What is the difference between a dental hygienist with an associate degree and one with a bachelors degree?
Pre-licensure education in dental hygiene is offered throughout the U.S. at both degree levels and both degrees result in a candidate prepared to apply for licensure. The registered dental hygienist with an associate degree is employed as a clinical dental hygienist while the dental hygienist with a bachelor’s degree has a wider variety of employment opportunities. Baccalaureate-educated dental hygienists often find careers in research or marketing, education, a commission in the public health corps, federal, state and county public health positions, patient advocates, and various entrepreneurial opportunities.
