What Education/Training Does a Dental Hygienist Need?
Dental hygienists receive their education through academic programs at community colleges, technical colleges, dental schools, or universities. The majority of community college programs take at least two years to complete, with graduates receiving associate degrees. Receipt of this degree allows a hygienist to take licensure examinations (national and state or regional), become licensed, and work in a dental office. University-based dental hygiene programs may offer Bachelor's and Master's degrees, which generally require at least two years of further schooling. These additional degrees may be required to embark on a career in teaching and/or research, as well as for clinical practice in school or public health programs.
Dental hygiene program admission requirements vary, depending upon the specific school. High school-level courses such as health, biology, psychology, chemistry, mathematics, and speech will be beneficial in a dental hygiene career. Most programs show a preference for individuals who have completed at least one year of college. Some Bachelor's degree programs require that applicants complete two years of college prior to enrollment in the dental hygiene program. Counselors, advisors, and prospective students should contact the particular dental hygiene program of interest for specific program requirements.
Dental hygiene education programs provide students with clinical education in the form of supervised patient care experiences. Additionally, these programs include courses in liberal arts (e.g., English, speech, sociology, and psychology); basic sciences (e.g., anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, immunology, chemistry, microbiology, and pathology); and clinical sciences (e.g., dental hygiene, radiology, and dental materials). After completion of a dental hygiene program, dental hygienists can choose to pursue additional training in such areas as education, business administration, basic sciences, marketing, and public health.