How to become a Dental Hygienist
To work as a dental hygienist, the following may be required of you:
- Earn an associate's degree from an accredited dental hygiene school.
- Earn a bachelor's or a master's degree in dental hygiene if you want to advance your career.
- Apply for a license from the dental board in the state where you want to practice and then pass both a written and clinical examination to obtain the license.
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Typical qualifications for a Dental Hygienist
Certificates and licenses
About Registered Dental Hygienist
Registration that allows one to work as a dental hygienist. Registration is granted at the national, regional, or state level.
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About Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
A certification awarded by an organization or association such as the American Heart Association or the Red Cross, upon completing a three hour CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) class.
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About Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification
Certification awarded after completion of training in conjunction with CPR training by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
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Skills employers are looking for
About Dental office experience
Experience or skill doing administrative work in a dental office environment.
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Dental Hygienist jobs in United States
Career progression for Dental Hygienist
Education levels for Dental Hygienists
| required level of education | percent of job openings |
|---|---|
| Associate's degree | 59.4% |
| Bachelor's degree | 28.6% |
| High school diploma or GED | 8.1% |
| Master's degree | 2.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 1.1% |
Expected salary by experience
| Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
|---|---|
| 0 - 4 | $68,200 |
| 4 - 8 | $69,200 |
| 8 - 12 | $70,700 |
| 12 - 16 | $71,100 |
| 16 - 20 | $72,600 |
| 20 - 24 | $72,000 |
Common questions about career advices for a Dental Hygienist
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?
To become a dental hygienist, you are required to obtain a dental hygiene certification. This certification will take two years at a minimum. If you would like to receive further education, you can remain in school and receive a bachelor's or master's degree. This means it can take anywhere from two to six years to become a dental hygienist.
What is the job outlook for a dental hygienist?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, during the years 2018 to 2028, the number of dental hygienists that will be needed to fill positions in dental offices is expected to grow by approximately 11%.
What skills are needed to become a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills since they regularly work with nervous patients who need to be kept calm. They handle numerous tasks at once so they are also expected to have strong organizational and time management skills.
