Dental Hygienist Schools

Dental Hygienist Training Facts

Dental assistant vs. dental hygienist: What's the difference?

Although both play vital roles in the dental field, the two occupations differ. Here are a few points that can help with the distinction between dental hygienists and dental assistants.

Dental hygienists:

• Perform both independent and supervised clinical tasks
• Require formal education and must be licensed to practice
• Represent a more senior-level role in the dental field
• Focus on preventive care and patient education

Dental assistants:

• Directly assist dentists with clinical procedures
• Handle a variety of administrative tasks
• Do not necessarily require certification
• Represent an entry-level role within a dental office

Prerequisites for admission to dental hygiene programs

To enroll in a dental hygienist training program, the prerequisites that you will need to meet are likely to include the following:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• High school math, science, and English courses
• Minimum high school GPA of 2.0

Additionally, some schools may request that you:

• Pass an entrance exam
• Obtain prerequisite college credits
• Complete a personal interview
• Take a dexterity test
• Submit an essay
• Complete a criminal record check

How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?

Starting in the dental hygiene field typically requires earning an associate degree in dental hygiene, which usually takes two to three years. It's important to note that even though associate degree programs may only last two years, many require certain college-level course credits as a prerequisite before you can enroll.

Bachelor's degree programs in dental hygiene take approximately four years to complete and prepare graduates for more advanced positions in areas like education and management. Some schools also offer RDH bridge programs, which allow those with an associate's degree to transfer existing credits to a bachelor's degree completion program.

Master's degree programs in the field tend to take a year or two to complete, depending on the school and if you are attending full-time or part-time. Many master's students have worked in the field for some time and continue working while completing their program. The flexibility of online and part-time options can be especially handy for graduate degree students.

When you graduate from one of these degree programs, you can be eligible to take the national and state/regional examinations. Once you meet these requirements, apply for licensing, and receive approval, you will be considered a registered dental hygienist (RDH).

What do dental hygienist programs cover?

Programs designed by colleges and trade schools for dental hygienist training can teach you about important and relevant subjects, such as:

General Science and Health

• Chemistry and biology
• Physiology
• Nutrition

Dental Science

• Oral pathology (diseases affecting the mouth)
• Head and neck anatomy
• Tooth morphology (tooth identification)
• Periodontology (gum disease)
• Pharmacology and pain management
• Dental development, structure, and function

Clinical Practice and Patient Care

• Radiographic imaging
• Medical and dental emergency care
• Oral health education
• Infection and hazard control management
• Community dental health
• Child, adolescent, adult, special needs, and senior dental care
• Dental materials

General Education

• Communication, English, and speech
• Psychology and sociology
• Ethics and professionalism

Clinical experience

In addition to classroom and lab-based learning, schooling can enable you to participate in a substantial clinical component, often in an on-site dental clinic or community facility. Hands-on practice is a critical aspect of training in dental hygiene. It is not only necessary to sharpen your skills but also to meet licensing requirements.

Clinical experience is also essential for RDHs to gain confidence and ease in dealing with the different types of people and situations they encounter in their workplaces.

Practicing your bedside manner is critical to meeting each patient's individual needs. A small child nervous about getting their first filling will require a different approach than an adult who is not fearful but incredibly chatty. Being a great RDH means helping people feel at ease, safe, well-cared for, and sometimes even entertained or distracted while they receive their dental care. Therefore, a variety of clinical experiences is necessary to prepare for the diverse challenges in the profession.

Dental hygienist license requirements

After graduating from an accredited program, you will first need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Then, you must pass whatever other clinical or written examinations your state or region requires to become a registered dental hygienist (or licensed dental hygienist in Indiana). Each state has its own requirements and conditions for obtaining your dental hygienist license.

Other licensure requirements include letters of recommendation from dentists or registered dental hygienists, a background check, high school or post-secondary transcripts, and a personal interview. You may not be eligible for licensure in your state if you have a criminal record with a serious misdemeanor or felony. However, according to the ADHA, most states consider the type of offense on a person's record and how it relates to the work of an RDH before deciding whether or not to grant licensure.

Additionally, most states have ongoing requirements for continuing education throughout your career. These requirements are in place to ensure you stay abreast of current technologies, infection control practices, and advancements in the field. The emphasis on continuous learning and professional growth is a testament to the dynamic nature of the dental hygiene profession. These requirements usually need to be met annually or bi-annually, but they differ from state to state.

You will also need to keep your CPR certification current in case of any medical emergencies.

Dental Hygienist Career Info

Dental hygienists are essential to the dental health field. Providing professional and thorough care can play a significant role in ensuring a patient's overall experience is positive. But their influence goes beyond the dental realm since various aspects of physical and even mental health are impacted by oral hygiene practices.

Benefits of being a dental hygienist

Dental hygienists experience a wealth of rewards by working in this exceptional area of health care. The following are a few of the main benefits of being a dental hygienist.

• Strong demand: The outlook for careers in this field is expected to be positive in the coming years.

• Flexibility and work-life balance: According to U.S. News Best Jobs of 2022, this is the top-rated area for dental hygienist job satisfaction. Alternative work schedules, including part-time, tend to be much easier to maintain. Many hygienists only work a few days each week. This flexible work schedule means that dental hygiene can be a very positive career choice for those with families.

• Job satisfaction by making a positive difference: You could be responsible for front-line dental care, not only cleaning teeth but also delivering necessary care and education to improve your patients' health. RDHs need to assess for issues that may not even seem related to dental care. Mild cognitive impairment, diabetes, airway issues, and nutrition are all important issues you may have to assess and discuss with patients.

• Contracting benefits: As a contractor, you could enjoy the opportunity to choose which clients you take on, what days you work, and more. You could also negotiate whether your pay structure is hourly, daily, or commission-based.

• Varied surroundings: Many hygienists work on a contract basis, allowing them to spend time in a variety of offices. If you choose this route, you could work with a wide range of other health and dental professionals.

What does a dental hygienist do?

You could be responsible for a variety of patient care and education tasks. The breadth of duties varies from state to state, and some tasks may require further training and certification. Additionally, some of these duties require authorization from a dentist, whereas others call for direct supervision.

The duties that form a typical dental hygienist job description may include the following tasks:

Administration

• Recording medical and dental histories
• Completing dental charting and patient record documentation

Clinical and Laboratory Procedures

• Conducting head, neck, and oral examinations and checking blood pressure
• Screening patients for indicators of systematic illnesses
• Removing plaque and calculus (tartar) from teeth
• Cleaning and polishing teeth
• Applying pit and fissure sealants and fluorides for protection, as well as antimicrobial agents
• Providing instruction on proper brushing and flossing techniques
• Performing periodontal probing and pocket depth assessment

Dental hygienist salary

Dental hygiene pays excellent wages for a healthcare career that only takes about two or three years to train for.

A dental hygienist's earning potential can vary depending on various factors, such as geographic location, experience level, and practice area. Nationwide, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, in 2023, the median pay for dental hygienists was $87,530 per year (42.08 per hour).*

It's worth noting that many dental hygienists choose to work part-time. This profession pays quite well and requires fewer hours than many other allied health professions.

Career outlook for dental hygienists

There is a significant need for dental hygienists across America, with open positions waiting to be filled.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, this field is expected to grow by nine percent from 2023 to 2033, which is much higher than the average for all occupations.*

You may also be interested in the following programs:

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Some careers listed may be part of a combined occupation profile (visited October 22, 2024).