Becoming a registered dental hygienist takes more than schooling; finding an accredited school is the starting point. The Commission on Dental Accreditation is the American Dental Association's accrediting agency. There are many accredited dental hygiene programs across the country, and CODA has evaluated each of them to ensure their programs meet national standards. Programs teach a range of dental and medical courses in areas like gum disease, clinical dental hygiene, pharmacology and microbiology. Associate and bachelor's degrees include a broad base of science and general courses as well.
Dental hygiene programs range from one to four years depending on the level of education. One-year certificate programs are offered at vocational schools and may be found at technical schools and community colleges. Community colleges and technical schools generally offer two-year associate degrees, as do some colleges, universities and specialized dental schools. Dental schools, colleges and universities are the usual choice for bachelor's degrees. Some universities offer graduate programs in related fields. Students may choose the level of education and tuition cost that makes sense for them, but it is worth noting that higher education tends to translate into better pay and faster advancement.
After a student graduates, it's still necessary to be licensed in order to practice. Every state has its own examinations and licensing. Most will not license a hygienist unless he or she has graduated from a CODA-accredited program and passed the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, administered by the ADA. This exam is designed to demonstrate that the hygienist has the appropriate knowledge and clinical skills to practise. Only after passing these exams and meeting the state's licensing requirements can they hold themselves out as Registered Dental Hygienists.
States have slightly different laws covering the services and procedures dental hygienists can perform. For example, some states allow hygienists to perform oral X-rays while others do not. Generally, in any state, these procedures and services include dental charting, patient screening, advising patients on dental health, cleaning and plaque removal and explaining the part nutrition plays in dental health. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2009 survey showed the middle 50 percent of dental hygienists averaged over $60,000 annually. The highest reported incomes exceeded $90,000.