What to Know About Being a Dental Hygienist

Want to become a dental hygienist? Here’s everything you need to know about starting your career in dental hygiene.
By
portrait of Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.
Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.
Read Full Bio

Writer

An award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D., has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a writer and consultant. She holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern...
Updated on March 22, 2024
Edited by
portrait of Tyler Epps
Tyler Epps
Read Full Bio

Editor & Writer

Tyler Epps is an editor for BestColleges. He writes and edits content about higher education, specializing in degree planning and college rankings. He is passionate about helping students prepare for college and navigate their educational journey. He...
Learn more about our editorial process

www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Turn Your Dreams Into Reality

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

If you want to work in the healthcare field but aren't quite sure what you want to do, consider becoming a dental hygienist. Being a dental hygienist allows you to improve your patients' health by preventing and treating oral diseases.

This career typically requires just an associate degree and pays well. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dental hygienists earned a median annual salary of $81,400 in 2022.In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about being a dental hygienist.

Featured Online Dental Assistant Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

So what do dental hygienists do? Dental hygienists are licensed health professionals who clean your teeth and gums when you visit the dentist. These professionals assess oral healthcare and review their patient's health history. They also screen for oral cancers, help with dental charting, and check for the presence of gum disease.

Some specific dental hygienist responsibilities include:

  • Removing plaque from teeth
  • Taking X-rays and interpreting them
  • Applying fluoride treatments
  • Administering nitrous oxide and anesthetics to help prevent pain
  • Providing counseling on proper oral hygiene
  • Assisting dentists in patient care and treatment

What Education Is Required to Be a Dental Hygienist?

In order to become a dental hygienist, you must complete a dental hygiene program. Typically, you can complete an associate degree in dental hygiene at an accredited school in order to qualify to take the licensing exam.

If you prefer, you can also earn a bachelor's degree. However, an associate degree is typically enough to get a job as a dental hygienist. Once you have completed your training, you must become licensed to work as a dental hygienist.

Licensing requirements vary from state to state but generally include graduating from an accredited dental hygiene program, passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, and passing a clinical examination at the state or regional level.

How Much Does a Dental Hygienist Make?

According to the BLS, dental hygienists earned a median salary of $81,400 in 2022. The highest 10% earned over $107,640, while the lowest 10% earned less than $61,510.

Those who worked in dentists' offices earned a median of $81,460 per year, while those who worked in physicians' offices earned $75,730. Dental hygienists employed by the government earned about $67,700.

Featured Online Dental Assistant Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Being a Dental Hygienist: Pros and Cons

Still weighing whether a career as a dental hygienist is right for you? Here are some pros and cons of the career path.

Pros

  • Check Circle

    Strong Job Outlook

    Like many other allied health professions, dental hygienists report a strong job outlook. The BLS projects jobs for dental hygienists to grow 7% from 2022-2032. That represents faster-than-average growth.

    On top of strong demand, dental hygienists earned a median pay of $81,400 per year in May 2022. That makes dental hygiene one of the highest-paying careers that doesn't require a bachelor’s degree.
  • Check Circle

    Rewarding Career

    Working as a dental hygienist can be rewarding. You’ll help people of all ages improve their oral health and hygiene.

    Dental hygienists draw on their communication skills to connect with patients and address any dental concerns. If you enjoy hands-on work with a patient-centered approach, dental hygiene might be a good fit.
  • Check Circle

    Minimal Training Requirements

    Most dental hygiene programs take 2-3 years and grant an associate degree. At the same time, dental hygienists earn a median pay of over $80,000, making it one of the best-paying careers without a bachelor’s degree.

    In fact, dental hygienists and registered nurses make comparable median salaries. To become a registered nurse, however, you typically need to have a bachelor's degree. When comparing the training requirements with the earning potential, becoming a dental hygienist can pay off.

Cons

  • X Circle

    Difficult Patients

    Some days, dental hygienists might work with cheerful patients who are eager to learn about oral hygiene. But careers in dental hygiene also mean managing difficult patients.

    Dental hygienists must manage patients who are nervous about dental procedures or even rude toward hygienists. This can be draining for dental hygienists.
  • X Circle

    Repetitive Daily Tasks

    Many dental hygienists complete the same tasks every day. For example, hygienists may perform dental exams for a dozen or more patients in a workday.

    The repetitive nature of a dental hygienist’s daily tasks can become monotonous. However, some might categorize the routine nature of the job as a pro rather than a con.
  • X Circle

    Physically and Mentally Straining

    Dental hygienists work in a small space — the mouth — which can require physical stamina. You’ll need good posture and strength to lift your arms and conduct oral examinations.

    In addition, careers in dental hygiene can be mentally taxing, particularly for introverts. The career requires frequent interactions with patients and dentists, with a lot of talking in a typical day.

Should I Be a Dental Hygienist?

Is dental hygiene right for you? Careers in dental hygiene can be rewarding. As a healthcare professional, you’ll help patients. And not only are dental hygienists in high demand, they also report high salaries.

Before applying to programs, make sure you can stomach the hands-on nature of the job and the patient management side of dental hygiene. If you’re looking for an allied health role that pays well without requiring a bachelor’s degree, dental hygiene could be a good fit.

Featured Online Dental Assistant Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Being a Dental Hygienist

Is dental hygiene a good career?

Chevron Down

Yes, dental hygiene can be a great career if you have a passion for improving people's health and the desire to work in the dental field. Dental hygienists earned a median annual wage of $81,400 in May 2022, according to BLS data.

The field also reports faster-than-average projected growth. In addition, you can become a dental hygienist with just an associate degree.

What's the difference between a dental hygienist and a dental assistant?

Chevron Down

Dental assistants and dental hygienists fill different roles in a dentist's office. Dental assistants lead the patients to the exam room, make sure they are comfortable, and sterilize dental instruments. They may also perform laboratory tasks and schedule appointments. Dental assistants only need a certificate to enter the profession.

Dental hygienists clean patients' teeth and look for signs of oral diseases. They take X-rays and apply fluoride or sealant treatments. These professionals must have an associate degree and licensure to enter the profession.

Do dental hygienists make more with a bachelor's degree?

Chevron Down

Yes, earning a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene can lead to higher-paying roles. According to 2023 data from Payscale, those with a bachelor's in dental hygiene report annual salaries of $5,000 more than those with an associate degree in dental hygiene.

A bachelor's degree can also prepare dental hygienists for specialized roles or graduate-level programs.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Compare Your School Options

View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.