygienists complete an accredited dental hygiene program, which typically takes two to three years for an associate degree.
All states require dental hygienists to be licensed, which involves passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a clinical exam. Continuing education is necessary to maintain licensure.
The demand for dental hygienists is expected to grow by 19,600 from 2023 to 2033.
Dental hygienists typically work in clean, well-lit dental offices, with many enjoying flexible work schedules, including part-time opportunities.
The median annual salary for dental hygienists is over $87,000, with top earners making over $100,000. Benefits often include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, especially for full-time workers.

What are the steps on how to become a dental hygienist?
What is a dental hygienist?
How is a dental hygienist different from a dentist?
What degree do you need to become a dental hygienist?
How do you get licensed as a dental hygienist?
What is the average salary for a dental hygienist?
What is the work environment like for dental hygienists?
Can dental hygienists become dentists?
What is the job outlook for dental hygienists?
What continuing education is required for dental hygienists?
What are the most lucrative associate degrees for a career change?
How to Advance Your Career as a Dental Hygienist
How can I finance my advanced dental hygiene education?
Can additional certifications expand my career opportunities?
What are the benefits of pursuing advanced education as a dental hygienist?
Should I enroll in an online graduate certificate program for dental hygienists?
Can Dental Hygiene Experience be Transferred to Other Healthcare Roles?
Can Accelerated Certification Programs Provide a Competitive Edge?
Can Integrating Pharmacist Education Complement My Dental Hygiene Career?
Can Business and Leadership Training Accelerate My Dental Hygiene Career?
Can Ergonomics and Movement Science Training Enhance My Dental Hygiene Career?
Can Supplementary Healthcare Certifications Enhance My Career Prospects?
Can an Accelerated Online PharmD Program Deepen My Therapeutic Insights?
How Does a Strong Foundation in Biology Impact My Dental Hygiene Practice?
Are Evolving Healthcare Regulations Shaping My Dental Hygiene Career?
Can Interdisciplinary Degrees Broaden My Dental Hygiene Career?
Can Online Medical Degrees Further Diversify My Healthcare Expertise?
Can Digital Innovations and Online Certifications Enhance My Dental Hygiene Career?
Other Things You Should Know About How to Become a Dental Hygienist

What are the steps on how to become a dental hygienist?

The steps to becoming a dental hygienist involve education, exams, and licensure. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent: Aspiring dental hygienists should complete high school, focusing on science courses like biology, chemistry, and anatomy, similar to those who want to become a nutritionist. These courses provide a solid foundation for further education and help prepare students for the specialized training required in their respective fields.
Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program: Enroll in an accredited dental hygiene program, which typically results in an associate degree. These programs, offered by community colleges and universities, take about two to three years and include both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
Pass the NBDHE: After completing the dental hygiene program, graduates must pass the NBDHE, a comprehensive written exam that tests knowledge of oral health, hygiene practices, and patient care.
Pass a State or Regional Clinical Examination: Most states require candidates to pass a practical clinical exam administered by state or regional boards. This exam tests hands-on skills like teeth cleaning, oral health assessments, and the ability to perform preventive procedures.
Get a State Licensure: Once the required exams are passed, candidates can apply for licensure in the state where they intend to practice. Each state has specific requirements, and some may require additional exams on local regulations or ethics.
Maintain Licensure and Continuing Education: Dental hygienists must renew their licenses periodically and complete continuing education courses to stay current with developments in the field and maintain their credentials. While some of the easiest certifications to get online may not directly apply to dental hygienists, there are courses that play crucial roles in helping hygienists enhance their skills and stay up-to-date with industry advancements.

What is a dental hygienist?

A dental hygienist is a licensed healthcare professional who focuses on preventive oral care, working alongside dentists to ensure patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. They perform essential tasks such as cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, checking for signs of oral diseases, and educating patients on proper hygiene practices like brushing and flossing. By focusing on prevention, dental hygienists play a key role in helping individuals avoid more serious dental issues.

In 2023, there were approximately hundreds of thousands of dental hygienists employed across the United States, reflecting the significant demand for their expertise. Their role is vital in dental care, as they help improve overall oral health and contribute to a patient’s long-term well-being.

How is a dental hygienist different from a dentist?

A dental hygienist and a dentist both work in the field of oral health, but their roles, education, and responsibilities differ significantly. Dental hygienists primarily focus on preventive care, which is centered around maintaining oral health and preventing dental issues before they become serious. Hygienists generally work under the supervision of a dentist and are typically required to hold an associate’s degree in dental hygiene to practice.

Dentists, on the other hand, have a broader scope of responsibility and can diagnose and treat a wide range of dental conditions, including cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. They perform more complex procedures such as fillings, root canals, extractions, and even surgery. Dentists undergo extensive education, requiring a bachelor's degree followed by a dental degree (DDS or DMD), and must be licensed to practice. Their role is more focused on both the prevention and treatment of dental problems.

Key differences between a dental hygienist and a dentist:

Education: Dental hygienists need an associate's degree, while dentists require a doctorate in dentistry.
Scope of practice: Hygienists focus on preventive care; dentists diagnose and treat a broader range of dental issues.
Responsibilities: Dental hygienists clean teeth and provide hygiene education; dentists perform procedures like fillings, root canals, and surgeries.
Autonomy: Hygienists work under the supervision of a dentist, while dentists can practice independently.
Salary: Dentists can earn about twice the income of a dental hygienist.

What degree do you need to become a dental hygienist?

To become a dental hygienist, the minimum educational requirement is an associate degree in dental hygiene. This degree is offered at community colleges, technical schools, and some universities, and typically takes about two to three years to complete. The coursework includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training, covering subjects like anatomy, periodontics, radiography, and dental hygiene techniques. According to the American Dental Education Association, there are 327 entry-level dental hygiene programs across the U.S., which is more than the number of universities and colleges with forensic science programs, providing aspiring hygienists with ample opportunities to pursue their education.

In addition to an associate degree, some dental hygienists opt to pursue a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene, which is offered at more than 50 universities and colleges nationwide. This advanced education can expand career opportunities, enabling hygienists to take on roles in research, education, public health, or administration. Similar to the most expensive and the cheapest RN to BSN program for registered nurses, a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene offers a deeper understanding of the field and may be required for specialized positions or leadership roles within dental practices or larger institutions. This additional qualification can significantly enhance a hygienist's career prospects and professional development.

Regardless of the degree level, all dental hygienists must pass a licensure exam in the state where they plan to practice. This exam includes both written and clinical components to ensure they are prepared for the professional responsibilities of a dental hygienist.

How do you get licensed as a dental hygienist?

To become a licensed dental hygienist, individuals must follow a structured process that involves education, examination, and state-specific licensure requirements.

Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program: The first step is to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program, which is typically an associate or bachelor’s degree. These programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and cover both theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience.
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination: After completing their educational program, graduates must pass the NBDHE, a comprehensive written test administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). This exam assesses a candidate's knowledge of essential topics, including oral health, hygiene practices, and patient care. The scoring scale ranges from 49 to 99, with a minimum passing score of 75 required to qualify for licensure according to the 2024 NBDHE candidate guide.
Pass the Clinical Examination: Most states require candidates to pass a regional or state-specific clinical exam. These exams, often administered by regional boards such as the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) or the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS), test practical skills like patient care, cleaning teeth, and identifying oral health issues.
Apply for State Licensure: After passing both the written and clinical exams, candidates can apply for a dental hygiene license in the state where they plan to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state but generally include submitting proof of education, passing exam scores, and sometimes completing additional state-specific exams on ethics or law.
Continuing Education and Renewal: Most states require dental hygienists to periodically renew their licenses and complete continuing education courses to stay updated with advancements in the field and maintain their professional credentials. Additionally, there are currently at least 19 colleges and universities offering master's degree programs in dental hygiene, providing opportunities for advanced education and career development. Furthermore, similar to the cheapest BSN to MSN online education and its traditional counterpart, accelerated programs in dental hygiene are also starting to get popular.

What is the average salary for a dental hygienist?

As of May 2023, the median salary for dental hygienists is $87,530 per year, or approximately $42.08 per hour, which is higher than some of the easy certificate programs that pay well. Salaries can vary widely, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $65,110 annually, while the highest 10 percent make over $118,400. The highest-paying industry for dental hygienists is the offices of dentists, where the average salary is $88,450. Benefits such as vacation, sick leave, and retirement contributions are often provided but may only be available to full-time workers, depending on the employer.

Many dental hygienists work part-time, with some dentists hiring them for only a few days each week. To supplement their income and increase working hours, some hygienists take positions with multiple dental offices. This flexible schedule can be beneficial for individuals seeking a better work-life balance, though it may limit access to employer-provided benefits, which are often tied to full-time employment.

What is the work environment like for dental hygienists?

Dental hygienists primarily work in clean, well-lit dental offices, where they perform tasks such as teeth cleanings, oral health assessments, x-rays, and patient education. The majority of dental hygienists are employed in dentist offices, but around 2% work in offices of physicians or government settings according to the 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In these environments, they often provide preventive care and oral health screenings, and sometimes work on broader public health initiatives. Their role requires attention to detail and physical stamina, as they spend long hours on their feet, using specialized tools to ensure patients receive proper dental care.

Beyond clinical practice, dental hygienists have diverse career opportunities in fields such as academics similar to those with a PhD in education, research, sales and marketing, public health, administration, and government. Some hygienists choose to combine roles for professional variety, such as working in both education and clinical practice. This allows them to teach aspiring hygienists while maintaining hands-on experience with patients. The flexibility of the profession enables dental hygienists to explore multiple career paths, contributing to a dynamic and fulfilling work environment.

Can dental hygienists become dentists?

Many professionals start their careers as dental hygienists with the intention of eventually becoming dentists. Given the close connection between the two roles, the education and training for dental hygienists offer a strong foundation for the more advanced skills required in dentistry. Dental hygienists acquire practical experience in patient care, oral health, and preventive procedures, which can be highly advantageous when transitioning to a career as a dentist. For a dental hygienist to become a dentist, they must follow a structured educational and licensing path. Here's an outline of the process:

Complete a Bachelor's Degree: While some dental hygienists may already hold a bachelor's degree, those with only an associate degree will need to complete a bachelor's program, often in a science-related field like biology or chemistry, to meet the requirements for dental school admission. Earning a bachelor's degree is a crucial step for those aiming to advance to dentistry. Additionally, for those looking to enter the profession quickly, there are accelerated dental hygiene programs available, similar to fast track social work degree online and on-campus options, which allow students to complete their education more efficiently.
Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT): After completing a bachelor’s degree, aspiring dentists must take the DAT, which assesses their readiness for dental school. The DAT tests knowledge in natural sciences, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning.
Apply to Dental School: With a strong DAT score, candidates can apply to dental school, which is highly competitive. Dental schools typically review an applicant's academic background, DAT scores, and any relevant clinical experience, which a dental hygienist will likely have from their previous work in the field.
Complete Dental School: Dental school generally takes four years to complete and leads to a DDS or DMD degree. The first two years usually focus on classroom and laboratory work in subjects like anatomy, physiology, and dental sciences. The final two years emphasize clinical training, where students treat patients under the supervision of experienced dentists.
Pass Licensing Exams: After earning a DDS or DMD, graduates must pass a series of exams to obtain licensure. This typically includes the NBDE, a written test, and a state or regional clinical exam that evaluates hands-on skills.
Begin Practicing as a Dentist: Once licensed, the individual can begin practicing as a dentist. Their background as a dental hygienist may give them an advantage in patient care and clinical experience, making the transition smoother.

What is the job outlook for dental hygienists?

The job outlook for dental hygienists is very promising, with employment projected to grow by 9% between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than the average growth rate of 4% for all occupations. This growth rate is similar to that of medical records specialists, which is an ideal career path for those planning to go to affordable medical billing and coding online schools.

Each year, an estimated 16,400 job openings for dental hygienists are expected, primarily driven by the need to replace workers who retire or shift to other careers. The demand for dental services is rising, especially in states with the highest employment levels for this profession, such as California and Florida, where the need for skilled dental hygienists continues to grow.

Increased awareness of the connection between oral health and overall well-being is also driving the need for preventive dental care, much of which is provided by dental hygienists. Efforts to broaden access to dental care and changes in state laws that allow dental hygienists to fully utilize their skills are expected to further boost demand for these professionals in the coming years.

What continuing education is required for dental hygienists?

Continuing education (CE) is an essential requirement for dental hygienists to maintain their licensure and stay up-to-date with advances in the field. The specific requirements for CE vary by state, but most states mandate that dental hygienists complete a certain number of CE hours every one to three years. These hours typically range from 10 to 30, depending on the state's regulations.

CE courses cover a wide range of topics, including infection control, patient care, ethics, new dental technologies, and updates on oral health practices. Many states also require hygienists to complete courses on specific subjects like CPR certification, opioid use, or risk management. These courses, including affordable certificates, can be taken in person, online, or through workshops. They help ensure that dental hygienists remain competent and knowledgeable in their profession, keeping them up to date with the latest industry standards.

What are the most lucrative associate degrees for a career change?

When considering a career change or advancement, exploring the best associate degrees can provide a lucrative and efficient pathway. For individuals looking to pivot into a new field or enhance their current career, researching the best associate degrees can offer insights into high-paying opportunities with relatively shorter educational commitments. This can be particularly beneficial for those seeking to enter the healthcare sector, where demand is high and job stability is a significant advantage. By understanding the most lucrative associate degrees, individuals can make informed decisions about their educational and professional pursuits, ultimately enhancing their career prospects and financial stability.

How to Advance Your Career as a Dental Hygienist

Advancing your career as a dental hygienist goes beyond honing your clinical skills—it involves strategic planning, obtaining advanced qualifications, and leveraging professional networks. Expanding your expertise gives you access to diverse roles such as research, education, public health, or even dental practice management.

Many dental hygienists choose to pursue advanced education, such as bachelor's or master's degrees, to improve their career prospects. These programs often cover advanced topics in health care management, education, and specialized clinical practices. If you’re considering a faster pathway to advanced credentials, exploring programs like an online masters one year can be beneficial. These programs allow you to achieve advanced qualifications within a shortened time frame, helping you transition into specialized roles more efficiently.

Beyond formal education, joining professional organizations such as the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) can open doors to mentorship, networking, and industry updates. Participating in conferences, webinars, or leadership programs offered by these organizations can further enhance your knowledge and build connections that support long-term career growth.

Additionally, dental hygienists can seek certifications in specialized areas like periodontics, pediatric dental care, or geriatric oral health to expand their scope of practice. By staying proactive in professional development, you can not only stay competitive in the field but also increase your earning potential and job satisfaction.

How can I finance my advanced dental hygiene education?

Financing advanced dental hygiene education requires strategic planning and awareness of diverse funding sources. Consider options such as scholarships, federal and state grants, tuition reimbursement from employers, and targeted student loans. Additionally, professionals sometimes pursue supplementary education to enhance administrative and technical competencies, which may include programs at accredited medical billing and coding schools online with financial aid. Evaluating these avenues with a financial aid advisor can help secure the necessary support for advanced studies while minimizing personal economic strain.

Can additional certifications expand my career opportunities?

Dental hygienists can enhance their professional portfolios by exploring certifications outside traditional dental hygiene curricula. Diversifying skill sets with specialized credentials, such as those in practice management, telehealth administration, or medical coding, can open alternative revenue streams and broaden career pathways. For instance, obtaining expertise through accredited medical billing and coding schools online may allow hygienists to transition into complementary administrative roles within healthcare, thereby increasing overall job resilience and marketability.

What are the benefits of pursuing advanced education as a dental hygienist?

While an associate degree in dental hygiene is the minimum educational requirement to practice, pursuing advanced education can significantly enhance your career prospects and earning potential.

Here are some of the benefits of pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in dental hygiene:

Higher Earning Potential: Advanced degrees often lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities.
Expanded Career Opportunities: With a higher degree, you may be able to work in specialized areas such as public health, research, or education.
Increased Job Security: A higher level of education can make you more marketable and resilient in a competitive job market.
Leadership Opportunities: Advanced degrees can prepare you for leadership roles within dental practices or healthcare organizations.
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Graduate programs often focus on critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills, which can be invaluable in a complex healthcare environment.

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Should I enroll in an online graduate certificate program for dental hygienists?

For dental hygienists looking to enhance their qualifications and career prospects, pursuing cheapest online graduate certificate programs offers a cost-effective and flexible solution. These programs provide specialized training that can open doors to advanced roles while accommodating busy work schedules.

Online graduate certificate programs often focus on targeted areas of expertise, making them more affordable and shorter in duration compared to traditional degrees. Dental hygienists can pursue certificates in fields like:

Healthcare Management: Equipping professionals with skills to lead dental clinics or health organizations.

Public Health and Policy: Providing the foundation to advocate for community oral health initiatives.

Advanced Dental Practices: Expanding technical skills in areas such as orthodontics or periodontics.

Can Dental Hygiene Experience be Transferred to Other Healthcare Roles?

Dental hygienists possess skills that are directly applicable to a range of allied health roles. Their expertise in patient care, clinical procedures, and preventive health provides a foundation for transitions into dental office management, public health coordination, and other clinical support positions. For instance, professionals seeking to diversify their careers may explore affordable online medical assistant programs, which offer pathways to broaden clinical competencies and adapt to evolving healthcare demands. This strategic expansion can enhance career resilience while opening doors to additional opportunities in the interconnected healthcare landscape.

Can Accelerated Certification Programs Provide a Competitive Edge?

For dental hygienists aiming to diversify their expertise without lengthy commitments, accelerated programs offer focused training that bridges immediate skill gaps. These intensive courses consolidate core clinical and administrative competencies into a brief period, providing hands-on experience that complements traditional education pathways. Integrating an medical assistant certification into your credentials can quickly expand your scope and equip you with practical insights to meet evolving healthcare demands.

Can Integrating Pharmacist Education Complement My Dental Hygiene Career?

Dental hygienists can further refine their clinical perspective by exploring key concepts from pharmacy. Gaining insights into medication interactions and patient-specific drug therapies may enhance oral care strategies, particularly for individuals with complex health profiles. An understanding of pharmacist education requirements can provide a solid foundation in pharmacology, supporting more integrative treatment planning and fostering interprofessional communication in diverse healthcare settings.

Can Business and Leadership Training Accelerate My Dental Hygiene Career?

Dental hygienists aiming for leadership roles can benefit from acquiring business and management skills that complement clinical expertise. Strategic training in practice management, team leadership, and organizational behavior can position professionals for administrative responsibilities and operational oversight.

Focused training programs, including courses in healthcare operations and administration, offer practical insights into budgeting, human resources, and practice development strategies. For instance, pursuing an accelerated healthcare administration degree online can prepare dental hygienists for managerial roles while providing flexibility through online learning platforms.

Integrating business training with clinical practice supports a seamless transition to supervisory positions and enhances decision-making abilities essential for practice growth and innovation.

Can Ergonomics and Movement Science Training Enhance My Dental Hygiene Career?

Dental hygienists regularly encounter physical challenges that can affect long-term career sustainability. Advanced training in ergonomics and movement science equips professionals with practical strategies to mitigate work-related musculoskeletal risks. This specialized education emphasizes proper body mechanics, effective posture, and tailored exercise protocols that contribute to improved clinical performance and reduced injury incidence. By incorporating these principles into daily practice, hygienists can enhance their operational efficiency and extend their career longevity. For professionals interested in further integrating science-based physical wellness into their skill set, pursuing an online kinesiology degree can provide comprehensive insights into human biomechanics and movement optimization.

Can Supplementary Healthcare Certifications Enhance My Career Prospects?

Dental hygienists may strengthen their career resilience by exploring targeted healthcare certifications that complement their clinical expertise. Acquiring additional credentials in areas such as medical coding, healthcare administration, or allied health can open pathways to diversified roles and potential salary advantages. These supplementary qualifications offer a strategic avenue for navigating shifts in the healthcare landscape, ensuring long-term job stability and enhanced marketability. For professionals interested in comparing cross-industry compensation benchmarks, reviewing the medical.coder salary can provide valuable insights.

Can an Accelerated Online PharmD Program Deepen My Therapeutic Insights?

Enrolling in an accelerated online PharmD program offers dental hygienists a rapid route to acquire in‐depth pharmacological expertise. This focused education provides strategic insights into drug interactions and patient-specific therapeutic management, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration with broader healthcare teams. Such advanced training supports refined patient counseling and elevates clinical decision-making, ultimately strengthening an integrated approach to oral and systemic health.

How Does a Strong Foundation in Biology Impact My Dental Hygiene Practice?

A robust grounding in biological sciences empowers dental hygienists to refine patient assessments and tailor treatment strategies based on a deeper understanding of human physiology and oral pathology. Integrating scientific coursework in areas such as human anatomy, genetics, and biochemistry can enhance diagnostic acumen and support evidence-based decision-making in clinical settings. This complementary expertise also encourages collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and enriches professional development by providing insights into emerging healthcare challenges. For advanced learning opportunities that build on these scientific principles, explore the most affordable biology degree online.

Are Evolving Healthcare Regulations Shaping My Dental Hygiene Career?

Stay current with legislative shifts and regulatory updates that redefine clinical practice and patient management. Recent policy changes and modifications in insurance guidelines are influencing scope of practice, prompting dental hygienists to adapt their skill sets. This proactive engagement with evolving standards not only safeguards compliance but also opens pathways for interdisciplinary expertise. For instance, advanced pharmacological training can enhance treatment planning in integrated care settings, offering a competitive edge through targeted education such as the best PharmD programs in the US.

Can Interdisciplinary Degrees Broaden My Dental Hygiene Career?

Dental hygienists can enhance their professional trajectory by integrating advanced interdisciplinary studies that extend beyond traditional oral health practices. Pursuing further education in complementary fields—such as healthcare management, public policy, or pharmacy—can provide deeper insights into patient care, operational leadership, and innovative treatment methodologies. This broadened skill set empowers professionals to assume roles that intersect diverse healthcare domains and can facilitate transitions into management or specialized clinical areas. For instance, exploring avenues like an online pharmacy school may offer valuable perspectives on pharmaceutical practices that enrich a dental hygienist’s expertise.

Can Online Medical Degrees Further Diversify My Healthcare Expertise?

Pursuing an online medical degree can complement dental hygiene skills by equipping professionals with a deeper understanding of broader healthcare systems and clinical management. This pathway offers a chance to explore advanced patient care, research methodologies, and administrative strategies that can enrich a dental hygienist’s clinical perspective. For those interested in leveraging remote learning to expand their professional toolkit, exploring medical degree programs online can provide a strategic advantage in an increasingly competitive healthcare market.

Can Digital Innovations and Online Certifications Enhance My Dental Hygiene Career?

Dental hygienists are increasingly integrating digital tools to optimize clinical operations and administrative efficiency. Embracing innovations such as tele-dentistry platforms, electronic health records, and digital imaging can improve patient care while streamlining practice management. Additionally, targeted online certifications can broaden competencies by introducing essential administrative skills, such as those in medical coding and billing. For instance, investing in a 4 week online course for medical coding and billing cost can provide valuable expertise to support enhanced operational workflows and interdisciplinary roles.

Here’s What Dental Hygienists Say About Their Career

Becoming a dental hygienist has given me the perfect balance between my professional and personal life. I love helping patients feel more confident in their smiles, and the flexible work hours allow me to spend more time with my family. It's a rewarding and stable career choice. - Elijah
Working as a dental hygienist has allowed me to connect with patients and positively impact their health. I enjoy the hands-on nature of the job, and the opportunities for continuing education keep me excited about the future. - Paul
What I love most about being a dental hygienist is the ability to provide personalized care to patients while working in a team environment. The job satisfaction I get from helping people maintain their oral health, along with great pay and benefits, makes this a truly fulfilling career. - Isabelle

Key Findings

About 94% of dental hygienists are employed in dentist offices.
The minimum educational requirement to become a dental hygienist is an associate degree in dental hygiene.
From 2023 to 2033, the profession is expected to see an increase of 19,600 jobs.
The median annual salary for dental hygienists is approximately $87,530.
In the United States, 54 academic institutions offer bachelor's-level degree completion programs in dental hygiene.

Other Things You Should Know About How to Become a Dental Hygienist

What is the fastest you can become a dental hygienist?

The quickest path to becoming a dental hygienist is through an accredited associate degree program, which typically takes about two to three years to complete. This includes both classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience. By following this route, individuals can enter the workforce relatively quickly compared to longer educational paths, such as bachelor's or advanced degree programs. As of 2023, this remains the most common and efficient option for those pursuing a career in dental hygiene.

What is the highest-paid dental hygienist?

The highest-paid dental hygienists, particularly those working in high-demand metropolitan areas or specialized practices, can earn over $100,000 annually. According to data from 2023, the top 10% of dental hygienists make more than $118,400 per year. Factors such as location, level of experience, and the type of dental office or setting (e.g., private practice vs. specialty clinics) significantly influence salary. Additionally, dental hygienists with advanced education or certifications may have the potential to earn even more.

What is the hardest part of being a dental hygienist?

One of the hardest parts of being a dental hygienist is the physical strain the job can impose. Hygienists often work in awkward positions, bending over patients for extended periods, which can lead to back, neck, or wrist pain over time. Additionally, the repetitive nature of tasks like cleaning teeth and using dental instruments can contribute to musculoskeletal issues. While rewarding, the job can also be mentally demanding, as hygienists must manage patient care, stay current with dental practices, and maintain precision in their work.

Do dental hygienists work flexible hours?

Dental hygienists frequently benefit from flexible work hours, with many opting for part-time or varied schedules. Dentists often hire hygienists for just a few days a week, enabling them to achieve a better work-life balance or work across multiple offices. This flexibility is a major advantage of the profession, particularly for those seeking non-traditional or reduced hours. However, a downside to part-time work is that it often excludes dental hygienists from receiving employment benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, which are typically reserved for full-time employees.

How much do dental hygiene programs cost?

The cost of a dental hygiene program varies depending on the level and type of degree pursued. According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, the average in-state tuition and fees for an associate degree is approximately $22,692, while a bachelor’s degree averages $36,382. A master’s degree, on the other hand, costs around $30,421. However, community college programs tend to be more affordable than those offered by four-year institutions. In addition to tuition, students should factor in other expenses such as books, supplies, room and board, transportation, personal expenses, medical insurance, and the cost of dental hygiene instruments.

References:

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ADEA. (n.d.). Program costs. American Dental Education Association. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
U.S BLS. (2024, August 29). Dental hygienists: Job outlook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
U.S. BLS. (2024, August 29). Occupational outlook handbook: Dental hygienists. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
U.S. BLS. (2024, August 29). What dental hygienists do. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
U.S. BLS. (2024, April 3). Occupational employment and wage statistics: 29-1292 dental hygienists. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved September 15, 2024.