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Dental hygienist: the path

Administer 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. Description from O*NET

Also called: Dental Hygienist, Hygienist, Licensed Dental Hygienist, Pediatric Dental Hygienist, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Typical pay$98,100Median yearly pay, BLS 2025
Job outlook+8% jobsProjected change, 2025–35. All jobs: +3.5%.
Time after high schoolAbout 2 to 4 yearsTypical full-time study and training
  1. Step 1Dental hygiene degreeUsually an associate degree, often about 3 years with prerequisites
  2. Step 2Written and clinical exams
  3. Step 3State license

Typical education to start: Associate's degree · More on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

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Colleges for this path

Related majors: Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

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312 colleges match

College Scorecard, 2024 data. Earnings are the median for graduates of the related majors, 4 years after graduating. All figures are estimates.

Best value = earnings ÷ (net price × years of study). Net prices under $1,000 count as $1,000.

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