How to Become a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases, and provide preventive care and education on good oral hygiene practices. It's a steady, well-paid career that offers excellent work-life balance — most dental hygienists work 3–4 days per week and rarely take their work home with them.

According to the BLS, dental hygienists earn a median annual wage of $87,530 — making it one of the highest-paid two-year degree careers in healthcare. Job growth is projected at 9% through 2033.

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

In a typical patient appointment, a dental hygienist will:

• Review and update health histories and medications
• Take digital X-rays and assist with interpretation
• Perform thorough teeth cleaning (scaling and root planing)
• Screen for signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and other conditions
• Apply sealants and fluoride treatments
• Educate patients on brushing, flossing, and nutrition for oral health

Most hygienists work in private dental offices, though opportunities also exist in schools, public health clinics, and research settings.

Step 1 — Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program

To become a dental hygienist, you must graduate from a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Most programs award an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene (ASDH) and take 2–3 years to complete, including prerequisite courses.

Common prerequisites include:

• Biology and microbiology
• Chemistry (general and organic)
• Anatomy and physiology
• English composition

The dental hygiene program itself covers dental anatomy, radiology, periodontology, pharmacology, clinical techniques, and patient management.

Step 2 — Pass the NBDHE and Clinical Boards

After graduating, you must pass two licensing exams:

1. National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE): A 350-question computer-based exam covering dental hygiene science and clinical dental hygiene
2. Clinical/Regional Board: A hands-on patient examination administered by regional boards such as WREB, CRDTS, or CSCE — requirements vary by state

As of 2023, many states accept the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in place of traditional live-patient board exams.

Step 3 — Apply for State Licensure

Each state issues its own dental hygiene license through the State Board of Dentistry. You'll submit your board exam scores, transcripts, and licensing fee. Some states also require a background check and CPR certification.

Most states require 12–30 continuing education (CE) hours every renewal period (usually 2 years) to maintain licensure.

Dental Hygienist Salary and Work-Life Balance

Dental hygiene stands out not just for its pay but for its quality of life:

• Median wage: $87,530/year ($42.08/hour)
• Top 10% earn: Over $113,000/year
• Typical schedule: 3–4 days/week, no weekends in most practices
• Work setting: Climate-controlled office, no heavy lifting

Top-paying states include California ($119,150 median), Alaska, and Washington state.

Advancing Your Career

With a bachelor's or master's in dental hygiene, opportunities expand to:

• Dental hygiene educator / clinical instructor
• Public health dental hygienist
• Research and clinical trial coordinator
• Corporate or manufacturer's sales representative
• Dental school faculty member

Explore our Dental Hygienist career profile for accredited program listings and salary data by state.