Education Needed to Become a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists work closely with dentist, promoting oral health in their clients. Responsibilities include cleaning teeth and educating clients on proper dental care between appointments. Dental hygienists find employment in private dental practices, hospitals and public health clinics.

Program Requirements

• To join a dental hygienist program, you must have a high school diploma or GED with a minimum C-grade average and you must take a college entrance exam such as the SAT or ACT. Some programs require that you attend a year or two of college.

Two-Year Programs

• One way to become a dental hygienist is through a two-year program offered at a community or technical college. This results in an associate's degree.

Four-Year Programs

• Another option is a four-year program. These are offered through universities and result in bachelor's degrees. This option provides a broader base in the humanities and other science and math courses.

Choosing a Program

• If you would like to work in a private practice, the two-year program is sufficient. If you are interested in research, education or administration, a four-year program may be for you.

License

• Dental hygienists must also be licensed in the state in which they plan to work. After graduation from an accredited program, you must also pass, depending on the state, written and clinical exams. In most states, this includes the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam.