How to Become a Dental Hygienist? A Complete Guide

We know that you are searching for “how to become a dental hygienist “ because you want a successful career that provides you with financial security and also has a positive impact on people’s lives.

You would be surprised to know that, in May 2023, the mean annual wages for dental hygienists were $87,530 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).

As a dental hygienist, you will help prevent dental problems, educate patients, and increase their confidence, all while having a flexible working schedule and steady demand. 

The best part is that you do not have to spend years studying at school. Becoming a dental hygienist is your chance to join an elite group of professionals who make a real difference. So, without further ado, let’s see the steps to be one!

3 Key Things to Consider Before Becoming a Dental Hygienist

Before you jump in, ask yourself a few important questions. Is this the right career for you? Here are the three most important things you should consider

1. Requirement to Become a Hygienist: First and foremost you must complete a program in dental hygiene to qualify as a dental hygienist. Such programs take, on average, about a year and a half to two years and lead to an associate degree, and you have to pass exams for licensing to practice
2. Advantages of the Job: Good pay, job security, and helping others can be viewed as advantages, and in many cases, there is a possibility of working on flexible hours in many different locations. Furthermore, it is an expanding field with more and more people becoming more conscious of their dental hygiene every other day.
3. Challenges: Working with a nervous or special needs patient can be challenging at times, and difficult situations may need to be overcome.  You should have patience and selflessness to overcome this situation.

This profession is ideal for anyone who is health conscious and wants to work in a very fulfilling and reliable career.

How to Become a Dental Hygienist | Step-by-Step Guide

Here are the steps on how to become a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

1.Graduate From an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program

You must complete a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). There are over 300 accredited programs across the U.S. offering associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees.

Key Coursework:
Programs cover general education, biomedical sciences, and dental hygiene science. Typical subjects include:

These programs often include supervised clinical training, which provides hands-on experience with real patients, usually for 8-12 hours weekly.

How to Choose the Right Dental Hygiene Program

Now that you are aware that it is a career you want to pursue, then next is the right program to bring you there. Here is what to look for:

1. Accreditation. Its accreditation should be through the Commission on Dental Accreditation or CODA, which will ensure it meets high quality standards.

Here  are some CODA-accredited dental hygienist education programs:

Data collected by the Commission on Dental Accreditation’s annual Survey of Dental Hygiene Education Programs for the academic year 2022-23.

2. Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)

This is an extended written examination offered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). This test evaluates both existing theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

This step is very important because the NBDHE is your standard for measuring your knowledge of dental hygiene.

3. Pass an Approved Clinical Board Examination

However, completing the NBDHE requires a state or regional clinical board examination. The clinical tests determine your fitness to perform practical and/or clinical skills in clinical scenarios. The rules depend on the state, so consult the local dental board or college.

For example:

4. Obtain State Licensure

Before practicing in the dental setting, a dental hygienist must become a licensed professional in their state dental board. This process typically involves:

After getting a license, dental hygienists have to renew the license within 1-2 years; and should also keep gaining knowledge to stay updated

5. Update Your Resume and Seek Jobs

Once licensed, update your resume with your education, skills, and clinical experience. Utilize job boards, professional organizations, and networking opportunities to find positions in dental offices, clinics, or other healthcare settings.

Dental Hygienist Salary and Job Outlook

The job market for dental hygienists is strong and growing:

Top-paying states for dental hygienists include Washington, California, Alaska, and D.C., with salaries ranging from $103,440 to $123,510 per year.

How Dental Hygienists Can Be Successful Online?

To succeed online, dental hygienists should take dental SEO service or do it themselves, utilize  social media, and also work on patient engagement:

What Is a Dental Hygienist?

Dental hygienists are healthcare professionals specializing in oral health. They work under the supervision of dentists to perform cleanings, apply preventative treatments, and educate patients about oral care.

Dental Hygienist vs. Dental Assistant

There are differences between the two professions of dental hygienists and dental assistants. 

Hygienists help with patient care, such as cleaning their teeth or giving preventive treatments, while assistants do things like scheduling appointments, cleaning instruments, or helping the doctors with procedures.

However, in some states, dental assistants may carry out other specific tasks such as polishing teeth, placing fluoride, or even giving shots of anesthesia where applicable.

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

Dentists and dental hygienists may work together in order to provide a wider range of services for patients, especially in educational and preventive care. They carry out – dental cleanings, which usually involve:

They also teach the patients about proper oral health to have good health and avoid problems such as bad breath.

They may work in:

You are not only removing the plaque and acting like a dentist on children’s teeth but preventing people from getting worse oral conditions in the future.

Why Choose a Career as a Dental Hygienist?

If you want to do a fulfilling job related to health care, education, and patient care, then there are plenty of chances to grow as a dental hygienist.

The basic education requirement and license, alongside the passion for work, will enable you to contribute to enhancing the community’s dental health while offering an opportunity for job security and flexibility.

What to Expect in a Dental Hygiene Program?

This dental hygiene program is comprehensive and teaches everything you will need to work on the job. Plan for:

How to Go From Dental Assistant to Dental Hygienist

If you are a dental assistant and want to be a dental hygienist, here’s how:

1. Get the Right Education: Attend an accredited dental hygiene program. Select either an associate degree (2 years) or a bachelor’s degree up to 4 years.
2. Complete Clinical Training: During your program, gain hands-on experience by working with patients under supervision.
3. Pass Licensing Exams: Pass the NBDHE and any clinical exams required by your state.
4. Obtain a License: Obtain a state license by fulfilling the regulations of the state, which may involve passing exams or completing continuing education. 

Can a Dental Hygienist Open Their Own Practice?

In most cases, a dental hygienist cannot open a full-fledged dental practice where they provide all dental services, as this typically requires a licensed dentist. However, dental hygienists can open independent dental hygiene practices that focus on preventive care. These practices may provide services like:

How to Transfer a Dental Hygiene License to Another State

If you want to work as a dental hygienist in a new state, here’s what to do:

1. Check Reciprocity Agreements:
See if the new state has an agreement to accept your current license. If they do, you might not need to retake exams.

2. Learn the State’s Requirements:
Each state has different rules for transferring licenses. You’ll likely need to provide proof of your education, work experience, and exam results.

3. Apply for a License Transfer:
Submit an application to the dental board in the new state. You’ll usually need:

4. Complete Extra Steps (if needed):
Some states may ask you to take additional exams or complete a background check with fingerprints.

5. Pay the Fees:
Be ready to pay the transfer fees.

Once everything is approved, you can start practicing in the new state!

Which States Allow Dental Hygienists to Own Their Own practice?

Most states do not allow dental hygienists to open a dental practice independently. However, some states let you own under a supervisory agreement with a licensed dentist. 

Here are some of those states that allow and do not allow direct access:

You should check with the state’s dental board for exact details.

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Florida

Florida does not accept license transfers from other states, so you must meet these requirements to become dental hygienist:

1. Age and Education:

2. Required Exams:

3. Submit Required Documents:

Ready to How to Become a Dental Hygienist?

If you want a fulfilling career that lets you help people, become a dental hygienist! This guide is a complete answer to your concern “ how to become a dental hygienist.”

Start by finding an accredited program and getting moving toward your new career.

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