How To Become A Dental Hygienist: Education, Requirements, and Career Path

What Is A Dental Hygienist?

A dental hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who focuses on preventing and treating oral diseases. Working under the supervision of a dentist, these specialists perform a variety of clinical tasks designed to maintain patients' oral health.

The responsibilities of a dental hygienist typically include cleaning teeth by removing plaque, tartar, and stains, taking and developing dental x-rays, applying fluoride treatments and sealants, examining patients for signs of oral diseases, and educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques. According to the American Dental Hygienists Association, dental hygienists serve as primary care providers in the dental health field, making them essential members of the dental healthcare team.

Unlike dental assistants who perform more administrative and basic clinical tasks, dental hygienists require specialized education and licensing to provide direct patient care. Their role combines technical skills with patient education, making it an ideal career for those who enjoy both healthcare and interpersonal communication.

Education Requirements For Dental Hygienists

The journey to becoming a dental hygienist begins with formal education through accredited dental hygiene programs. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, and universities across the country.

The minimum education requirement is an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene, which typically takes about two years to complete. However, many hygienists choose to pursue a Bachelor's Degree or even a Master's Degree, which can open doors to research, teaching, or administrative positions in the field.

Accredited dental hygiene programs include both classroom and clinical components. Coursework typically covers subjects such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, radiography, periodontology, and dental materials. The clinical portion provides hands-on experience under supervision, allowing students to develop the practical skills needed for patient care.

When selecting a program, it's important to ensure it's accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Graduation from a CODA-accredited program is a requirement for licensure in all states.

Licensing And Certification Process

After completing an accredited dental hygiene program, graduates must obtain a license to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state, but typically include:

• Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
• Passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
• Passing a state or regional clinical examination
• Completion of a jurisprudence examination on state-specific dental laws

The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination is a comprehensive written test administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. This examination tests knowledge in scientific principles and dental hygiene practices.

Clinical examinations evaluate practical skills and are typically administered by state or regional testing agencies. These exams require candidates to perform dental hygiene procedures on actual patients.

Once licensed, dental hygienists must maintain their credentials through continuing education. Most states require a specific number of continuing education credits for license renewal, ensuring hygienists stay current with advances in dental hygiene practice.

Career Path And Advancement Opportunities

Dental hygienists have various career paths available depending on their interests, education level, and experience. Most begin their careers in private dental practices, working directly with patients under the supervision of dentists.

With additional education or specialization, dental hygienists can pursue careers in:

• Public health settings, focusing on community dental health education and prevention programs
• Research, contributing to the development of new oral health products and techniques
• Education, teaching in dental hygiene programs
• Corporate settings, working with dental product companies
• Administration, managing dental offices or public health programs

Advanced education, such as a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Dental Hygiene, can significantly expand career opportunities. Some dental hygienists also pursue additional certifications in specialized areas like local anesthesia administration or public health.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth for dental hygienists, making it a stable career choice. The flexibility of the profession also allows for various work arrangements, including part-time, full-time, or temporary positions across different practice settings.

Dental Hygiene Program Comparison

When choosing a dental hygiene program, it's important to consider factors such as accreditation, program length, cost, and location. Here's a comparison of different types of dental hygiene educational pathways:

Many institutions now offer flexible learning options, including evening classes, weekend programs, and online components to accommodate working students. Some programs also provide accelerated tracks for students with previous healthcare experience or education.

When researching programs, consider reaching out to current students or alumni to gain insights into the program quality, clinical experiences, and job placement assistance. Most dental hygiene programs also have specific prerequisite courses that must be completed before admission, typically including biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology.

Sources

• https://www.ada.org/en/coda
• https://www.ada.org/en/jcnde
• https://www.adha.org/