A successful dental hygienist is patient, understanding, detail-oriented, passionate, sturdy on his or her feet, and positive.
Why Dental Hygiene?
Career Opportunities
Dental hygiene provides a unique opportunity to positively impact the oral health of every person that comes into the dentist’s office.
- The U.S. News & World Report listed Dental Hygienist as the #24 profession in its “100 Best Jobs” list in 2024.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental hygienists will grow nearly 20% by 2026.
- Dental Hygienists make yearly salaries of about $72,910 according to U.S. News & World Report.
People choose to become dental hygienists because they can:
- Help their patients lead healthier lives.
- Provide service to others.
- Enjoy a flexible lifestyle.
- Educate patients about the importance of oral health.
- Earn a competitive salary with an Associate degree.
- Continually advance their careers by getting their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in dental hygiene.
Expanding Educational Pathways
Allied dental education continues to evolve to meet workforce and student needs.
Beginning in the 2026–27 cycle, ADEA DHCAS® will support eligible multi-track programs that include both dental hygiene and dental assisting pathways within one centralized application platform.