How to Become a Dental Hygienist

Examine patients for oral diseases, clean teeth, and provide preventive dental care and education. It typically requires a associate's degree (accredited dental hygiene program), with a median salary of $87,530 per year and faster than average projected job growth.

Median pay

$87,530/yr

Typical range

$61,510 to $118,400

Job growth

Openings / yr

16,400

Majors that lead here

Biology Health Sciences

Key skills

Periodontal Care
Patient Education
Radiography
Anatomy
Manual Dexterity

Helpful certifications

NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Examination)
State Licensure
Local Anesthesia Certification

Is this career a fit?

Remote-friendly

2/100

Work-life balance

78/100

Stress level

35/100

Satisfaction

75/100

Related careers

Dentist$170,910 median
Pharmacist$132,750 median
Nurse Practitioner$126,260 median
Physician Assistant$126,010 median
Health Services Administrator$110,680 median
Physical Therapist$99,710 median

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Salary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (wages May 2023, projections 2022-2032) and O*NET. National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.