Dental Hygiene Program Requirements & Difficulty Explained

Key Takeaways

• To become a dental hygienist, you’ll need to attend an accredited dental hygiene program, obtain your license and certification, and start pursuing real-world experience.

• Common admission requirements for a dental hygiene program include a high school diploma or a GED, related prerequisite coursework, and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

• Dental hygiene programs can be very competitive and feature challenging coursework, so it’s essential that interested students are prepared for the rigor and have strong study skills.

• The career outlook for dental hygienists in 2025 is strong, with a projected growth rate that is significantly higher than in other occupations.

Pursuing a Career in Dental Hygiene

Given the aging baby boomer population and an increased recognition of the value of dental hygiene, the demand for skilled dental hygienists remains high. Dental hygienists play a vital role in the function of a dental practice by conducting cleaning treatments, supporting the dentist, educating patients on oral hygiene techniques, and providing an exceptional patient experience.

However, the path to becoming a dental hygienist is not a simple one, and may not be for everyone. Between rigorous coursework and a heavy workload, pursuing a career in dental hygiene demands discipline, time management skills, and a significant level of commitment.

It’s important to understand the difficulty of the role and the program requirements you must meet to be accepted. This guide clarifies what to expect from dental hygiene programs, what you should consider to prepare, and how you can advance your career after graduation.

Dental Hygiene Program Overview

Dental hygiene programs are available in multiple forms, including certificate programs, associate’s degree programs, and bachelor’s degree programs. The type of program you choose will depend on your long-term career goals and whether you want to pursue any specializations.

The most common program types include:

• Associate degree – An associate degree is a two-year program and is the most basic level of education required to become licensed as a hygienist when paired with supervised clinical experience.
• Bachelor’s degree – A bachelor’s degree is a four-year program that benefits professionals who not only want to obtain their dental hygiene license but also want to expand their knowledge and develop advanced leadership or research skills.
• Master’s degree – A master’s degree usually takes an additional one to two years after a bachelor’s degree and is a good choice for professionals interested in management or administrative roles.

Although an associate’s degree is the minimum necessary to practice as a hygienist, a bachelor’s or master’s degree may increase your earning potential and open up more opportunities for career growth. Depending on your program, your journey can take anywhere from 2 to 5 years.

No matter which program you choose, it’s essential to select one recognized by the accrediting body, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This program ensures that the coursework you complete will be considered legitimate for taking the National Board Hygiene Dental Examination and obtaining certification.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary depending on the school, the type of program, and the level of competitiveness. That said, there are a few general requirements that are similar across most programs.

These common prerequisites include:

• Prerequisite coursework like
• A high school diploma or GED
• A minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher

If you are interested in pursuing a master’s degree program, additional requirements may include:

• A GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Proof of a dental hygienist license
• A substantial score on the GRE

In addition to these requirements, your application will likely also require gathering materials such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and other relevant documents. Keep in mind that the prerequisite coursework must be completed on your transcript, and in-progress coursework will typically not be sufficient. In some instances, programs may also request an entrance exam or interview as part of your application.

However, every program is different, so it’s crucial to research the individual requirements of each program you are interested in to determine the steps necessary to join.

Program Curriculum and Coursework

Dental programs have two key elements—the coursework and the hands-on clinical experience. Coursework covers a variety of subjects, including oral anatomy, periodontology, radiology, and patient care.

Accredited dental programs must cover four key content areas:

• General education
• Biomedical science
• Dental science
• Dental hygiene science

Clinical practice provides hands-on training for providing direct patient care. The clinical component of a dental hygiene program includes laboratory work, simulation labs, and eventually direct support to patients.

All together, a dental program teaches students everything from tangible dental skills to ethics and patient communication. Programs are designed to ensure that participants graduate with a well-rounded skill set that prepares them to support patients in multiple areas.

Skills and Competencies Needed

Skills required to succeed in a dental hygiene program range from technical skills to strong study habits. Tangible skills and competencies needed to prepare for and succeed in a dental hygiene program include:

• Academic skills, like science proficiency, memorization, and critical thinking
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for clinical tasks
• Communication and interpersonal skills for patient interaction
• Time management and study habits

Above all else, an aspiring dental hygienist must be committed to the hard work involved in a dental program. A program can be strenuous and difficult to follow through on, so soft skills like discipline and organization are just as essential to success as the academic and technical skills.

Program Difficulty and Challenges

Dental hygiene programs can be very competitive to get into and difficult to navigate once you join, so aspiring dental professionals must be prepared for the challenges. Common challenges associated with these programs often include heavy science content, rigorous examinations, and balancing class loads with clinical work.

One of the biggest challenges of a program is the diverse skill set required, as participants will not only need strong study skills but also the ability to work with real patients and navigate the pressure of performing in that environment. Meanwhile, participants must be prepared for an extended time commitment and workload expectations.

To remain equipped for the challenges, it will also be important to have tools for managing stress and supporting your mental health. Tools that can help include study groups, support systems, and time management skills that allow you to balance work blocks with personal time.

Licensing and Certification Requirements

Once you complete your dental hygiene program, the next step is to become licensed in the state where you will practice. To become licensed, you will first have to complete the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and may also have to complete exams related to your state.

The NBDHE consists of 350 multiple-choice questions in two main sections: dental hygiene practices and case-based items. The test is scored from 49 to 99, and a score of 75 is the minimum required to pass. Then, a state exam is often necessary to assess your clinical skills.

Altogether, common licensing and certification requirements include:

• At least an associate's degree
• A passing score on the NBDHE
• A passing score on a state clinical exam

Licensure requirements will largely depend on your state, so it’s important to research your state dental board’s criteria. After obtaining the license, hygienists must typically renew it regularly, as required by state regulations, usually every 1-3 years. The renewal process often requires continuing education hours, usually about 10-20 hours for every 1-year cycle.

Career Outlook and Opportunities

After graduation from a dental program, the job prospects are promising. The dental hygienist job outlook is strong, with 9% projected growth in the position between 2023 and 2033, which is considered much faster than the average for all occupations.

Dental hygienists also often enjoy a steady work-life balance, with the option of part-time and flexible work arrangements. Many hygienists take advantage of the ability to work across multiple practices on their own preferred schedule.

It’s a good idea to consider continuing education options that can help you advance in your role and ensure that you continue to follow best practices in the industry. Newly licensed dental hygienists can often look into the American Dental Association to pursue continuing education opportunities. As hygienists gain new skills, they may also consider moving into an administrative or educational role.

Explore Dental Hygienist Roles with Toothio

Dental hygiene programs require a significant level of dedication and commitment, and you must meet the proper prerequisites as an applicant. With the same dedication and determination after your schooling, you can begin to gain experience and expand your skill set. Flexible work opportunities in reputable practices can be great ways to expand your skill set and kickstart your dental career.

If you are looking to advance your career, Toothio offers the opportunity to connect skilled dental professionals with quality job opportunities across reputable dental practices. Our platform allows seasoned dental hygienists, assistants, and receptionists to work where they want, when they want, and at the rates they set. Sign up with Toothio and start searching for shifts once approved.

Browse open dental hygienist positions with Toothio today.