Dental hygienists are often the first person you talk with at a dental visit. They clean teeth, check for problems and teach patients how to care for their smile at home. For students who love oral health and patient education, it can be a rewarding career.
This guide explains how to become a dental hygienist. You will learn what hygienists do, what education they need, which exams and licenses are required and what official data says about pay and job growth. You will also learn how to explore the field before you apply, so you can decide whether it fits your goals. All facts below come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the American Dental Hygienists' Association and the American Dental Association.
The BLS describes a range of duties. Dental hygienists typically:
BLS notes that nearly all dental hygienists work in dentists' offices, and many work part time. The exact tasks hygienists may perform depend on state rules.
The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) lists three main steps.
You need to complete a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The ADA reports that there are more than 300 accredited dental hygiene programs. Most associate degree programs take at least two years. Some universities also offer four-year bachelor's programs. BLS notes that associate degree programs usually take about three years to complete.
Programs combine classroom study with supervised clinical practice. Courses often include anatomy, physiology, nutrition and radiography. Many programs also have prerequisite courses, such as biology, chemistry and English, that you complete before you start. Admission can be competitive, so check each program's requirements and deadlines early.
When you compare programs, look at clinic schedules, class sizes, total cost and how graduates perform on board exams. Ask current students how the program supports them during clinical training.
ADHA explains that graduates must pass the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. They also need to pass a regional or state clinical board exam.
Licensure is granted by each state, and requirements vary. Contact your state's dental board to learn its application process and any additional rules.
According to BLS, the median annual wage for dental hygienists was $98,100 in May 2025. BLS also projects that employment of dental hygienists will grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
If you are deciding between careers, it helps to compare. Our article on dentistry vs dental hygiene compares education, pay and daily work for both paths. You can also learn about another entry point in our guide on becoming a dental assistant.
Our article on pre-dental clinical experience shares more ideas for gaining experience in dental settings.
Keep a short record of each experience: the date, the setting, what you observed and what you want to learn next. Those notes help you compare careers and explain your interest when you apply.
A dental service learning trip is another way to see prevention and education in action. On Smiles Movement trips, students shadow local dental professionals at mobile clinics and help with oral health education for children in partner communities.
Dental hygiene combines patient care, prevention and teaching. If you want to see oral health education up close before you choose your path, Smiles Movement can help. Fill out the form or download our brochure to get more information about upcoming programs and trip dates.
Most dental hygienists complete an associate degree program. The ADA notes most take at least two years, and BLS notes they usually take about three. Some hygienists earn a four-year bachelor's degree.
Yes. Every state requires dental hygienists to be licensed. Most require a degree from an accredited program and passing written and clinical exams.
BLS reports a median annual wage of $98,100 for dental hygienists in May 2025.