Becoming a dental hygienist usually requires completing an accredited dental hygiene program, passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, meeting your state’s clinical assessment requirements, and obtaining a state license.
For many students, the entire process takes about two to four years, depending on prerequisite courses, program structure, and whether they pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Dental hygienists are licensed healthcare professionals who provide preventive oral care, examine patients for signs of oral disease, remove plaque and tartar, take dental X-rays where permitted, apply preventive treatments, and educate patients about oral hygiene.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists earned a median annual wage of $98,100 in May 2025, and employment is projected to grow 8% from 2025 to 2035.
Quick Answer
The typical U.S. pathway to becoming a dental hygienist is:
- Complete high school or earn a GED.
- Complete any required college prerequisites.
- Enroll in a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Earn an associate degree or higher in dental hygiene.
- Complete classroom, laboratory, and supervised clinical training.
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
- Complete the clinical assessment accepted by your state.
- Meet any additional state requirements.
- Apply for a dental hygiene license.
- Begin working as a licensed dental hygienist.
Licensing rules vary by state, so always verify requirements with the dental board in the state where you intend to practice.
What Is a Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a licensed oral healthcare professional who focuses heavily on prevention.
Dental hygienists commonly:
- Examine the teeth and gums
- Look for signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease
- Remove plaque, calculus, and stains
- Perform dental cleanings
- Take dental radiographs where authorized
- Apply fluoride
- Apply dental sealants
- Record oral health findings
- Educate patients about brushing and flossing
- Discuss nutrition and habits that affect oral health
- Work with dentists to develop appropriate patient care
The American Dental Association notes that dental hygienists perform patient screening, take X-rays, apply preventive materials such as fluoride and sealants, and educate patients about oral hygiene.
Is a Dental Hygienist the Same as a Dental Assistant?
No.
Dental hygienists and dental assistants have different education, licensing, and clinical responsibilities.
Dental hygienist
A dental hygienist typically:
- Completes a college-level dental hygiene program
- Holds a professional license
- Performs preventive clinical care
- Cleans teeth
- Evaluates periodontal health
- May take X-rays
- Provides patient education
Dental assistant
A dental assistant typically supports the dentist by:
- Preparing instruments
- Assisting during procedures
- Preparing treatment rooms
- Sterilizing equipment
- Performing administrative or chairside duties
The scope of dental assisting varies considerably by state.
Dental hygiene generally requires more formal education and a separate professional license.
Step 1: Complete High School or Earn a GED
The first step is completing high school or obtaining an equivalent credential.
Students interested in dental hygiene should build a strong foundation in science.
Useful high-school courses include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Anatomy and physiology
- Mathematics
- Health science
Communication classes can also be valuable because dental hygienists spend significant time educating and reassuring patients.
Step 2: Complete Required Prerequisites
Many dental hygiene programs require students to complete college prerequisites before beginning the professional portion of the program.
Requirements differ between schools.
Common prerequisites may include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Nutrition
- Psychology
- Sociology
- English composition
- College mathematics
Some programs admit students directly into a multi-year curriculum, while others require applicants to complete prerequisites before formally entering dental hygiene training.
This distinction is important when estimating how long becoming a dental hygienist will actually take.
Step 3: Choose a CODA-Accredited Dental Hygiene Program
One of the most important decisions is choosing the right school.
In the United States, dental hygiene programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, commonly known as CODA.
CODA is the national programmatic accrediting organization for dental and dental-related education.
You can verify programs using the official CODA program directory.
Before enrolling, confirm the program’s current accreditation status.
Why Does CODA Accreditation Matter?
Accreditation is important because graduation from an appropriate accredited program is a fundamental part of the licensure pathway.
The 2026 National Board Dental Hygiene Examination guidance states that students and graduates from CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs can qualify for the national examination under the standard educational route.
Accreditation also helps ensure that a program meets established educational standards for:
- Faculty
- Curriculum
- Clinical experience
- Facilities
- Patient care
- Student evaluation
Do not choose a dental hygiene program solely because it is inexpensive or available online.
Verify its accreditation first.
Step 4: Earn a Dental Hygiene Degree
Dental hygienists typically need at least an associate degree in dental hygiene.
However, bachelor’s and master’s degree options also exist.
Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene
An associate degree is the most common entry route.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists an associate degree as the typical education needed to enter the profession.
Dental hygiene programs commonly take around three years to complete, although the exact duration depends on how prerequisite and general-education coursework is structured.
Some schools describe the professional dental hygiene portion as approximately two years after prerequisites.
Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene
A bachelor’s degree usually takes around four years for a full-time student beginning college after high school.
Bachelor’s programs may include additional study in:
- Public health
- Research
- Education
- Leadership
- Healthcare administration
- Community dentistry
A bachelor’s degree is generally not required for routine entry-level clinical dental hygiene positions.
However, it may be useful for people interested in:
- Education
- Public health
- Management
- Research
- Graduate school
Master’s Degree in Dental Hygiene
A master’s degree is not required to become a practicing entry-level dental hygienist.
Graduate education may be useful for careers in:
- Dental hygiene education
- Research
- Administration
- Public health
- Program leadership
Most students planning to work directly with patients begin with an associate or bachelor’s program.
Associate vs. Bachelor’s Degree
| Factor | Associate Degree | Bachelor’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Typical goal | Clinical entry | Clinical entry + broader career options |
| Approximate total timeline | Often 2–3 years depending on prerequisites | Usually around 4 years |
| Entry-level clinical practice | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Public health preparation | Limited | More common |
| Leadership preparation | Limited | Often stronger |
| Graduate school preparation | Possible | Usually more direct |
For many students who want to begin clinical practice quickly, an accredited associate program can be the most direct route.
Step 5: Complete Dental Hygiene Coursework
Dental hygiene education combines science, clinical instruction, and patient care.
Coursework may include:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Microbiology
- Pathology
- Periodontology
- Pharmacology
- Dental materials
- Radiography
- Oral anatomy
- Dental hygiene theory
- Nutrition
- Community dental health
- Pain control
- Patient assessment
- Medical emergencies
- Ethics
Students must understand both oral health and how systemic health conditions can influence dental care.
Step 6: Complete Supervised Clinical Training
Dental hygiene cannot be learned entirely from textbooks.
Accredited programs require substantial supervised clinical education.
Students practice skills such as:
- Patient assessment
- Periodontal charting
- Removing plaque and calculus
- Polishing teeth
- Taking radiographs
- Applying fluoride
- Applying sealants
- Infection control
- Patient education
- Treatment planning
Clinical experience may occur in:
- College dental hygiene clinics
- Dental schools
- Community clinics
- Public-health settings
- External clinical sites
Students gradually treat more complex patients as their skills improve.
Can You Become a Dental Hygienist Completely Online?
Generally, not through an entry-level program that is entirely online.
Some academic coursework may be offered online.
However, dental hygiene requires hands-on:
- Laboratory instruction
- Instrumentation practice
- Patient assessment
- Clinical treatment
- Supervised patient care
A program claiming that you can become a licensed dental hygienist without meaningful hands-on clinical training should be investigated carefully.
Always verify the program through CODA.
Step 7: Graduate From Your Dental Hygiene Program
Before moving toward licensure, students must successfully complete their program requirements.
These may include:
- Classroom courses
- Laboratory competencies
- Clinical hours
- Patient requirements
- Program examinations
- Professional conduct requirements
After graduation, the next major step is professional examination.
Step 8: Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, or NBDHE, is a major part of the licensing process.
It is administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.
The NBDHE evaluates whether candidates understand and can apply the knowledge necessary for safe dental hygiene practice.
You can find current requirements through the official NBDHE website.
Who Can Take the NBDHE?
Under the standard pathway, students enrolled in a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program may become eligible when their program director confirms that they are sufficiently prepared.
Graduates of qualifying accredited programs can also apply after providing evidence of graduation.
Candidates generally need a DENTPIN, the identification system used for dental examinations.
Is the NBDHE the Same as a State License?
No.
Passing the NBDHE does not by itself make you a licensed dental hygienist.
It fulfills or partially fulfills the written examination component used by licensing jurisdictions.
The state or territory where you intend to practice ultimately determines whether you meet its licensing requirements.
NBDHE Changes in 2026
Students taking the examination should always review the current candidate guide.
The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations has announced updated NBDHE test specifications scheduled to take effect in November 2026.
The organization says the changes are intended mainly to clarify and refine examination content rather than substantially change preparation.
Candidates testing near that transition should confirm which specifications apply to their examination date.
Step 9: Complete the Required Clinical Assessment
Most licensing jurisdictions also require a clinical assessment.
This part can become confusing because requirements vary considerably among states.
Depending on your state, accepted options may include:
- Regional clinical examinations
- Manikin-based assessments
- Objective structured clinical examinations
- Other state-approved assessment pathways
You must check the exact requirements of the state where you want to practice.
What Is the DHLOSCE?
The Dental Hygiene Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination, or DHLOSCE, is a newer clinical assessment developed by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.
It evaluates candidates’ clinical judgment and their ability to apply knowledge to dental hygiene situations.
As of 2026, acceptance is still limited.
The JCNDE currently lists:
- Arizona
- Kentucky
- Oregon
as states accepting the DHLOSCE in fulfillment of board clinical licensure examination requirements.
Because acceptance is evolving, verify the latest information with the relevant state board before selecting an examination pathway.
Step 10: Meet Additional State Requirements
Dental hygiene is a state-regulated profession.
Requirements can vary substantially.
A state may require some combination of:
- CODA-accredited education
- NBDHE passage
- Clinical examination
- Background check
- CPR certification
- Jurisprudence examination
- Infection-control education
- Application fees
- Fingerprinting
- Official transcripts
- Examination score verification
Some states may also have specific requirements related to:
- Local anesthesia
- Nitrous oxide
- Restorative procedures
- Expanded practice
- Public-health practice
Never rely solely on another state’s licensing requirements.
Step 11: Apply for Your Dental Hygiene License
Once you meet the necessary requirements, apply through your state’s:
- Dental board
- Board of dentistry
- Board of dental examiners
- Professional licensing agency
The American Dental Association maintains a directory of state dental boards.
However, the individual state board should always be treated as the final authority for current requirements.
Step 12: Begin Working as a Dental Hygienist
After receiving your license, you can apply for dental hygiene positions.
The vast majority of dental hygienists work in dentists’ offices.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 94% of dental hygienists worked in dental offices in 2025.
Other possible settings include:
- Physician offices
- Public-health clinics
- Government agencies
- Community health programs
- Schools
- Long-term care settings
- Dental education
- Research
The exact scope of practice depends partly on state law.
What Does a Dental Hygienist Do Every Day?
A typical workday may include:
- Reviewing patient health histories
- Examining gums
- Measuring periodontal pockets
- Removing calculus and plaque
- Polishing teeth
- Taking radiographs
- Applying fluoride
- Applying sealants
- Discussing home oral care
- Documenting findings
- Communicating with dentists
Dental hygienists also spend substantial time educating patients.
They may discuss:
- Toothbrushing technique
- Flossing
- Gum health
- Smoking
- Nutrition
- Periodontal disease
- Dry mouth
- Oral-health habits
How Long Does It Take to Become a Dental Hygienist?
A realistic estimate is usually around two to four years.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says dental hygiene programs usually take about three years.
The exact timeline depends on whether prerequisites are included within the program.
Typical pathway
| Stage | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite courses | 0–2 years depending on program |
| Professional dental hygiene program | Often around 2 years |
| Associate pathway total | Commonly around 2–3 years |
| Bachelor’s pathway | About 4 years |
| Exams/licensing | Additional weeks or months |
Licensing processing time varies by state.
Can You Become a Dental Hygienist in Two Years?
Sometimes.
Some associate-degree dental hygiene programs have approximately two years of professional dental hygiene coursework.
However, students may need to complete prerequisites before entering the program.
For that reason, a school advertising a “two-year dental hygiene program” does not necessarily mean you can go directly from high school to licensed practice in exactly 24 months.
Check:
- Prerequisite requirements
- Admission waitlists
- Clinical schedule
- Graduation date
- Examination timing
- State licensing processing
How Much Does Dental Hygiene School Cost?
There is no single national price.
Costs vary significantly depending on:
- Community college vs. university
- Public vs. private institution
- In-state vs. out-of-state tuition
- Associate vs. bachelor’s degree
- Geographic location
You may also need to budget for:
- Dental instruments
- Scrubs
- Laboratory fees
- Textbooks
- Dental loupes
- Vaccinations
- CPR certification
- Background checks
- Clinical fees
- NBDHE fees
- Clinical examination fees
- State license application
- Transportation
Compare the total cost of becoming licensed rather than tuition alone.
Is Dental Hygiene School Competitive?
It can be.
Many dental hygiene programs have limited clinical space because each student needs:
- Faculty supervision
- Dental equipment
- Patient appointments
- Clinical resources
Admissions may consider factors such as:
- College GPA
- Science grades
- Prerequisite completion
- Entrance examination scores
- Healthcare experience
- Interviews
Requirements vary substantially between schools.
Is Dental Hygiene School Hard?
Dental hygiene education can be demanding.
Students have to combine:
- Medical science
- Dental science
- Manual skills
- Patient communication
- Clinical judgment
- Time management
Courses such as anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, periodontology, and pathology require significant study.
Clinical training also requires precision.
Students must learn to use instruments safely while working inside a patient’s mouth.
What Skills Do Dental Hygienists Need?
Important skills include:
Manual dexterity
Dental hygienists work within a small area using fine instruments.
Attention to detail
Subtle changes in the gums, teeth, radiographs, and medical history can be important.
Communication
Dental hygienists spend considerable time explaining oral-health information.
Interpersonal skills
Some patients may be:
- Nervous
- Embarrassed
- Afraid of dental treatment
- Experiencing pain
A calm approach can improve the patient’s experience.
Critical thinking
Dental hygienists must recognize findings that may require attention from the dentist or another healthcare professional.
Physical stamina
The work can involve long periods of:
- Sitting
- Leaning
- Repetitive hand movement
- Maintaining precise posture
Ergonomics matter in dental hygiene.
How Much Do Dental Hygienists Make?
According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual wage for dental hygienists was:
$98,100 in May 2025
That equals approximately:
$47.16 per hour
The lowest 10% earned less than:
$74,880
The highest 10% earned more than:
$126,050
Actual pay varies based on:
- Location
- Experience
- Employer
- Work schedule
- State
- Responsibilities
For a complete salary breakdown, see our guide on how much a dental hygienist makes.
Dental Hygienist Salary by Employer
According to BLS May 2025 data:
| Workplace | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Offices of dentists | $98,280 |
| Offices of physicians | $91,160 |
| Government | $80,830 |
These are national median wages.
Individual salaries vary significantly by location.
Do Dental Hygienists Work Full Time?
Some do, but part-time work is especially common in this occupation.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that many dental hygienists work part time.
A dentist may employ a hygienist only several days per week.
Some dental hygienists therefore work for:
- One dental practice
- Multiple dental offices
- Different practices on different days
This arrangement can offer flexibility, although benefit availability may differ between full-time and part-time positions.
Do Dental Hygienists Receive Benefits?
It depends on the employer.
Benefits may include:
- Health insurance
- Paid vacation
- Sick leave
- Retirement contributions
- Continuing education
- Uniform allowances
BLS notes that benefits vary by employer and may be available only to full-time employees.
When comparing job offers, look at total compensation rather than hourly wage alone.
What Is the Job Outlook for Dental Hygienists?
The job outlook remains favorable.
BLS projects dental hygienist employment to grow 8% from 2025 to 2035.
That is faster than the projected average for all occupations.
Approximately 15,000 openings per year are expected on average over the decade.
Some openings will result from employment growth.
Others will occur because existing hygienists:
- Retire
- Leave the occupation
- Change careers
Why Is Demand for Dental Hygienists Growing?
BLS identifies several factors supporting demand.
These include:
- An aging population
- More adults keeping their natural teeth longer
- Demand for preventive dental services
- Growing awareness of relationships between oral and overall health
- Changes in some state laws that expand dental hygienists’ ability to provide services
Preventive oral care remains a major part of modern dentistry.
Can Dental Hygienists Specialize?
Dental hygiene does not have specialty pathways identical to dental specialties such as orthodontics or oral surgery.
However, hygienists may develop expertise in areas such as:
- Periodontal care
- Pediatric dentistry
- Public health
- Special-needs dentistry
- Dental education
- Community health
- Research
- Corporate dentistry
State scope-of-practice laws determine which clinical services a hygienist may perform.
Can Dental Hygienists Give Local Anesthesia?
In many jurisdictions, appropriately trained dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia.
However, rules vary by state.
Some states may require:
- Additional coursework
- Certification
- Board approval
- Specific supervision
Do not assume that the same privileges apply nationwide.
Check your state dental practice act.
Can Dental Hygienists Work Without a Dentist?
The answer depends on the state.
Dental hygiene scope-of-practice laws vary considerably.
Some jurisdictions permit certain forms of:
- Direct access
- Public-health practice
- Collaborative practice
Others require specific levels of dentist supervision.
Students should investigate the practice laws where they intend to work.
Dental Hygienist vs. Dentist
These careers have very different educational pathways.
| Dental Hygienist | Dentist |
|---|---|
| Usually associate degree for entry | Doctoral professional degree |
| Preventive oral care | Diagnoses and treats dental disease |
| Cleans teeth | Performs restorative and surgical procedures |
| Licensed healthcare professional | Licensed dentist |
| Commonly 2–4 years of education | Usually 8+ years after high school |
Dental hygiene can therefore provide a much shorter pathway into oral healthcare.
Can a Dental Hygienist Become a Dentist?
Yes, but dental hygiene education does not replace dental school.
A dental hygienist who wants to become a dentist would generally need to:
- Complete the prerequisites required for dental school.
- Earn or complete appropriate undergraduate education.
- Take the Dental Admission Test where required.
- Apply to dental school.
- Complete a DDS or DMD program.
- Meet dental licensure requirements.
Dental hygiene experience may provide useful clinical exposure, but it does not create an automatic shortened route to becoming a dentist.
Do You Need Dental School to Become a Dental Hygienist?
No.
Dental hygienists attend dental hygiene programs, not the same professional dental school pathway required for dentists.
You do not need to earn:
- DDS
- DMD
to work as a dental hygienist.
Can You Become a Dental Hygienist Without College?
Not through the normal U.S. pathway.
Dental hygienists typically need a postsecondary dental hygiene degree from an appropriate accredited program.
Short certificates alone do not replace professional dental hygiene education.
Do Dental Hygienists Need Continuing Education?
Yes, continuing education is commonly required for license renewal.
Requirements vary by state.
They may include education related to:
- Infection control
- CPR
- Medical emergencies
- Ethics
- Clinical care
- State jurisprudence
Renewal intervals and required hours also vary.
Check your state dental board for current rules.
Can a Dental Hygiene License Be Used in Another State?
Not automatically.
Dental hygiene licenses are issued by individual jurisdictions.
Moving to another state may require:
- A new application
- Verification of existing licensure
- Examination documentation
- Continuing education records
- Background checks
- Additional state-specific requirements
Licensure portability is evolving, so check both your current state and destination state before moving.
How to Choose a Dental Hygiene Program
Before applying, compare several factors.
CODA accreditation
This should be one of your first checks.
Use the official CODA directory.
Program length
Ask whether advertised program duration includes prerequisites.
NBDHE performance
Ask about recent graduates’ national-board examination results.
Graduation rate
Look at how many admitted students complete the program.
Clinical experience
Find out:
- Where students treat patients
- How much clinical experience is provided
- Whether external rotations are included
Cost
Include:
- Tuition
- Equipment
- Instruments
- Examination costs
- Transportation
- Living expenses
State eligibility
Confirm that graduating from the program will allow you to pursue licensure in the state where you plan to work.
Questions to Ask Before Enrolling
Ask a dental hygiene program:
- Is the program currently CODA accredited?
- What degree will I earn?
- Which prerequisites are required?
- How long does the entire pathway take?
- What is the total estimated cost?
- How much supervised clinical experience is included?
- What are your recent graduation rates?
- What are your graduates’ NBDHE pass rates?
- Where do students complete clinical rotations?
- Does the program prepare graduates for licensure in my state?
- Are there additional state examinations I will need?
- What percentage of graduates find dental hygiene jobs?
These questions can help you compare programs more realistically.
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist Worth It?
That depends on your priorities.
Potential advantages include:
- Strong national median pay
- Associate-degree entry route
- Faster training than dentistry
- Direct patient care
- Strong projected employment growth
- Part-time scheduling opportunities
- Work primarily in dental offices
Potential disadvantages include:
- Repetitive hand movements
- Neck and back strain
- Competitive school admissions
- Exposure to saliva and infectious materials
- State licensing requirements
- Limited advancement without additional education
- Part-time work that may not include full benefits
Dental hygiene may suit someone who enjoys:
- Healthcare
- Working with patients
- Dentistry
- Preventive care
- Detailed hands-on work
- Oral-health education
Dental Hygienist Career Roadmap
| Stage | What to Do |
|---|---|
| High school | Focus on science and mathematics |
| Prerequisites | Complete required college courses |
| Program selection | Choose a CODA-accredited program |
| Education | Earn an associate degree or higher |
| Clinical training | Complete supervised patient care |
| National examination | Pass the NBDHE |
| Clinical assessment | Complete the pathway accepted by your state |
| Additional requirements | Meet state-specific rules |
| Licensure | Apply through your state board |
| Employment | Begin practicing after your license is issued |
| Ongoing practice | Maintain license and continuing education |
The Bottom Line
The standard U.S. route to becoming a dental hygienist is:
High school → prerequisites → CODA-accredited dental hygiene program → degree → clinical training → NBDHE → state-approved clinical assessment → state license → employment.
An associate degree is the typical entry-level education.
Although some professional coursework can be completed in about two years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that dental hygiene programs commonly take approximately three years when the complete educational pathway is considered.
Every state requires dental hygienists to be licensed, but individual requirements vary.
Before enrolling, always verify:
- CODA accreditation
- Your state’s licensing requirements
- National and clinical examination requirements
- Program cost
- Graduation outcomes
The career currently offers strong compensation and favorable employment prospects.
Dental hygienists earned a median $98,100 in May 2025, or approximately $47.16 per hour, and employment is projected to grow 8% between 2025 and 2035, with approximately 15,000 openings each year on average.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?
For many students, becoming a dental hygienist takes about two to four years. BLS states that dental hygiene programs typically take around three years, although professional coursework may be about two years after prerequisites.
What degree do you need to become a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists typically need at least an associate degree in dental hygiene. Bachelor’s programs are also available and may provide broader opportunities in education, public health, research, or management.
Can you become a dental hygienist in two years?
Some associate dental hygiene programs include approximately two years of professional coursework, but prerequisites may need to be completed first. The complete pathway can therefore take longer than two years.
Do dental hygienists need to be licensed?
Yes. All U.S. states require dental hygienists to be licensed, although specific education, examination, clinical assessment, and renewal requirements vary by state.
What exam do dental hygienists take?
Dental hygienists generally take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, or NBDHE. States also have clinical assessment requirements, which vary by jurisdiction.
What is the NBDHE?
The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination is a written examination used as part of the dental hygiene licensing process. It is administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.
Is passing the NBDHE enough to become licensed?
No. Passing the NBDHE is only one part of licensure. Candidates must also meet their jurisdiction’s education, clinical assessment, application, and other state-specific requirements.
Can you become a dental hygienist online?
Some coursework may be available online, but entry-level dental hygiene programs require hands-on laboratory and supervised clinical patient care. You generally cannot qualify for clinical practice through a completely online program with no clinical component.
How much do dental hygienists make?
The median annual wage for dental hygienists was $98,100 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median hourly wage was approximately $47.16.
Is dental hygiene a growing career?
Yes. BLS projects dental hygienist employment to grow 8% from 2025 to 2035, with approximately 15,000 openings expected annually on average.
Do you need a bachelor’s degree to become a dental hygienist?
No. An associate degree is the typical entry-level education. A bachelor’s degree may be useful for careers in education, public health, management, research, or other nontraditional roles.
Is dental hygiene school hard?
Dental hygiene school can be demanding because students must study health sciences while developing precise clinical skills and treating patients under supervision. Coursework commonly includes anatomy, microbiology, periodontology, pharmacology, radiography, and clinical dental hygiene.
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