Education · 1 of 5
The path
A two year degree, two exams and a state license. Getting into the program is the hard part.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Biology, chemistry and anatomy if offered. Grades matter, because hygiene programs are competitive.
- 2
Prerequisite courses
1 year
Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry and English at a community college before you can even apply.
- 3
Accredited hygiene program
2 years
An associate degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, with hundreds of supervised patient hours.
- 4
National written exam
One day
The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, taken near the end of your program.
- 5
Clinical exam and state license
A few months
A hands-on exam on a real patient, plus your state's law exam, then you register with the state dental board.