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Key Takeaways
- Typically employed in dentists’ offices, dental hygienists clean patients’ teeth and assess their dental health, communicate information between patients and dentists, and provide oral hygiene education.
- The most common educational path to a career in dental hygiene is an associate degree.
- After earning a dental hygiene degree, aspiring hygienists must take written and clinical exams to earn state licensure.
- The median annual salary for dental hygiene professionals in the United States is $87,530.
Going to the dentist is few people’s idea of a good time, as dental treatment can be costly, intimidating and even a bit invasive.
But in every dentist’s office, you’ll find professionals who help put patients at ease, keep pain to a minimum and make the experience more positive. Those professionals are dental hygienists.
A good dental hygienist has a calming presence and a steady hand. They speak to patients with empathy and respect, explaining in detail complex procedures and why they are important. Dental hygienists should be passionate about oral health and helping patients live healthier lives.
If you work well with others, enjoy a challenge and want to make a difference, consider becoming a dental hygienist. These professionals are well-paid and in demand, and they get a chance to positively impact every patient who enters their office. Read on to learn how to become a dental hygienist.
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What Is a Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a medical professional who has graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program and is state-licensed to provide oral healthcare.
Dental hygienists perform a variety of preventative care techniques on patients and assess patients’ oral health. They work closely with dentists, and depending on the state, they may also perform many tasks without direct supervision.
The role of a dental hygienist is largely defined by the supervising dentist and can vary by state and workplace setting. Dental hygienists have several options for career advancement, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Some states provide the option for hygienists to pursue additional training to become dental therapists and perform more advanced dental work.
Of the approximately 219,400 dental hygienists in the U.S. in 2022, 93% work in dental offices, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Others work in physicians’ offices or for the government. Many dental hygienists work part time, and some work for multiple dental offices.
What Do Dental Hygienists Do?
Common duties include removing tartar, stains and plaque from teeth; applying sealant and fluoride; and taking X-rays. Hygienists sometimes provide restorative services like extracting primary teeth and replacing crowns.
Dental hygienists spend much of their day working with their hands, cleaning teeth with a combination of hand and power tools. They even use ultrasonic devices and, in some cases, lasers. One common tool for removing stains is an air-polishing device that sprays a mixture of water, air and baking soda. Other tools of the trade include safety glasses, surgical masks and gloves to protect against infectious diseases.
What Qualities Should a Dental Hygienist Have?
Human interaction is a major component of working as a hygienist, so strong interpersonal and communication skills are an important quality in this career. To dentists, hygienists must clearly communicate a patient’s oral health status. To patients, they must explain how to keep teeth and gums healthy and educate on proper brushing and flossing. Dental hygienists regularly instruct on selecting toothbrushes and other oral care devices as well.
Dental hygienists need a soft touch because many patients arrive in serious pain or are afraid to undergo dental treatment.
Hygienists must be empathetic, too, as they occasionally have to counsel patients on lifestyle choices and the links between diet and oral health.
Along with interpersonal skills, dental hygienists should be detail-oriented and understand industry best practices to help dentists evaluate and treat patients. They also need strong problem solving and critical thinking skills. And because they work with their hands in tight spaces, dental hygienists must have good manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
How To Become a Dental Hygienist
To become a licensed dental hygienist, you must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program and pass a written test and a clinical test. Beyond that, licensure requirements vary by state.
Get a High School Diploma or GED® Certificate
To gain admission to a dental hygiene program, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED certificate. High school students interested in pursuing this career should take classes in chemistry, biology and math, which are often prerequisite courses for dental hygiene degree programs.
Earn a Degree in Dental Hygiene
Before dental hygienists can obtain certification and licensure, most states require that applicants graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program. A dental hygiene associate degree is the most common pathway.
Dental hygiene bachelor’s degrees are also available, as are master’s degree programs in rare cases. Most bachelor’s degree programs in the field serve students who already hold associate degrees or a similar number of college credits. The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredits more than 300 higher education programs in dental hygiene at community colleges, technical schools and universities.
Dental hygiene associate programs typically take two to three years to complete, involving laboratory, classroom and clinical instruction. Classes include medical ethics, anatomy and periodontics (the study of gum disease), among other subjects. Students also complete general education courses in subjects like communication, math, writing and science.
Pass a Written Test
All dental hygienists must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). The 350-question test assesses candidates’ understanding of subjects including anatomy, patient assessment, periodontal procedures and professional ethics.
The test is offered year-round at Pearson Vue Test Centers in the U.S. and in Canada and takes nine hours to complete and costs $565. Students of accredited dental hygiene programs may apply to take the test before graduation with the approval of their program director.
The exam is administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE), which is an independent agency of the American Dental Association. The JCNDE offers test preparation materials online, including tutorials covering relevant information and practice exams.
Complete a Regional or State Clinical Board Exam
After passing the NBDHE, aspiring hygienists must successfully complete a clinical, or practical, exam. These hands-on assessments gauge candidates’ clinical skills, employing either live subjects or manikins that simulate live patients. Patients are often responsible to provide their own live test patients.
Though several states offer their own specific exams, most use one of five regional testing agencies. Three of those agencies merged in 2022 and now offer a single test developed by the American Board of Dental Examiners. The other two agencies are the States Resources for Testing and Assessments (SRTA) and the Central Regional Dental Testing Services.
Clinical exam costs vary. SRTA’s manikin-based clinical examination, which is accepted in southern states, costs $1,150, while its live-patient exam costs $950. Candidates are allowed one free exam retake.
Get Licensed
Every state’ board of dental examiners requires dental hygienists to be licensed, but licensure requirements vary, so check with the board of the state where you’d like to practice for details.
Licensure must be renewed every one to five years, depending on the state. Recertification costs between $42 and $475 per renewal cycle. Dental hygienists must also complete continuing education requirements to maintain certification.
Many workplaces also require dental hygienists to have active CPR certification.
Dental Hygienist Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual wage for dental hygienists was $87,530 as of 2023, according to the most recent BLS data.
The BLS projects employment for dental hygienists to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032, with an average of around 16,400 positions projected to open each year during that time frame. By comparison, the national median salary for all occupations is $48,060 and the average projected growth rate is 3%.
Professional Organizations for Dental Hygienists
Getting involved with a professional organization can help dental hygiene professionals make professional connections and find support for their educational and career journeys. Many offer student memberships and other resources for emerging professionals.
- American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA): The oldest and largest national organization for hygienists provides publications, continuing education opportunities, professional advocacy and scholarships.
- American Dental Education Association (ADEA): The nation’s sole professional organization dedicated to dental education, ADEA provides a selection of resources for current and aspiring dental hygienists, including prep for incoming dental hygiene majors and professional development opportunities.
- National Dental Hygienists’ Association (NDHA): This group, founded by African American dental hygienists, works to address the unique problems facing dental professionals from historically marginalized groups. NDHA later merged with the National Dental Association and today holds an annual convention and offers several scholarships to African American dental hygiene students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Becoming a Dental Hygienist
What is the fastest you can become a dental hygienist?
Completing an associate degree in dental hygiene can take two to three years; if you already hold an associate, you can complete a bachelor’s-completion program in dental hygiene in as little as 16 months. Program length depends largely on your enrollment status and transfer credits.
Is it hard being a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists need critical thinking skills, manual dexterity, attention to detail and excellent communication abilities. Developing all of these skills can be a challenge, but a dental hygienist career can also be rewarding and lucrative.
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?
It typically takes two to three years to become a dental hygienist, including earning an associate degree in dental hygiene and passing two tests to obtain state certification. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene can take about two additional years.
What is the difference between a dentist and a dental hygienist?
Dentists and dental hygienists differ in their educational requirements, scope of practice and salary potential. Dentists must earn a bachelor’s degree and complete a doctoral program in dentistry, while hygienists need only an associate degree to start their careers. Dental hygienists clean patients’ teeth and provide education on oral health and hygiene, but dentists can perform more advanced procedures such as tooth extraction and repair. Dentists earn a median annual salary of over $170,000, according to the BLS, while the median salary for dental hygienists is about $87,500.
What is the difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist?
Compared to dental hygienists, dental assistants have a more limited range of duties. Both assistants and hygienists may provide patient education and take X-rays, but dental hygienists assess patients’ dental health and perform procedures such as plaque removal, while dental assistants focus on support duties such as appointment scheduling, patient intake, and assisting dentists during procedures. Dental assistants typically earn less than hygienists, with a median annual salary of $46,540, per the BLS.
