Dental Hygienist Schools and Programs

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

You've probably been to a dental hygienist at some point in your life, if you haven't, go now, before your teeth fall out! In fact, doctors report a strong link between dental hygiene and overall health. That makes the role of dental hygienists extremely important. Dental hygienists perform the following duties:
  • Clean teeth by removing plaque and tartar
  • Examine patients
  • Sometimes, take x-rays to search for cavities or other problems
If they find disease or any other abnormality, they record it for further examination by a dentist. Some States also allow dental hygienists to perform these tasks:
  • Administer anesthetics to patients
  • Remove sutures
  • Place and fit filling materials

Career Outlook for Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists enjoy one of the fastest growing occupations in the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the number of dental hygienist jobs will grow 36% from 2008-2018. As the health care and dental industries change to meet the needs of a growing (and older) population, dental hygienists now perform some tasks traditionally performed by dentists.

Potential Salary for a Dental Hygienist

You can experience excellent earning potential working in dental hygiene. The average dental hygienist earns $67,860 annually. The middle 50% of dental hygienists earn $55,620 to $79,990 a year, and the top 10% earn more than $92,860 annually.

Required Degree to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist

Most dental hygienist programs culminate with an associate's degree, although some programs grant a certificate instead. You must complete an accredited dental hygiene program to work in a private dental practice. To work in clinical practice at a public or school health program, conduct research, or teach, you usually need a bachelor's or master's degree.

Nursing and Health Care Schools

Sanford-Brown Institute - Jacksonville

Turn your love of medicine into a rewarding career at Sanford-Brown Institute. Learn more today.

Programs Offered:
Dental Hygiene

Sanford-Brown Institute

Turn your love of medicine into a rewarding career at Sanford-Brown Institute. Learn more today.

Programs Offered:
Dental Hygiene

Sanford-Brown Institute - Orlando

Turn your love of medicine into a rewarding career at Sanford-Brown Institute. Learn more today.

Programs Offered:
Dental Hygiene

Fortis Institute - Phoenix

Get the skills and training you need for a great career at Fortis College. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis College - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.

Programs Offered:
Dental Hygiene

Herzing University - Minneapolis

Take control of your career at Herzing College in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Programs Offered:
AAS in Dental Hygiene
BS in Healthcare Management With Dental Hygiene Emphasis

Missouri College

Earn a college degree that really means something at Missouri College.

Programs Offered:
Dental Hygiene

Carrington College - Boise

Ready for a rewarding career in healthcare? Carrington College can help.

Programs Offered:
Dental Hygiene

Carrington College - Mesa

Ready for a rewarding career in healthcare? Carrington College can help.

Programs Offered:
Dental Hygiene

Carrington College

Ready for a rewarding career in healthcare? Carrington College can help.

Programs Offered:
Dental Hygiene

Carrington College California

Ready for a rewarding career? Start with a certificate or degree from Carrington College California.

Programs Offered:
AS in Dental Hygiene