Dental Hygienist Requirements
Dental hygienists assist dentists with procedures such as teeth cleaning, applying fluoride and taking and developing x-rays. Because the job involves many technical procedures, dental hygienists must complete education and training requirements and also become licensed.
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Education
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A 2-year degree at a community or technical college is usually sufficient to qualify to become a licensed dental hygienist. However, a 4-year degree may be required to go into teaching or to work in a public health capacity.
Training
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Most dental hygienist training is obtained in a college program and usually consists of doing procedures on patients under the supervision of an instructor or dentist. Once you find a job, your employer may have additional training requirements specific to his practice.
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Licensure
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All states require dental hygienists to become licensed. This is usually done through passing a state exam and/or getting a passing score on the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam.
Where Dental Hygienists Work
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Most dental hygienists work in dentist offices assisting in dental procedures. Other opportunities include working in hospitals, nursing homes and public health clinics. Dental hygienists who obtain enough training and education can go into research or teaching.
Abilities Needed
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Dental hygienists must stand and sit for long periods of time. It's also good to have manual dexterity, because dental hygienists are often called on to perform procedures such as plaque removal, teeth cleaning and applying fluoride or sealants.
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