Explore a Career in Dental Hygiene 

What Is a Dental Hygienist?

A dental hygienist is a licensed oral health professional who provides preventive, educational, and therapeutic services that support oral and overall health. Dental hygienists assess oral health, identify patient needs within their legal scope of practice, plan and provide dental hygiene care, evaluate treatment outcomes, document care, and collaborate with dentists and other health professionals.

Dental hygienists work with people of all ages and provide care based on each patient’s health history, oral health status, risks, needs, and personal goals. The services a dental hygienist may provide and the level of required dentist supervision vary by state law and practice setting. 

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

Depending on state law, education, training, and the practice setting, a dental hygienist may:

• Review medical and dental histories and assess factors that may affect oral health. 
• Perform oral, head and neck, periodontal, and dental hygiene assessments. 
• Assess a patient’s risk for oral disease. 
• Expose and evaluate dental radiographs. 
• Remove biofilm, calculus, and stains from the teeth. 
• Provide nonsurgical periodontal therapy and continuing periodontal maintenance. 
• Apply preventive materials, including fluoride and dental sealants. 
• Develop individualized dental hygiene care plans. 
• Teach patients how to care for their teeth and gums. 
• Discuss nutrition, tobacco use, oral health products, and other factors that affect oral health. 
• Document treatment, evaluate outcomes, and recommend follow-up care. 
• Refer patients to dentists, physicians, and other health professionals when additional evaluation or treatment is needed. 

Dental hygienists use evidence-based clinical judgment and person-centered care to help prevent and manage oral disease. 

Where Do Dental Hygienists Work?

Most dental hygienists work in private dental practices. Career opportunities may also be available in:

• General and specialty dental practices 
• Community health centers and public health programs 
• Hospitals and healthcare systems 
• Schools and school-based oral health programs 
• Long-term care and nursing facilities 
• Correctional facilities 
• Dental and dental hygiene education programs 
• Government and nonprofit organizations 
• Research 
• Dental product sales and corporate education 
• Practice administration and consulting 

Education, research, public health, corporate, and administrative positions may require a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. 

Why Choose a Career in Dental Hygiene?

A career in dental hygiene may offer:

• Meaningful patient care

  • Dental hygienists help patients prevent and manage oral disease. They also help patients understand the connection between oral health, personal health behaviors, and overall wellness.

• A combination of science and patient education

  • The profession combines biomedical science, clinical care, communication, problem-solving, and health education.

• Different career paths

  • Dental hygienists may work in clinical practice, education, community health, research, administration, corporate settings, consulting, and other professional roles.

• Opportunities for continued education

  • Licensed dental hygienists may complete bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees to prepare for positions in education, public health, research, leadership, or administration.

• Different employment schedules

  • Full-time and part-time positions may be available. Work schedules, employee benefits, and employment arrangements vary by employer and location. Many dental hygienists work part time or for more than one dental practice. 

How Do You Become a Dental Hygienist?

Entry-level dental hygiene education is offered through associate and bachelor’s degree programs. Students complete classroom, laboratory, preclinical, and supervised clinical instruction. CODA standards require dental hygiene curricula to include general education, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, and dental hygiene science. 
Graduating from a dental hygiene program does not automatically grant a license. Licensure requirements vary by state.

For licensure in Texas, applicants must meet current requirements established by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Requirements include:

• Graduation from a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation 
• Successful completion of the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination 
• Successful completion of a clinical examination recognized by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners 
• Completion of the Texas jurisprudence assessment 
• Current Basic Life Support certification 
• Completion of additional application, documentation, and eligibility requirements 

Students should review the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners requirements because examination and licensure rules may change. 
After receiving a state license, a graduate may use the professional credential authorized by that state, such as Registered Dental Hygienist, or RDH.

Dental Hygiene Salary and Employment Outlook

Dental hygiene salaries vary based on geographic location, experience, work schedule, employer, and practice setting.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• The national median annual wage for dental hygienists was $94,260 in May 2024. 
• The median hourly wage was $45.32. 
• Employment is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, compared with 3% for all occupations. 
• Approximately 15,300 openings are projected each year during that period. 

These figures represent national data and do not guarantee a specific salary or employment opportunity. Local salaries may differ from national estimates. 
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Dental hygiene is a licensed healthcare profession that combines science, clinical care, disease prevention, patient education, and professional collaboration. Students interested in the profession are encouraged to review program requirements and observe a dental hygienist in a clinical setting before applying.