How to Become a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists have varying dental duties, depending on the state, but they all clean teeth and advise patients on proper dental care. An associate's degree is required to work in a dental office; a bachelor's degree or higher is required for work in schools or public health programs.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Career Books
• Career Counseling
• Online Career Search

1. Take biology, chemistry and mathematics courses in high school.

2. Observe and interview your dentist's dental hygienist and ask yourself whether you think this could be a fulfilling career for you.

3. Download the American Dental Association (ADA) Education Programs Web page at ada.org. It lists the accredited schools that offer an associate's degree in dental hygiene. Search the Web for further career information.

4. Send for school catalogs before your senior year in high school. Pay close attention to each school's admission requirements.

5. Pass written and clinical licensing examinations in the state in which you will work, after you graduate from the dental hygienist program. Some states may also require an examination on the legal aspects of the profession.

Tips & Warnings

• You must have excellent manual dexterity to use dental instruments.

• Most dental hygienists have a flexible work schedule, which makes this a good career if you have other interests that require your time.