What does a dental hygienist do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral disease and provide preventive care, such as cleaning teeth, taking x-rays and teaching patients about oral hygiene. The typical path is an associate's degree in dental hygiene, and all states require a license.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 29-1292.00 (Dental Hygienists) |
| Typical entry-level education | Associate's degree |
| Licensing | Required in all states |
| Median annual wage | $98,100 per year (May 2025, BLS) |
| Projected growth | 8 percent, 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average) |
| Number of jobs | 225,300 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 15,000 per year, on average, over the decade |
What does a dental hygienist do?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) describes these duties:
- Remove tartar, stains and plaque from teeth.
- Apply sealants and fluorides.
- Take and develop x-rays.
- Assess a patient's oral health and report findings to the dentist.
- Document patient care.
- Teach patients techniques for good oral hygiene.
What a hygienist may do without direct supervision varies by state and work setting, so check your state's rules.
Work environment
Nearly all dental hygienists work in dentists' offices. Many work part time, and some work for more than one dentist. They wear protective masks, gloves and eyewear and follow radiation safety procedures when taking x-rays.
Education, training and licensing
- Education: An associate's degree in dental hygiene is typical and takes about three years. Bachelor's and master's degrees are also available. Programs cover subjects such as anatomy and periodontics, and applicants usually need prerequisite college courses.
- Licensing: All states require a license. Most require a degree from an accredited program and passing written and clinical exams. Licensed hygienists complete continuing education, and CPR certification is often required. Confirm details with your state dental board.
Skills that matter
The OOH lists critical thinking, communication, attention to detail, manual dexterity, interpersonal skills and problem solving. O*NET adds active listening, speaking, monitoring, writing and reading comprehension as essential skills, plus service orientation and social perceptiveness. It also notes software such as scheduling, billing and medical software.
How much do dental hygienists make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $98,100 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $74,880 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $126,050. By industry, the May 2025 median was $98,280 in offices of dentists and $94,880 in outpatient care centers. For comparison, BLS prints $50,980 as the median for all occupations. See the OOH pay tab and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for local data, and our how to research pay guide.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 15,000 openings each year on average over the decade.
How to get hired
- Finish the pathway in order. Complete an accredited program, pass the written and clinical exams, and get your state license before applying for licensed roles.
- Keep credentials current. Note your license number and status, CPR certification and continuing education on your resume. Our ATS resume guide explains how to format it so screening software reads it.
- Consider part-time and multi-office work. The OOH says many hygienists work part time, sometimes for more than one dentist.
- Search steadily. Use the find a job fast routine and search jobs on LiveRec.
- Prepare for a working interview. Review interview prep and be ready to discuss patient communication and documentation.
Related occupations
Dental assistants; dentists; radiologic and MRI technologists; registered nurses.
Frequently asked questions
Do dental hygienists need a license? Yes. All states require a license. Most require a degree from an accredited program plus written and clinical exams.
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist? An associate's degree in dental hygiene typically takes about three years, after prerequisite college courses.
Where do dental hygienists work? Nearly all work in dentists' offices, and many work part time.
Is the job growing? BLS projects 8 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental Hygienists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Dental Hygienists: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1292.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.