Dental Assistant
Prepare patients, assist the dentist chairside, take X-rays and sterilize instruments.
- $48,070
- 9–12 months
Healthcare career
Dental Hygienist
Also called: Registered Dental Hygienist · RDH · Hygienist · Dental Hygiene Clinician
What dental hygienists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a dental hygienist do?
Dental hygienists remove plaque and tartar, take X-rays, screen for gum disease and oral cancer, apply preventive treatments and teach patients good oral hygiene. The median pay is $98,100 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about About 3 years, and employment is projected to grow +8.0% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$98,100$47.16/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+8.0%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year15,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to trainAbout 3 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs225,300Employment, 2025
What dental hygienists do
Dental hygienists provide preventive care. In a typical appointment they review health history, take blood pressure, chart gum pocket depths, scale and polish teeth, take X-rays, apply fluoride or sealants and coach patients on brushing and flossing. They work closely with dentists, flagging problems for the dentist’s exam.
Hygienists need an accredited associate degree or higher, must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a clinical exam, and must be licensed by their state. It is one of the best-paying careers available with an associate degree, and many hygienists work part-time or in more than one office.
Typical duties
- Review medical history and take vital signs
- Assess and chart periodontal pocket depths
- Remove plaque and calculus with hand and ultrasonic instruments
- Polish teeth and apply fluoride and sealants
- Take and process dental radiographs
- Screen for oral cancer and other conditions
- Teach patients oral hygiene and nutrition
Work environment and schedule
Most hygienists work in private dental offices. Others work in public health clinics, schools, hospitals and corporate dental groups. The work is detailed and done seated or standing close to patients, so posture and hand health matter.
Schedule: Many hygienists work part-time or split weeks between offices. Some offices offer early morning, evening or Saturday hours.
A day in the life
- Review the day’s patients, health histories and treatment notes with the dental assistant.
- Complete a recall cleaning, polish and fluoride varnish for a teenager.
- Take bitewing X-rays and chart pocket depths for a new adult patient.
- Perform scaling and root planing on two quadrants with local anesthesia.
See a full day in the life of a dental hygienist →
Dental Hygienist salary
Half of dental hygienists earned more than $98,100 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $74,880 for the lowest 10% to $126,050 for the top 10%.
Full dental hygienist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a dental hygienist
- Complete prerequisites
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited program
- Pass the NBDHE
- Pass a clinical exam and get licensed
- Advance your practice
Dental hygienists need at least an associate degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). With prerequisites, this usually takes about three years. Bachelor’s and master’s programs prepare hygienists for public health, education and research roles.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a dental hygienist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Periodontal assessment and charting
- Scaling and root planing
- Dental radiography
- Local anesthesia (where permitted)
- Infection control
People skills
- Gentle, reassuring manner
- Manual dexterity
- Attention to detail
- Clear communication
All dental hygienist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- High pay for an associate-level career
- Regular hours and part-time flexibility
- Long-term relationships with patients
- Strong demand for preventive care
Cons
- Repetitive strain on hands, wrists and neck
- Competitive programs and licensing exams
- Limited advancement without more education
- Patients who are nervous about dental visits
Certifications and licenses
- State dental hygiene license (RDH): Required to practice in every state.
- National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE): The written national exam required for licensure.
- Clinical licensing exam: A regional or state clinical exam, such as those offered by CDCA-WREB-CITA.
- Local anesthesia or nitrous oxide permit: Additional permits required by many states to administer anesthesia.
Career path
- Dental Assistant or Student Hygienist: Gain chairside experience and clinical training.
- Registered Dental Hygienist: Provide preventive care in an office or clinic.
- Periodontal or Public Health Hygienist: Specialize in gum disease or community programs.
- Hygiene Coordinator, Educator or Sales Specialist: Lead hygiene teams, teach, or work for dental product companies.
Learn the job before day one
Our Dental Hygienist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as perform periodontal charting and take bitewing radiographs, safety and how to land your first job.
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Dental Hygienist FAQ
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?
About three years, including prerequisites and a two-year accredited program, plus licensing exams.
Is a dental hygienist the same as a dental assistant?
No. Hygienists are licensed to clean teeth and provide preventive care, while dental assistants support the dentist and often need less training.
Can dental hygienists work part-time?
Yes. Part-time and multi-office schedules are very common.
How much does a dental hygienist make?
The median annual wage for dental hygienists was $98,100 ($47.16 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $74,880 and the highest 10% earned more than $126,050.
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?
Most people need about About 3 years of training. Dental hygienists need at least an associate degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). With prerequisites, this usually takes about three years. Bachelor’s and master’s programs prepare hygienists for public health, education and research roles.
Do you need a degree to be a dental hygienist?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
More dental hygienist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1292 (Dental hygienists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Dental hygienists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.