Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene.
Is dental hygienists a good career?
It scores 30/100 and ranks #142 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($98,100 vs $61,390)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+7.0% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- No notable tradeoffs stand out in the wage and projection data.
What dental hygienists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. dental hygienists earn between $83,570 and $108,480 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live dental hygienists jobs
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- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Dental hygienists typically need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene; they may also get a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree programs in dental hygiene are available but are relatively uncommon. A bachelor’s or master’s degree usually is required for research, teaching, or clinical practice in public or school health programs.
Dental hygiene programs are often found in community colleges, technical schools, and universities. Programs typically take 3 years to complete and offer laboratory, clinical, and classroom instruction. Areas of study include anatomy, medical ethics, and periodontics, which is the study of gum disease.
High school students interested in becoming dental hygienists should take courses in biology, chemistry, and math. Most dental hygiene programs also require applicants to complete prerequisites, which often include college-level courses. Specific requirements vary by school.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Every state requires dental hygienists to be licensed; requirements vary by state. In most states, a degree from an accredited dental hygiene program and passing written and clinical examinations are required for licensure. To maintain licensure, hygienists must complete continuing education requirements. For specific requirements, contact your state’s Board of Dental Examiners.
Many jobs also require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
Important qualities
Critical thinking. Dental hygienists must be able to assess and evaluate patients and to develop oral hygiene care plans.
Communication skills. Dental hygienists must share information with dentists and patients about oral health status, oral hygiene care plans, and, if necessary, lifestyle counseling.
Detail oriented. Dental hygienists must follow specific rules and protocols to help dentists diagnose and treat a patient. Depending on the state in which they work and/or the treatment provided, dental hygienists may work without the direct supervision of a dentist.
Dexterity. Dental hygienists must be good at working with their hands. They generally work in tight spaces on a small part of the body, which requires fine motor skills using precise tools and instruments.
Interpersonal skills. Dental hygienists work closely with dentists. They also must be considerate in working with patients, especially with those who are sensitive to pain or who have fears about undergoing dental treatment.
Problem-solving skills. Dental hygienists develop and implement oral hygiene care plans to maintain or improve patients’ oral health.
Related occupations
How much do dental hygienists make?
The national median wage is $98,100 a year, with the middle half earning between $83,570 and $108,480 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is dental hygienists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 30 of 100 and ranks #142 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +7.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a dental hygienist?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree.
Where do dental hygienists earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($137,220). Local pay for every state and metro is below.