Explore This Path

Dental Hygienist

💰 Earn $106K-$130K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 12–24 Month Training

📈 7% Job Growth

Help people maintain healthy smiles and prevent oral diseases.
Make a positive impact on patients' oral health and overall well-being.
Use advanced techniques like fluoride treatments and topical anesthesia.

What Dental Hygienists DoAdminister oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.

Record and review patient medical histories.
Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.

Dental Hygienists Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationAssociate Degree

Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time1 to 2 years

Job Openings15,300 Annually

Median Earnings

$121,080 in California

$94,260 Nationally

$25K

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@rabbitlokkks

@dentaltee6

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Relating with or serving others
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

you value

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation

Go Deeper: Dental Hygienists Explained

Dental HygienistExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Fellowship or Service ProgramA fellowship or service program typically provides individuals with opportunities to engage in meaningful community service or social impact work, while encouraging personal growth, developing leadership skills, and creating positive change in society.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 1-3 years

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