A career in dental hygiene offers a stable and rewarding pathway into the healthcare field, making it an attractive option for students graduating high school. Becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) requires navigating a specific educational and licensing process. This journey begins with strategic preparation during high school, continues through a rigorous college program, and culminates in mandatory examinations necessary to practice legally.
Defining the Role of a Dental Hygienist
A Registered Dental Hygienist is a licensed healthcare provider who serves as a primary preventative specialist within a dental practice. The scope of practice involves assessing and treating oral diseases while promoting overall systemic health through patient education. Hygienists are responsible for patient screening procedures, including reviewing medical histories, taking vital signs, and performing oral cancer checks.
Core clinical duties center on prophylaxis, which is the professional cleaning of teeth, and performing scaling and root planing for patients with periodontal disease. Hygienists also apply preventative agents such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants to protect teeth from decay. They instruct patients on proper brushing, flossing techniques, and nutritional habits. Hygienists primarily work in private dental offices, but they also find employment in school systems, public health clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
Essential High School Preparation
A successful transition from high school to a competitive dental hygiene program requires careful planning and a focus on specific academic subjects. College programs are highly demanding and require a strong foundation in the sciences. Students should prioritize taking advanced high school courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology, as these subjects directly relate to college prerequisites.
Strong performance in Mathematics, specifically Algebra or Statistics, is beneficial for quantitative reasoning in science classes. English Composition courses are also important, as the profession requires clear and effective communication with patients and other healthcare providers. Maintaining a high-grade point average (GPA) throughout high school is necessary because many dental hygiene programs are highly selective and consider academic excellence a major factor in admissions.
Selecting an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program
Choosing the right educational institution is important, as the program must hold accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Graduation from a CODA-accredited program is a mandatory prerequisite for sitting for the national written exam and applying for state licensure. CODA accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous national standards for curriculum, faculty, and clinical facilities.
The two most common educational pathways are the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree, which typically takes two to three years, and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, which is a four-year program. The A.S. degree is the minimum educational requirement necessary to qualify for practice. The B.S. degree provides a broader education that can be advantageous for those interested in pursuing roles in teaching, research, corporate sales, or public health administration.
Admission into a CODA-accredited program is intensely competitive. Applicants often must complete prerequisite college coursework before formal entry into the clinical phase. Many programs also require applicants to gain direct exposure by completing observation hours in a practicing dental setting. The application process frequently includes a personal interview to assess an applicant’s communication skills and professionalism. Understanding the specific requirements of the program is necessary for mapping out a successful career trajectory.
Navigating the Licensing and Examination Process
Once a student completes a dental hygiene program, they must pass three distinct components to become a Registered Dental Hygienist.
The first step is passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). This comprehensive written exam assesses a candidate’s cognitive knowledge across biomedical sciences and clinical dental hygiene principles. The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations oversees this exam, which is accepted by all states for the written examination requirement.
The second requirement involves passing a clinical examination, which evaluates hands-on competency in procedures like patient assessment, periodontal probing, and calculus removal. This component is typically administered by regional testing agencies, such as the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) or the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS). State licensing requirements vary regarding which specific clinical exam is accepted; some states use the ADEX examination administered by the consolidated CDCA-WREB-CITA agency.
The final step is applying for state licensure with the board of dentistry where the hygienist intends to practice. This requires submitting proof of graduation from a CODA-accredited program and passing scores on both the NBDHE and the accepted regional clinical exam. Many states also require applicants to pass a jurisprudence exam, which tests knowledge of the state’s specific dental laws and regulations, along with a criminal background check before granting the final license.
Career Outlook and Professional Growth
The career outlook for dental hygienists remains strong, with employment projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034. This growth is expected to generate about 15,300 job openings each year, driven by the rising demand for preventative dental services and the need to replace retiring workers. The profession offers attractive compensation, with the median annual wage being $94,260 as of May 2024.
The highest earners in the field can make over $120,060 annually. Maintaining licensure requires the completion of continuing education credits to keep practitioners current with the latest techniques and technology. Professional growth can involve pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree to move into education or public health, or specializing in areas like myofunctional therapy or periodontics.