Congratulations on choosing a dental hygienist career. You have made a great choice in choosing this in-demand career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “[e]mployment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 36 percent through 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.”

But in order to become a part of this growing career field, you have to meet certain educational and licensure requirements (there are currently no certification requirements for dental hygienists in any of the 50 states.) Fortunately, these requirements are not unduly onerous.

Dental Hygienist Job Description

Dental hygienists remove both hard and soft deposits (tarter, stains, and plaque) from patients’ teeth. They also apply anti-cavity treatments to teeth, take x-rays, treat periodontal diseases, and instruct patients on proper dental hygiene habits. Some states have even extended these duties to include administering anesthetics, removing sutures, and placing temporary fillings.

To perform these duties, dental hygienists use a variety of hand and rotary tools as well as ultrasonic devices and x-ray machines. Consequently, they must have excellent manual dexterity skills in order to operate this machinery within the tight confines of a mouth.

Educational Requirements

In all states except Arkansas (which has its own set of requirements), dental hygienists must have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program and have obtained a special license for the state in which they wish to practice.

The usual requirements for admittance into a dental hygiene program is a high school diploma (or its equivalent) and acceptable college test scores. Some states require that the applicant complete at least one year of college and fulfill other requirements prior to enrollment into a dental hygiene program.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 301 dental hygiene programs in the United States that have been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Most such programs offer a certificate, an associate, a bachelor’s, or a master’s degree in dental hygiene. In most states, a minimum of a certificate or an associate degree is required for employment in a private dental office. But if you would like to extend your career to encompass research or teaching, a bachelor’s or a master’s is required.

Whether you choose to complete an associate, a bachelor’s, or a master’s degree in dental hygiene, however, you can expect to study such subjects as radiography, pharmacology, periodontology, microbiology, pathology, nutrition, and clinical dental hygiene. These classes, moreover, will be taught with a combination of classroom, laboratory, and clinical teaching methods.

Licensing Requirements

After graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program, you must successful complete the state’s licensing requirements for dental hygienists before you can work in this field. These licensing requirements (in most states) include passing both a written and a clinical examination. The written examination (accepted in all states and the District of Columbia) is administered by The American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. The clinical examination is administered by state or regional testing agencies.

Once this license is obtained, most states require that you take a certain number of continuing education credits in order renew the license. But once you have this license, you are free to begin your career is a dental hygienist. Good luck!

Top Dental Hygienist Schools

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  Carrington College California

  Now you can earn your associate degree and can get started in the career field you’ve always dreamed of more conveniently than ever by attending the online Campus of Carrington College California. Considered a leader in education, Carrington College California has a long history of helping students succeed in real world careers.

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  Carrington College

  Carrington College®, a recognized leader in private education, opened in 1976 and currently provides practical, real-world education to more than 4,000 students annually. Carrington College® offers small classes with hands-on learning taught by experienced faculty.

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  West Coast University

  West Coast University (WCU), with campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, offers Bachelor and Master’s level degree programs that are designed to help you reach your educational and professional goals while balancing an already busy life and work schedule. We want to help you advance in the health care industry through higher education.

  Complete information about West Coast University, including its academic programs, campus locations, admissions policy, and tuition, is located at westcoastuniversity.edu.

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  Argosy University

  To succeed in today’s competitive workforce, you need a solid foundation of knowledge – and the power to put it to work. And that’s exactly what an Argosy University education offers. Drawing upon our more than 30-year history of granting degrees, Argosy University has developed a curriculum that focuses on interpersonal skills and practical experience alongside academic learning. Because getting a degree is one thing. Succeeding, quite another.

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  Sanford-Brown Institute

  Sanford-Brown can help prepare you for a rewarding career in health and dental care, business, paralegal, criminal justice or information technology. With nearly 20 campuses in the Sanford-Brown Institute and Sanford-Brown College divisions, selecting a school that suits your particular career training and education needs is easy.

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  Missouri College

  For over 40 years, Missouri College in St. Louis, Missouri has given students the opportunity to obtain innovative, career-oriented training through our Business Administration, Health Care, and Massage Therapy program areas. We have helped prepare students for their initial journey into the workplace, as well as helped experienced professionals with career advancement.

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  Sanford-Brown College

  For over 140 years, Sanford-Brown College has provided career-oriented postsecondary educational programs. Our institution offers focused, innovative, quality short-term programs in the fields of business and healthcare. At Sanford-Brown, we have focused our study programs, which enable you the opportunity to develop your skills effectively to meet your specific career goals. Plus, our programs focus on the essential concepts and skills most employers look for in entry-level employees. Our goal is to provide you with the practical information and experience you need to get your foot in the door. The secret to our success is that we do not require students to take courses that are not directly supportive of their career goals.

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  Concorde Career College

  With over 15 years of experience in preparing adults for rewarding careers, Concorde is a recognized leader in training Healthcare Professionals. We offer short, manageable programs with day and evening classes to fit your busy schedule.

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  Herzing University

  Herzing University provides a career-focused education in technology, business, healthcare, design, and public safety. Founded in 1965, Herzing University now includes 12 physical locations in eight states and Herzing University Online. Focusing on the individual student’s need is key to the Herzing philosophy.

  Herzing University’s instructors are specifically trained to make it a stimulating and interactive experience. Classes are monitored for quality and class sizes are limited to ensure personal attention.
  The Herzing University educational philosophy is based upon the premise that higher education can enhance an individual’s capacity to attain personal and career goals.