Become a Dental Hygienist
Discover a career that offers great pay, flexible hours and the satisfaction of helping others.
Get Hygienist Inspired!
Check out what these hygienists have to say about why they love what they do for a living.
Turn Inspiration into Action
If you have ever left a dental appointment feeling great, you probably have a registered dental hygienist (RDH) to thank. In as few as two years, you could be on the job enjoying great pay, flexible hours and the satisfaction of helping others.
The Path to Becoming a Dental Hygienist
Earn Your High School Diploma or GED
Obtain a Degree
Enroll in an accredited Dental Hygiene Associate (2-3 years) or Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) program
Take Your Board Exams
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and your regional/state clinical board examination
Launch Your Career
You’re officially a registered dental hygienist (RDH)! Begin your job search and start changing lives!
A Day in the Life of a Dental Hygienist
This is no typical desk job! Being a dental hygienist is a physically active career and every day presents new challenges. Responsibilities of an RDH include:
- Taking medical history and vital signs
- Scaling and polishing teeth
- Applying sealants and fluoride
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Evaluating oral health
- Documenting care
- Treating gum disease
- Educating patients
- And so much more
Earn a Great Salary and a Job That Fits Your Life
The world needs more dental hygienists! In fact, the profession is expected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033* – which means job opportunities abound. Earn a competitive salary while making a difference in the lives of your patients, your colleagues and your community.
Think you have what it takes to be a dental hygienist?
Ready for the Next Step?
Get the RDH Ready Checklist!
Download our handy checklist of helpful next steps for exploring a career in dental hygiene – including how you can connect with a mentor to help you through the process!
