What level of education is necessary to be a dental hygienist?
In order to become a dental hygienist, following high school a student must complete a dental hygiene educational program, usually through a community college, technical college, dental school or university. Most of these programs are two years in length, and grant either a certificate or an associates degree although there are some four-year programs leading to a bachelors degree. Following graduation from an accredited educational program, the dental hygienist must then pass a state or regional dental testing board exam in order to obtain a license to practice dental hygiene. The American Dental Association has a wealth of information on dental hygiene programs and their locations.
In order to become a dental hygienist, following high school a student must complete a dental hygiene educational program, usually through a community college, technical college, dental school or university. Most of these programs are two years in length, and grant either a certificate or an associate’s degree although there are some four-year programs leading to a bachelor’s degree. Following graduation from an accredited educational program, the dental hygienist must then pass a state or regional dental testing board exam in order to obtain a license to practice dental hygiene.
