It takes about 2 to 3 years to become a dental hygienist, usually through an associate degree program.
Timeline
Most dental hygienists need an associate degree in dental hygiene, which takes about 2 to 3 years. Bachelor’s and master’s programs take 4 to 6 years.
Prerequisites
Biology, chemistry, anatomy and English. Some programs take 1 to 2 years of prerequisite classes first.
Licensing
Graduate from an accredited program (CODA), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a state or regional clinical exam.
Pay and outlook
The BLS reports a median salary of about $87,000 and growth of 7 percent.
Work
Cleanings, X-rays, fluoride and patient education.
Cost
Community college programs cost $10,000 to $30,000.
Tip
Check accreditation.
Timeline in detail
Most dental hygienists need an associate degree in dental hygiene, which takes about 2 to 3 years, including prerequisite courses. Programs are competitive, and applicants may need 1 to 2 years of prerequisites before starting the 2 year core program, so the total from starting college is often 3 to 4 years. Bachelor’s programs take 4 years, and master’s programs add 2 more.
Prerequisites
Common prerequisites are anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, English composition, psychology and sociology. Programs may require a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0, a placement test, healthcare observation hours, and CPR certification. Accredited programs are listed by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), and there are about 330 programs in the US.
What you learn
Coursework covers oral anatomy, periodontology, dental radiography, pharmacology, nutrition, local anesthesia and infection control. Students complete supervised clinical hours treating patients, often 400 to 600 hours or more.
Licensing
Graduates take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) plus a clinical or regional exam, and a state law exam in many states. Each state sets its own licensing requirements and which procedures hygienists may perform, such as administering local anesthesia. Licenses must be renewed every 1 to 3 years with continuing education.
Pay and outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual pay of about $87,000 for dental hygienists (2023), with the top 10% earning above $115,000. Employment is projected to grow about 7% over 10 years, faster than average, with roughly 15,000 openings a year. Many hygienists work part time, and pay is often hourly, at around $40 to $50 an hour.
Work
Hygienists clean teeth, remove plaque and tartar, take X-rays, apply sealants and fluoride, screen for oral cancer and teach patients about home care. Most work in dentists’ offices, with some in schools, public health clinics and hospitals.
Cost
Tuition for an associate program ranges from about $6,000 to $30,000 at community colleges and up to $60,000 or more at private schools. Financial aid, grants and scholarships are available. Some clinics help with costs in return for work commitments.
Tip
Shadow a hygienist to see if the job fits, as it involves close work, standing or sitting for long periods and strict infection control. Hygienists often start working within a few months of finishing school.
Education and pay data
Dental hygienists in the US usually complete an associate degree in dental hygiene, which takes 2 to 3 years after prerequisites, from one of about 330 accredited programs by CODA. Some earn bachelor’s degrees. Graduates must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a state or regional clinical exam. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median pay for dental hygienists of about 87,530 USD per year (2023) and growth of 7 percent from 2023 to 2033. Dental hygienists clean teeth, take X-rays, apply fluoride and sealants, and educate patients. Most work part time in private dental offices.
Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association
