Pre-Health Professions Programs

Dental Hygienists work in dental offices, school system, health-related or governmental agencies, or teach in schools of dental hygiene. The dental hygienist cleans teeth and provides other preventive dental care as well as teaches patients how to practice good oral hygiene. Hygienists examine patients’ teeth and gums, recording the presence of disease and/or abnormalities. They remove stains and plaque from teeth; take and develop dental x-rays; place temporary fillings and periodontal dressings; and smooth and polish metal restorations.

Educational Qualifications

To be licensed, students must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program and pass both a written and clinical exam. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree is usually required to do research, teach, or work in public or school health programs.

Job Outlook

Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014, ranking among the fastest growing occupations, in response to increasing demand for dental care and the greater utilization of hygienists to perform services previously performed by dentists. Job prospects are expected to remain excellent.

Entering Salary

The national average income for a dental hygienist is $60,000 and the average income for California is $80,000.

Career information adapted from:

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (May 2016). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh

Pre-Health Professions Programs

Dental Hygiene Outcomes & Career Options

Educational Qualifications

Job Outlook

Entering Salary

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