Those seeking to become a Dental Hygienist will need to set their sights on taking and passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. To pass this exam students need to complete educational requirements and training at a dental hygienist school before taking the exam. There are educational programs specific to this career at schools across the country.
Aspiring dental hygienists can enroll in a dental hygienist program at a local community college, technical college, online university or even grad schools that offer this particular program.
Some schools specialize in preparing dental hygienists and dental assistants with accelerated programs.
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Top 5 Dental Hygienist Schools
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| 2 | New York University | New York City, New York |
| 3 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, California |
| 4 | Ohio State University | Columbus, Ohio |
| 5 | College Station, Texas |
Most programs take a full-time enrollment of two years with hours of experience inside a clinic and a dental office.
Most graduates of these programs will earn an associate degree in dental hygiene. Upon graduation, students can then take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination to become a licensed dental hygienist.
Once graduates have a license they are qualified to work in a dental office as a hygienist.
There are some universities and dental schools that offer a dental hygienist program at the bachelor’s degree level and even master’s degree level. These dental hygienist programs take four years to complete. These more advanced degrees allow graduates to be employed as educators of dental hygiene and also participate in research. Opportunities in public health or community practice are available for those with more advanced degrees.
Those desiring to enter a dental hygiene career can take high school courses that will benefit them greatly and in some cases decrease the courses they need to take to earn their associate degree. Those courses are chemistry, biology, mathematics, and psychology. Admissions to a dental hygiene school can vary depending on the school students are applying for. Be sure to know what the requirements and prerequisites are before applying, prospective students can contact the school they desire to apply to and request information on requirements. Some programs require students to complete one year of college before applying, while others require two years before enrolling in the dental hygienist program.
Coupled with the academic education dental hygienist schools provide is the clinical education and skills necessary to be a competent hygienist. These skills are taught and then practiced through faculty-supervised experiences with patients at a dental clinic. Many programs build off a liberal arts foundation then concentrate on courses of dental hygiene. Students should be prepared for courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, as well as clinical science courses specific to dental hygiene.
Graduates of Dental Hygiene School can enter employment upon licensure or advance their education with programs in public health, business administration or education.
The average salary for a full-time dental hygienist is between $50k to $90K per year, depending on their education, experience, and location.
Below are some of the top-ranked Dental hygienist schools across the country!
1
University of Michigan
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
The University of Michigan School of Dentistry offers a 2-year dental hygiene program to earn a Bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. With the increased demand for educated and qualified dental hygienists, the University of Michigan provides an educational base of the social, behavioral, and biological sciences. Graduates are prepared to not only practice as competent hygienists but also as researchers, consumer advocates, and administrators.
School Overview
Tuition: $15,262
Faculty to Student Ratio: 11:1
2
New York University
- New York City, New York
The Dental Hygiene programs at New York University provide an excellent academic foundation as well as strong clinical experience coupled with real-life opportunities to practice skills. They participate in hands-on learning experiences of working as a member of a healthcare team while promoting oral health as an individual. NYU is currently offering an accelerated 17-month dental hygiene program for qualifying students.
School Overview
Tuition: $51,828
Faculty to Student Ratio: 9:1
3
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, California
The program of dental hygiene at the University of Southern California enables students to earn a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene. Students complete coursework in the sciences, general education as well as participating in clinical experiences where they gain necessary skills for hygienists. The focus of this program is health promotion and disease prevention. Graduates have opportunities to advance their education and careers through a unique master’s program that delves into research and education.
School Overview
Tuition: $56,225
Faculty to Student Ratio: 9:1
4
Ohio State University
- Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University offers a bachelor’s degree of science in dental hygiene, this particular program takes four years for students to complete. Another accelerated bachelor program is also offered for students who are licensed dental hygienists who graduated from an accredited associate degree program. The traditional bachelor program consists of two years of liberal arts education and then two years of professional education for the major or dental hygienist.
School Overview
Tuition: $10,726
Faculty to Student Ratio: 19:1
5
Texas A&M
- College Station, Texas
Texas A&M offers a bachelor’s degree from the Caruth School of Dental Hygiene that meets the requirements for them to pass the licensure exam and become a licensed dental hygienist. A student must take all general prerequisite courses before enrolling in the dental hygiene program. Once accepted in the program students will take courses specific to dental hygiene and participate in clinical experiences where they gain the necessary skills to practice as a dental hygienist.
School Overview
Tuition: $11,870
Faculty to Student Ratio: 20:1
6
University of Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The dental hygiene programs offered at the University of Pittsburgh prepare students to become licensed, professional dental hygienists. Students can enroll in an associate program or a bachelor’s degree program.
Both allow students to take the national dental hygiene exam and become licensed to work as a dental hygienist.
The multidisciplinary educational experience students have prepared them for careers in private practice, research, public health or community settings.
School Overview
Tuition: $19,080
Faculty to Student Ratio: 14:1
7
University of Minnesota
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is dedicated to creating a learning environment that fosters collaboration, life-long learning, and leadership in the oral healthcare industry. Students can enroll in an accelerated three-year dental hygiene program that allows them to earn their bachelor’s degree and qualify to take the national dental hygienist licensure exam and become licensed to work in the private or public sector of oral health. The University of Minnesota is committed to excellence in oral hygiene education, leadership and practice.
School Overview
Tuition: $14,760
Faculty to Student Ratio: 17:1
8
University of Washington
- Seattle, Washington
- Graduation Rate: 84%
Those seeking to become licensed dental hygienists can earn their bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene at The University of Washington. The program requires two years of general education and then courses specific to dental hygiene. Once these courses are complete students can take the licensure exam, upon passing the exam graduates can practice at a private office or seek to advance their degree at the master’s degree level that is also offered at the University of Washington.
School Overview
Tuition: $11,207
Faculty to Student Ratio: 19:1
9
University of North Carolina
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Graduation Rate: 91%
The University of North Carolina offers a comprehensive dental hygiene program that enables students to earn a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. Students learn to promote oral health as well as prevent dental disease. They also learn to assume leadership roles as a member of a healthcare team while they participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs. Students need to meet the pre-requisite requirements before enrolling in the dental hygiene program.
School Overview
Tuition: $8,987
Faculty to Student Ratio: 19:1
10
University of Missouri
- Columbia, Missouri
- Graduation Rate: 68%
The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. Students need to complete the required two years of general education courses before enrolling in the dental hygiene program and then take required courses before they are eligible to take the national licensing exam to become a dental hygienist. Upon completing these requirements and passing the licensing exam graduates can be employed as entry-level dental hygienists in the private or public sector.
School Overview
Tuition: $9,972
Faculty to Student Ratio: 17:1
11
North Dakota State College of Science
- Wahpeton, North Dakota
- Graduation Rate: 52%
North Dakota State College of Science offers an associate degree in dental hygiene that allows students to take the national dental hygiene exam and be employed as a licensed dental hygienist upon passing and graduating. The dental hygiene program consists of academic classroom curriculum as well as laboratory and clinical experiences that help students gain the necessary skill set needed to be a competent dental hygienist.
School Overview
Tuition: $5,132
Faculty to Student Ratio: 13:1
12
University of South Dakota
- Vermillion, South Dakota
- Graduation Rate: 53%
As more scientific evidence connects oral health with overall health, the University of South Dakota prepares students to promote oral health through the accredited dental hygiene program.
Students can earn their bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene and qualify to become licensed hygienists. The curriculum includes coursework, laboratory experience as well as outreach clinical hours that fully prepares students to be employed as dental hygienists.
School Overview
School Overview
Tuition: $9,061
Faculty to Student Ratio: 17:1
13
Oregon Institute of Technology
- Klamath Falls, Oregon
- Graduation Rate: 43%
With a long history of innovative educational methods, the Oregon Institute of Technology offers a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene that draws upon those innovative methods to better educate students.
Students participate in extensive hands-on clinical experiences as well as have opportunities for international externships. Graduates finish the program with enough hours to not only qualify for licensing but to have an extended practice permit as well.
School Overview
Tuition: $10,118
Faculty to Student Ratio: 15:1
14
Taft College
- Taft, California
- Graduation Rate: 3%
The dental hygiene program at Taft College is comprehensive as well as personal, in educating students in excellence. Students participate in a rigorous curriculum that promotes technical excellence and focuses on providing personal care to individual patients. Upon completion of the dental hygiene program, students are prepared to take the state and national licensing exams to become dental hygienists, they will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pass.
School Overview
Tuition: $1,410
Faculty to Student Ratio: 36:1
15
Farmingdale State College
- New York State
- Graduation Rate: 50%
Farmingdale State College offers both an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. Students of each will receive the academic requirements needed to certify as a licensed dental hygienist, the bachelor degree however allows for a broader spectrum as a dental hygienist. Those holding a bachelor’s degree are qualified to administer local infiltration anesthesia. The BS route prepared students for leadership in emerging oral healthcare roles.
School Overview
Tuition: $8,306
Faculty to Student Ratio: 20:1
16
Ferris State University
- Big Rapids, Michigan
- Graduation Rate: 49%
As one of the largest dental hygiene programs in the country, Ferris State University provides a unique learning experience for students studying dental hygiene. Ferris has a large state of the art hygiene clinic where students learn the skills they need. Students then refine their skills and treat patients during clinical experiences in the community. Those seeking a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene can complete the coursework online and earn their bachelor’s degree.
School Overview
Tuition: $11,788
Faculty to Student Ratio: 16:1
17
Southern Adventist University
- Collegedale, Tennessee
- Graduation Rate: 53%
The Southern Adventist University offer pre-licensure courses for students seeking to become dental hygienists. Currently, the academic and skills set taught at Southern Adventist will prepare students to earn their associate degree of science in dental hygiene. Upon graduating, students can take the state and national dental hygiene exams for licensure. They will qualify for entry-level dental hygiene employment in the private sector.
School Overview
Tuition: $21,950
Faculty to Student Ratio: 13:1
18
University of Southern Indiana
- Evansville, Indiana
- Graduation Rate: 38%
The dental hygiene program at the University of Southern Indiana prepares students to work in top dental hygiene positions. Those enrolled in the program participate in a rigorous curriculum and learn skills in a state-of-the-art dental hygiene clinic located on campus. Students earn a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene while learning in small classes form expert faculty. Students will have opportunities to perfect their skills in the on-campus clinic with patients of all ages.
School Overview
Tuition: $8,349
Faculty to Student Ratio: 16:1
19
University of New Haven
- West Haven, Connecticut
- Graduation Rate: 57%
The program at The University of New Haven provides students with the knowledge of oral health through classroom instruction. Hands-on experience gives the students the skills they need to practice as a competent and professional dental hygienist. The program allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree of science in dental hygiene. Upon completion of the program, students can take the state and national exams to become licensed to practice.
School Overview
Tuition: $39,270
Faculty to Student Ratio: 16:1
20
Western Kentucky University
- Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Graduation Rate: 44%
Western Kentucky University offers a few different tracks for students aspiring to become licensed dental hygienists with a degree. Students can enroll in one of the following programs; a two-year associate degree-granting dental hygiene program, a four-year bachelor’s degree dental hygiene program, or a four-year bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in clinical teaching program.
The classes are small and capped at 28 students per cohort.
School Overview
Tuition: $10,512
Faculty to Student Ratio: 18:1
21
Lanier Technical College
- Oakwood, Georgia
- Graduation Rate: 33%
At Lanier Technical College students learn the academic, technical and professional requirements to become a confident dental hygienist. The program offered at Lanier is a two-year associate degree in dental hygiene. Students will have both the academic base as well as the technical skills learned in clinics and hands-on experience. Upon completion of this program, students are eligible to take the state and national exams to become a licensed dental hygienist.
School Overview
Tuition: $3,336
Faculty to Student Ratio: 14:1
22
Flint Hills Technical College
- Emporia, Kansas
- Graduation Rate: 80%
The dental hygiene program at Flint Hills Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and provides students with the ability to earn an associate degree in dental hygiene.
The program contains technical and academic general education courses that prepare students to take both the state and national licensing exam needed to be licensed as a dental hygienist.
Students also learn hygiene skills necessary to be a competent oral hygienist.
School Overview
Tuition: $6,040
Faculty to Student Ratio: 14:1
23
Utah Valley University
- Orem, Utah
- Graduation Rate: 32%
With a 99% board pass rate, graduates of Utah Valley University are always in high demand. The faculty of the dental hygiene program is highly qualified and has developed a personalized instruction program for students.
Currently, there are two dental hygiene programs available, a traditional associate degree that is on campus and an online bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. Each program takes two-years for students to complete.
School Overview
Tuition: $5,726
Faculty to Student Ratio: 4:1
24
University of Alaska Anchorage
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Graduation Rate: 29%
Aspiring dental hygienists have access to a complete program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. There are currently two tracks students can enroll it, a traditional two-year associate degree-granting track that enables them to take both the state and national exams as well as a bachelor’s degree track. All clinical hours will be completed at the dental clinic on campus.
School Overview
Tuition: $8,580
Faculty to Student Ratio: 12:1
25
Goodwin College
- East Hartford, Connecticut
- Graduation Rate: 50%
Goodwin College has a premier dental hygiene program that prepares students to be very competent and confident as a professional oral hygienist. The program is centered on evidence-based learning and hands-on technical skills learned in a state-of-the-art dental lab that is on campus. The curriculum is offered in both traditional on-campus and hybrid formats to meet student’s needs. Students also have opportunities to practice in a dental clinic.
School Overview
Tuition: $20,898
Faculty to Student Ratio: 10:1
26
Pennsylvania College of Technology
- Williamsport, Pennsylvania
- Graduation Rate: 98%
Pennsylvania College of Technology prepares students of dental hygiene extensively as they have opportunities to serve over 2,500 patients per year. Currently, Pennsylvania College has three options for those pursuing a career in dental hygiene. Students can earn an associate degree through a traditional on-campus program that prepares them for both the state and national exams. Those desiring to advance their education and career can enroll in a bachelor’s degree program, there is a traditional on-campus program as well as an online program.
School Overview
Program Retention Rate: 97.5%
Program Job Placement Rate: 96%
Tuition: $16,740
Faculty to Student Ratio: 14:1
27
Wytheville Community College
- Wytheville, Virginia
- Graduation Rate: 38%
Wytheville Community College offers a two-year associate degree program for dental hygiene that prepares students to take the state and national exams for licensure. Upon completion of the program and passing the exams students are eligible for entry-level dental hygiene positions in private practices. The program focuses on evidence-based learning and technical skills allowing graduates to be competent oral health providers.
School Overview
Tuition: $4,725
Faculty to Student Ratio: 25:1
28
Central Community College
- Grand Island, Nebraska
- Graduation Rate: 52%
Central Community College is home to Nebraska’s only associate degree bearing dental hygiene program. Students learn through classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences to become confident and qualified oral healthcare professionals. The campus houses a dental clinic that provides service to the public and allows students to gain skills by providing those services under the supervision of expert faculty.
School Overview
Tuition: $3,000
Faculty to Student Ratio: 14:1
29
Columbus Technical College
- Columbus, Georgia
- Graduation Rate: 30%
Columbus Technical College enables students to learn the academic coursework necessary for passing the state and national board exams to become a licensed dental hygienist. The program takes two years to complete and covers the academic knowledge as well as helping students gain technical skills necessary to be a competent and professional dental hygienist.
School Overview
Tuition: $7,047(entire program)
Faculty to Student Ratio: 16:1
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Methodology
With at least one top-ranked program available in each state, every aspiring dental hygienist has access to an accredited program that will qualify them to take and pass the state and national board exams to become a licensed dental hygienist. Enroll in a program today to begin a career with high earning potential, flexibility and security tomorrow. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and contact us.
Programs were ranked according to a matrix of cost, job placement, percentage of students that passed the state and national exams and program availability.
FAQs
What is the best school to become a dental hygienist? ›
| 1 | New York University New York, NY | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Oregon Institute of Technology Klamath Falls, OR | Visit Site |
| 3 | University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD | Visit Site |
| 4 | Community Care College Tulsa, OK | Visit Site |
| 5 | North Dakota State College of Science Whapeton, ND | Visit Site |
Top 5 Paying States For Dental Hygienists
As you might guess, the top two are Alaska and California. But to round out the top five, you'll also want to consider Washington, Arizona, and New Jersey. A dental hygienist career is a well-paying opportunity, regardless as to which state in which you choose to practice.
| Type of Program | Length | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 20 - 30 Months | $3,540 - $39,280 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 - years | $16,390 - $71,850 |
| Master's Degree | Between 1 and 2 years | $21,360 - $65,960 |
Dental hygienists provide clinical services in a variety of settings such as private dental practice, community health settings, nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, schools, faculty practice clinics, state and federal government facilities and Indian reservations.
What is the hardest part of being a dental hygienist? ›Dental hygiene is physically hard
Because of this many hygienists must seek chiropractic, massage therapy, and sometimes physical therapy on a regular basis to function. Carpal tunnel and ruptured discs in the spine, among other injuries, take many dental hygienists' clinical careers away from them.
Hygienists must be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Many hygienists assist in the preparation of paperwork, such as patient bills or insurance claims. They must also be able to calculate the amount of material needed for a specific job based on the standard mixture.
Can you make 6 figures in dental hygiene? ›The median salary for a dental hygienist is $73,000 a year, according to the U.S. Labor Department. That's higher than the median salary of $69,000 for a registered nurse. In big cities, dental hygienists can earn six figures.
What is the lowest paid dental hygienist? ›The median annual wage for dental hygienists was $77,810 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $60,100, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,200.
Is being a dental hygienist hard? ›Studying commitment
Dental hygiene classes require a high level of commitment. You will need to learn a great deal of course material in a short period. Being a dental hygienist is a gratifying job, but it can be a bit difficult. It's nothing that you can't handle with the proper degree of motivation, and patience.
The average Entry Level Dental Hygienist salary in Texas is $56,573 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $49,125 and $64,326.
How much do dental hygienist make a week in Texas? ›
As of Oct 5, 2022, the average annual pay for the Dental Hygienist jobs category in Texas is $71,858 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $34.55 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,381/week or $5,988/month.
Can I become a dental hygienist without going to university? ›You'll take either a GDC-approved degree or foundation degree course. Entry requirements are as above for dental therapists and hygienists. You can also qualify as a dental technician without going to university by taking a BTEC level 3 qualification in dental technology.
How rich is a dental hygienist? ›As a matter of fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dental hygienists can earn more than registered nurses every year. The average annual salary of dental hygienists in the US is $77,090.
At what age do dental hygienists retire? ›Among those 60+ years of age, more than half of all dental professionals plan to retire before age 65, the national standard retirement age. Note that almost 20% more dental hygienists plan to retire before that age. Gen X: Dental professionals aged 45 to 59 years represent 44% of survey respondents.
What is the average age of a dental hygienist? ›There are over 26,426 dental hygienists currently employed in the United States. 93.1% of all dental hygienists are women, while 6.9% are men. The average age of an employed dental hygienist is 43 years old.
Is a dental hygiene career worth it? ›Dental hygiene is extremely rewarding and satisfying, with many opportunities. You can make your schedule, have a lasting impact on your patient's health, build relationships with both coworkers and patients and help others. There is great job growth, schooling is short, and you make a great income!
How do you know if dental hygiene is for you? ›A job as a dental hygienist might be right for you if:
You want a quick path to starting your career. You desire job flexibility. You want to help people. You want to feel fulfilled at work.
Dental hygiene has pros and cons when it comes to job satisfaction. US News & World Report rated the career average for upward mobility, including opportunities for advancements and salary, and average for stress level, including the work environment and the complexities of the job's responsibilities.
What is above a dental hygienist? ›Dental hygienists with bachelor's degrees can transition to dentistry by pursuing Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degrees. Look for CODA-endorsed programs. Aspiring dentists must also obtain licensure through their state's Board of Dental Examiners.
Do dental hygienist have clinicals? ›Dental Hygienist Associate's Degree
These degrees are typically earned at community colleges or technical schools and take about two years to complete. Along with classroom coursework that covers the topics outlined by CODA, you'll also complete supervised clinical experience over the course of your program.
What level of math is required for dental school? ›
Calculus I and Calculus II are REQUIRED. Statistics/Biostatistics requirement may be fulfilled by two semesters of calculus or one semester of statistics (preferably biostatistics). Anatomy requirement must be fulfilled by completing a Human Anatomy course.
Is a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene worth it? ›A BSDH helps prepare you for more advanced roles in dental hygiene or for non-clinical roles. There may be some benefits to advancing your education. The BLS reports that advancing your education with any degree may lead to better earnings and a more secure career.
Do you make more money with a bachelor's in dental hygiene? ›According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of a dental hygienist is $73,440. While a bachelor's degree might not increase a clinical hygienist's salary, advanced roles in dental hygiene will.
How can dental hygienist make extra money? ›These positions can range from becoming business owners, consultants, product makers, developers, and designers. Some have ventured into education as adjunct faculty, examiners for clinical dental hygiene board exams, continuing education speakers, and curriculum consultants.
How much does a Dental Assistant make? ›The average Dental Assistant salary in the United States is $41,390 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $36,710 and $45,922.
How do I survive dental hygiene school? ›...
- Self Care.
- Get Good Sleep.
- Stop Freaking Out!
- Take Mind Off Graduating.
- Practice Good Ergonomics.
Dental hygienists generally work 3 to 4 days a week for a full 8 hour day. If they work in general dental clinics, they will typically work with one patient an hour. Some dental hygienists can choose to be assigned to work in more than one dental office throughout the work week.
Is 40 too old to become a dental hygienist? ›Don't worry about how old you will be when you are done. If it's something you truly want to do, then do it. You will be older than most your classmates, but it does not mean they will be better than you. If it makes you feel better I'll be 35 when I finish dental school and my buddy will be 39.
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist? ›To qualify as a dental hygienist, you can do a three-year B course in Dental Hygiene at a university. Some candidates prefer to take a National Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Dental Hygiene. Your course will combine practical and theoretical training.
How long is dental hygiene course? ›The BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy & Hygiene course will train students to be safe beginner clinicians, prepared for registration with the GDC and employability as a dental therapist. The programme is studied over three years full-time.
Is studying to be a dental hygienist hard? ›
Dental hygiene classes require a high level of commitment. You will need to learn a great deal of course material in a short period. Being a dental hygienist is a gratifying job, but it can be a bit difficult. It's nothing that you can't handle with the proper degree of motivation, and patience.
Is a dental hygienist a good career choice? ›Some may take a research route, focusing on disease prevention. Others may work in advocacy or as educators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11.2 percent employment growth for dental hygienists between 2020 and 2030. In that period, an estimated 23,100 jobs should open up.
How many days a week do dental hygienists work? ›Dental hygienists generally work 3 to 4 days a week for a full 8 hour day. If they work in general dental clinics, they will typically work with one patient an hour. Some dental hygienists can choose to be assigned to work in more than one dental office throughout the work week.
How much does it cost to become a dental hygienist? ›According to the American Dental Hygienists' Association, the average estimated total cost (In-State/District) of tuition and fees for: An associate degree is $22,692. A baccalaureate degree is $36,382. A master's degree is $30,421.
What is a typical day for a dental hygienist? ›Their typical day includes treating patients, updating patient histories, reviewing radiographs and, often, maintaining and inventorying equipment in the dental office.
Can I become a dental hygienist without going to university? ›You'll take either a GDC-approved degree or foundation degree course. Entry requirements are as above for dental therapists and hygienists. You can also qualify as a dental technician without going to university by taking a BTEC level 3 qualification in dental technology.
What qualifications do I need for hygienist? ›two-year diploma of higher education in dental hygiene (or 27 months if the course covers dental hygiene and therapy) two-year foundation degree in oral health science.
Are dental hygienist in high demand? ›Right now, dental hygiene is a growth field. Per the BLS, the growth in demand for a dental hygienist is twice that of a dentist (6% vs. 3% for a dentist, for the period 2019 to 2029). That 6% is also faster than the average career, so demand for this type of work is probably also increasing in your region.
How do I survive dental hygiene school? ›...
- Self Care.
- Get Good Sleep.
- Stop Freaking Out!
- Take Mind Off Graduating.
- Practice Good Ergonomics.
CON: Occasional unpleasant patients
You may expect an occasional, perhaps disagreeable, encounter. Since the job requires contact with a person's hygiene, you may run into a patient with bad breath, tooth decay, etc.
Why do dental hygienists make so much? ›
Dental hygienists are paid so much because they are licensed professionals working in the dental care industry. Oral health is important, and failure to take good care of the teeth and gums can lead not only to dental issues but other serious health problems, too, such as diabetes and heart disease.
How do dental hygienists move up? ›Dental hygienists with bachelor's degrees can transition to dentistry by pursuing Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degrees. Look for CODA-endorsed programs. Aspiring dentists must also obtain licensure through their state's Board of Dental Examiners.
What type of person should be a dental hygienist? ›Patient and understanding.
Some patients may be uneasy about dental work and oral examinations. A good dental hygienist is patient with people who may be afraid of coming into the dental office and will be understanding about their fears.
Results: Job satisfaction was affected by work overload, anxiety, depression, and emotional demands. Leaving clinical dental hygiene in the next year was affected by physical stress (p < 0.05), and burnout was related to the emotional demands (p < 0.05).