Becoming a licensed dental hygienist requires rigorous academic preparation and the successful completion of national and state-specific licensing requirements. Dental hygienists are preventive oral healthcare professionals who provide clinical care and patient education. This career offers a strong job outlook in the healthcare field. Navigating these requirements is the straightest route to entering the profession.
Understanding the Dental Hygienist Role
A dental hygienist’s primary function is to provide preventive and therapeutic oral care, working collaboratively with a dentist. Duties involve removing plaque and calculus from above and below the gum line using specialized instruments. Hygienists apply protective agents such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants, and they capture and interpret dental radiographs used by the dentist for diagnosis.
Hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. They instruct patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques, advise on diet and oral health, and document all care and treatment plans. While private dental practices employ the majority of hygienists, other work settings include hospitals, community clinics, schools, and public health programs.
Meeting Educational Prerequisites
Accredited dental hygiene programs require a foundation in specific college-level coursework completed before application. The prerequisite curriculum focuses on natural sciences, including general biology, chemistry, human anatomy, and microbiology. Some institutions also require courses in statistics, psychology, sociology, or public speaking.
These foundational courses are weighted heavily in the selection process. Applicants are expected to maintain a high grade point average, often 3.0 or higher, in their prerequisite science courses for admission. Demonstrating academic success shows prospective programs that a student has the capacity for the demanding dental science curriculum.
Choosing and Completing an Accredited Program
Graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is the core educational requirement. CODA accreditation is required for a graduate to be eligible for licensure examinations. Applicants must verify a program’s CODA status before submitting an application.
The two main degree paths are the Associate of Science (AS), typically two to three years, and the Bachelor of Science (BS), usually four years. The AS degree is the minimum requirement for licensure and clinical practice. The BS degree includes advanced coursework in areas like research methodology and public health, which can open doors to teaching or administrative roles. All CODA-accredited programs blend classroom learning, laboratory work, and structured clinical rotations, ensuring hands-on patient care experience.
Passing Required Licensing Examinations
Upon graduation, candidates must complete two distinct components of the licensure process: a written national exam and a clinical examination. The written component is the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), overseen by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). This exam assesses a candidate’s ability to understand foundational biomedical and dental hygiene sciences and apply that knowledge.
The clinical or practical examination evaluates hands-on skills in procedures like scaling and root planing. This is typically administered by a regional testing agency:
- Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA-WREB-CITA)
- Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
- Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
Some states are also beginning to accept the Dental Hygiene Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination (DHLOSCE), which uses a standardized format to measure clinical judgment and skills.
Obtaining State Licensure
Obtaining state licensure requires applying to the State Board of Dentistry in the jurisdiction where one intends to practice. Passing the national and regional examinations is necessary, but each state board must approve the application individually. This process requires submitting official transcripts, proof of successful exam completion, a formal application, and a fee.
State boards often have additional requirements:
- A criminal history background check performed by submitting fingerprints.
- Proof of current Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
- Passing a Jurisprudence Exam, which tests knowledge of the specific state’s dental laws and regulations.
Career Outlook and Job Search Strategies
The employment outlook for dental hygienists is strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a growth rate of 7% from 2024 to 2034. This growth is driven by the aging population and the increasing recognition of the link between oral health and overall wellness. The median annual wage was reported at $94,260 in May 2024, though earnings vary based on location, experience, and work setting.
New graduates should build a professional network during clinical rotations and attend local dental association meetings. Utilizing dental staffing marketplaces and temporary agencies is an effective method for finding work, connecting hygienists with short-term shifts. Temporary roles offer flexibility, competitive hourly rates, and the chance to gain diverse clinical experience that can lead to permanent employment.
Maintaining Licensure and Professional Development
Maintaining an active license requires hygienists to complete mandatory Continuing Education (CE) credits periodically for renewal. Requirements vary by state, generally ranging from 15 to 36 hours over a two- or three-year renewal cycle. These CE hours must often include specific topics, such as infection control, ethics, or the renewal of CPR certification.
Beyond basic renewal, hygienists have avenues for professional development and career advancement. Pursuing a Master’s degree can prepare a hygienist for roles outside of traditional clinical practice, such as teaching, research, or administrative and public health leadership positions. Advanced education expands career options and increases earning potential.