To become a dental hygienist, you complete an accredited dental hygiene program, most often an associate degree, then pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (a written exam), a clinical exam accepted by your state and any state-specific requirements before getting licensed. Programs require science prerequisites and admission can be competitive, so many students spend a year or more on prerequisites first.
What dental hygienists actually do
A hygienist’s day is built around patient appointments, often one after another. In each one, a hygienist might:
- Review health history and check blood pressure.
- Remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, and polish teeth.
- Measure gum pockets and chart signs of gum disease.
- Take dental X-rays and screen for signs of problems for the dentist to examine.
- Apply sealants or fluoride, depending on state rules.
- Teach brushing, flossing and habits that affect oral health.
Hygienists are different from dental assistants, who support the dentist chairside and usually have shorter training. Most hygienists work in private dental offices, though some work in public health clinics, schools or specialty practices. Many work part time or split their week between offices, which gives flexibility. The work involves sitting close to patients, fine hand movements and sustained posture, which can strain the neck, back and wrists.
Education routes
- Associate degree: the most common route, often offered by community colleges and technical schools. It combines classroom science with supervised clinical work on real patients in the program’s clinic.
- Bachelor’s degree: offered by some colleges and universities, useful for public health, education, research or management.
- Degree completion: licensed hygienists with an associate degree can later complete a bachelor’s, often online.
Prerequisites usually include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, English, psychology and sometimes nutrition or speech. Ask each program whether it is accredited, because licensing generally requires graduating from an accredited program.
Exams and licensing
Every state licenses dental hygienists, usually through the state dental board. The general requirements are graduation from an accredited program, passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, and passing a clinical exam on a real patient, often given by a regional testing agency. Some states also require a law exam or additional permits for tasks such as local anesthesia. Requirements vary by state, so check your state dental board early, especially if you might move.
A path from high school
- Take biology, chemistry and any health science classes your school offers.
- Get a job in a dental office: front desk, sterilization or, where allowed, assisting.
- Complete prerequisites, often at a community college, aiming for strong grades.
- Apply to several accredited dental hygiene programs, since seats are limited.
- Complete the program, including clinical hours on patients.
- Pass the national board and clinical exams, then apply for your state license.
Testing the fit before committing
Plenty of students apply to hygiene programs without spending a day in a dental office. Before committing, find out if the work suits you:
- Shadow a hygienist, not just a dentist, for a full day of appointments.
- Work in a dental office to see the pace and the patients.
- Hold informational interviews with a new hygienist and a veteran about what they like and what wears on them.
- Notice how you feel about saliva, blood and anxious patients up close.
Signs it suits you, and why some hygienists move on
Hygienists who do well have steady hands, like a structured day, enjoy chatting with patients and do not mind close physical contact. People switch out because of physical strain, repetitive days or limited advancement inside a single office. Those who want more move into teaching, public health, sales, practice management or more school to become a dentist. If you like healthcare but want a different setting, compare nursing and physical therapy. For current pay and outlook, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Dental hygiene as a second career
Dental hygiene is a common second career. If you already have a degree, some general education credits may count, but science prerequisites may need to be recent. Plan for full-time program hours, since clinical schedules are hard to combine with a job. Our guides on career change and careers for people who like helping can help you compare options.
Where a mentor helps
Dental hygiene rewards steady work over time: prerequisite grades, application deadlines and a demanding program with clinical requirements. A mentor helps a student plan the prerequisites, stay accountable to study habits and prepare for program applications and the first job. For high school students, a parent stays involved in the plan. Mentors are not career counselors with credentials, admissions counselors or licensing experts. See career and education mentoring and mentoring for high school students.
Related
- Helping a teen choose a career
- Starting at community college
- How to become a physician assistant
- All career path guides
- Dental Hygienist vs Radiologic Technologist: Which Fits You?
Common questions
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?
Commonly about three years, counting prerequisites and an associate degree program, though timing depends on how quickly you finish prerequisites and get admitted.
What is the difference between a dental hygienist and a dental assistant?
Hygienists clean teeth, assess gum health and educate patients, and need a degree and a license. Dental assistants support the dentist chairside and usually train in a shorter program or on the job, depending on the state.
What exams do dental hygienists take?
Generally the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, a written test, plus a clinical exam accepted by your state. Some states add a law exam.
Can I work part time as a dental hygienist?
Yes. Many hygienists work part time or split their week across offices.
Get started
Considering dental hygiene and want help planning the prerequisites? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.