Should You Pursue a Dental Hygiene Degree and Begin a Dental Hygienist Career?

If you’re considering a career as a dental hygienist, you’ll need to complete a dental hygiene degree program. Dental hygienists play a crucial role in maintaining patients’ oral health and promoting overall well-being, making them essential members of the healthcare field. With a promising job outlook, competitive salaries and regular work hours, this career path is increasingly popular and one to consider if you’re interested in working directly with patients.

Why is Oral Health so Important

Proper oral health allows you to perform essential life functions such as eating, drinking, speaking, and showing facial expressions. Oral health is important for preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and even several chronic diseases. 

Several studies have confirmed that a person’s oral health is directly linked to their overall health. Poor oral health can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, endocarditis, Alzheimer's and dementia, and osteoporosis. It can also worsen the effects of diabetes and increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications. 

Employment Growth and Rising Demand for Dental Hygienists

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects growth in the dental hygiene field to be much faster than the growth for all jobs in the United States. Employment for dental hygienists is expected to increase by 9% from 2023 to 2033. This growth equates to an additional 19,600 newly created dental hygienist jobs. Several key factors are expected to drive this growth:

• Oral Health Awareness: Increasing awareness of the link between oral and overall health is leading to a growing demand for preventive dental care services.
• Aging Population: Older adults typically require more dental services, which will create additional work for dental hygienists.
• Expansion of Dental Practices: More dentists are delegating additional preventive care tasks to hygienists in order to focus on more complex procedures, boosting demand.
• Technological Advancements: Innovations in dental tools and technology further increase the need for skilled hygienists who can utilize tools effectively.

Earning a Dental Hygiene Degree

Completing a dental hygiene degree and obtaining licensure is essential for beginning work as a dental hygienist. Most dental hygienists begin their careers by earning an associate degree in dental hygiene, which qualifies them for licensure and entry-level hygienist jobs. Some dental hygienists choose to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees in order to obtain more advanced roles in dental education, research, or public health.

Accredited dental hygienist programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training, ensuring that graduates are prepared to provide high-quality care immediately upon graduation.

In addition to technical skills, graduates of these programs also develop the interpersonal skills they will need to interact with and educate patients on oral health practices and foster trust.

Dental Hygienist Salary

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for dental hygienists is currently $87,530. Dental hygienist salary can vary based on factors such as location, work setting, and level of experience. 

Hygienist salaries can also vary based on the dental practice type. Dental hygienists employed in specialty practices or corporate dental offices often earn higher salaries compared to those in general practices or public health clinics. Completing an advanced dental hygiene degree can also increase earning potential by qualifying you for leadership roles or specialized positions.

Dental Hygienist Job Flexibility and Career Options

One of the most appealing aspects of this type of healthcare career is its flexibility. Many dental hygienists are able to choose between working full-time or part-time with predictable working hours from week to week. These work options make it an ideal choice for individuals seeking work-life balance or those with families. 

Earning a dental hygiene degree will provide you with a versatile career. Dental hygienists can choose to work in a variety of different types of dental practices including:

• Private dental practices
• Community health clinics
• Educational institutions
• Corporate and administrative roles within dental product companies
• Research and public health organizations

The Importance of a Quality Dental Hygienist Program

Choosing the right dental hygienist program is an important step toward a successful career. There are good programs that make it possible for working professionals to advance their dental assistant career or change careers entirely to take the first step toward becoming a dental hygienist. 

Credit-by-Exam and Dental Hygienist Programs

For example, Achieve’s online dental hygiene program offers busy adults a way to complete general education courses through credit-by-exam. With this program, you are able to complete flexible, online lessons with experienced, live instructors who will teach you exactly what you need to to know to test out of the course and earn transferable college credit—shortening the time you spend in class and the overall time it takes to earn your dental hygiene degree considerably. 

Importance of Accreditation in Dental Hygiene programs

Once you complete general education courses, you can enroll with the accredited school of your choice to transfer the credits earned and finish your core dental hygiene courses to earn your degree. Accredited schools will provide the education and clinical experience required to prepare you for work in the field. When selecting a school, consider the following factors:

• Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
• Licensure Preparation: Look for programs that prepare students for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and state clinical exams.
• Clinical Training Opportunities: Hands-on experience is vital for building practical skills and confidence.
• Faculty Expertise: Learn from instructors with extensive experience in the field.

A strong dental hygienist program not only equips students with technical knowledge but also emphasizes patient care, communication, and problem-solving skills—all essential for long-term success.

Future Trends in Dental Hygiene

The dental hygiene profession is evolving, with trends such as:

• Increased Scope of Practice: In some states, dental hygienists are being trained for additional responsibilities, such as administering local anesthesia or working independently in underserved areas.
• Focus on Preventive Care: Emphasis on prevention of oral health issues continues to drive demand for dental hygienists, especially as healthcare systems aim to reduce costs.
• Telehealth Integration: The use of telehealth in dentistry is growing, providing new opportunities for hygienists to engage in patient education and virtual consultations.
• Focus on Public Health: Dental hygienists are increasingly involved in community health initiatives, addressing disparities in access to oral healthcare.

Becoming a Dental Hygienist

A career in dental hygiene offers stability, growth, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. The demand for dental hygienists is growing, making now an excellent time to pursue this career. Enrolling in a reputable dental hygienist program and earning a dental hygiene degree can set you on a path to long-term success. 

Whether you’re just starting your career or considering further education, the future is bright for dental hygienists.