Dental Hygienist
Provide preventive oral health care, clean teeth, take x-rays, and educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques.
| Median Salary | $94,260 per year |
| Job Growth (10yr) | +7%Excellent |
| Education | Associate Degree |
| Time to Start | 2-3 years |
Work Settings
- •Private dental offices
- •Dental Service Organizations (DSOs)
- •Public health clinics and FQHCs
- •Hospitals and nursing homes
- •Schools and school systems
- •Military facilities
- •Corporate and industry roles
- •Educational institutions
- •Independent practice (in certain states)
- •Correctional facilities
Primary Duties
- •Perform teeth cleanings (prophylaxis) to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from patients' teeth
- •Conduct scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) for patients with periodontal disease
- •Take and interpret dental radiographs (x-rays) for diagnostic purposes
- •Apply preventive materials including fluorides and pit and fissure sealants
- •Perform comprehensive patient assessments including oral cancer screenings and periodontal charting
- •Develop individualized dental hygiene treatment plans based on patient assessments
- •Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, brushing, flossing, and nutritional counseling
- •Administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation (where state law permits)
- •Document all patient data, diagnoses, treatments, and clinical notes in electronic dental records
- •Maintain strict infection control protocols and ensure compliance with OSHA, CDC, and HIPAA regulations
How to Become Dental Hygienist
Complete prerequisite coursework
Complete college-level courses including Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, English, Psychology, and Sociology. May be shorter if you have prior college credits.
Duration: 24 months
Apply and gain admission to CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
Programs are highly competitive. Prepare for entrance exams (TEAS or HESI), complete background checks, and gather required documentation. Waitlists are common.
Duration: 12 months
Complete dental hygiene program
Associate degree programs take 2-3 years; bachelor's programs take 4 years. Includes extensive clinical hours (500+), didactic coursework, and hands-on training.
Duration: 48 months
Pass National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
Computer-based exam with 350 questions. Results available in 3-4 weeks. Cost: $600. Can be taken near the end of your program.
Duration: 2 months
Pass regional or state clinical board examination
Hands-on practical exam (CRDTS, ADEX, or state-specific). Limited testing dates can cause delays. Cost: approximately $1,075.
Duration: 4 months
Apply for and obtain state dental hygiene license
Submit transcripts, exam scores, pass state jurisprudence exam, complete background check, and provide BLS/CPR certification. Processing times vary by state.
Duration: 3 months
Continuing Education
All states require dental hygienists to complete continuing education (CE) hours for license renewal, typically every 2-3 years. Requirements vary by state, ranging from 10-20 hours annually to 60 hours over a three-year cycle. State boards often mandate specific topics such as infection control, ethics, or opioid management, and may limit the number of hours that can be completed online versus in-person. Additionally, BLS/CPR certification must be maintained and renewed every 2 years.
Certifications & Licenses
- •State Dental Hygiene License (required)
- •National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) - required for licensure
- •Regional or State Clinical Board Examination (CRDTS, ADEX) - required for licensure
- •Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR Certification (required)
- •Local Anesthesia Certification (state-specific, often required for administration)
- •Nitrous Oxide Administration Permit (state-specific)
- •Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) - California only
- •Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner (ADHP) - state-specific
Citations
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