Dental Hygienists: Supporting Healthy Smiles & Healthy Bodies
The dental hygiene profession, founded over 100 years ago in 1913, continues to play a vital role in maintaining both oral and overall health. Today, more than 194,830 registered dental hygienists across the U.S. provide essential oral healthcare services that help people maintain healthy smiles and promote overall well-being.
As primary healthcare providers, dental hygienists conduct comprehensive oral health assessments to evaluate the status of a patient’s teeth and gums, and to identify potential links between oral health and systemic health. After completing these assessments, dental hygienists work closely with the dentist and the patient to develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at preventing or managing oral diseases.
In their preventive and therapeutic roles, dental hygienists use a variety of tools and techniques, including hand instruments, ultrasonic devices, air polishers, and even lasers, to remove plaque, calculus, and other deposits from teeth. They apply fluoride, sealants, and SDF. They administer local anesthetics, nitrous oxide, and certain oral medications to enhance patient care and comfort.
In addition to preventive treatments, dental hygienists are trained to take radiographs (x-rays) to detect oral diseases such as caries, bone loss, and hard deposits beneath the gum line. This thorough approach helps ensure that patients receive the most comprehensive and effective oral care possible.
Dental hygienists help patients develop and
maintain good oral health by:
- Educating patients on how to care for their teeth.
- Helping patients to identify life style habits, such as soda sipping, that might be causing dental caries.
- Providing information and resources for patients to quit using tobacco or vaping products.
- Performing oral cancer screenings and educate patients on oral cancer risk factors, signs, and symptoms.
- Encouraging patients to adopt healthy eating habits.
- Providing referrals to allied health professionals and specialized oral health care as needed.
Dental hygienists educate, examine, and treat patients for oral diseases such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth decay.
- Work Environment
In 2024, about 94% of dental hygienists worked in dentists’ offices, and many worked part time. More opportunities are becoming available for dental hygienists to work in alternative settings. Learn more about the Work Environment - How to Become a Dental Hygienists?
Dental hygienists typically need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Programs usually take 3 years to complete. All states require dental hygienists to be licensed; requirements vary by state. Find a program here. - Job Outlook
Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Ongoing research linking oral health to general health will continue to spur demand for preventive dental services, which are provided by dental hygienists.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental Hygienists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm
Whether you’re a student or an experienced professional, becoming a member of the largest organization dedicated to advocating for dental hygienists is a smart choice. As a member, you’ll gain access to valuable resources, including professional support, exclusive discounts, educational programs, and numerous opportunities to get involved. By joining us, you’ll help further our mission to advance the art and science of dental hygiene and uphold the highest standards of education and practice in the field. Your membership strengthens our collective voice and ensures the continued growth of the profession.
