Dental Hygienists work primarily in dental offices and are supervised by dentists. They advise and educate patients, examine and clean their mouths, and help detect signs of oral diseases. They use a variety of tools, such as air-polishing devices, x-rays, and ultrasonic tools. Some dental hygienists that have additional training can also work as dental therapists. For more information on dental hygienists, please see the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Please note that the University of Maryland College Park does not grant associate's nor bachelor’s degrees in dental hygiene, so students should plan to transfer to another institution to complete their degree.
A student must earn at least an Associate’s of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene is required in order to become a Dental Hygienist. These programs take approximately 3 years to complete, including the time it takes to complete required prerequisite courses.
There are Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs as well, which give students the opportunity to transfer in after completing necessary pre-requsite course work (2+2 or 2+3 format) and/or transition careers after having already completed a Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
After completing the necessary schooling, an aspiring Dental Hygienist must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and state clinical board examination(s).
- General Biology with Lab
- General Chemistry with Lab
- Anatomy & Physiology I
- Anatomy & Physiology II
- College Algebra
- Statistics
- Introduction to Psychology
- English Composition or Writing
Prerequisite coursework can vary wildly between institutions and degree types, so always start by reviewing schools that you may be interested in attending.
* In addition, there are many Minors that cover topics critical to expanding understanding of the various determinants of health. Coursework related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion can be helpful in developing cultural awareness, cultural humility, and an understanding of systemic discrimination in the health care system. Even if your academic plan does not permit adding a minor, it is worth reviewing the curated course lists for courses that will stretch you, increase your language for difference and disparity, show your intellectual curiosity, and improve your critical reasoning skills.
While many Hygiene programs do not explicitly require clinical experience, it is important to prepare yourself for the field and familiarize yourself with the work. It is always a good idea to shadow Hygenists in various practice enviornments. Some schools will set a minimum number of hours of shadowing required as a part of your application. Many students also find value in working a paid, clinical job as a dental assistant or intern during their undergraduate career.
We also highly recommend you engage in service experiences and remain involved with your communities, regularly.
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