Healthcare Support
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists provide preventive dental care in clinical settings. An associate degree is the standard entry, licensing exams follow, and the schedule is famously flexible — many hygienists work part-time at high hourly rates.
What They Do
Cleaning teeth, taking x-rays, screening patients, and educating on oral health in a dental office.
Work Environment
The Basics
Training time
2–3 years
Training cost
Information pending verification
Education commonly associated with entry
Associate degree (bachelor's optional)
Certification / licensing
State dental hygiene license (RDH)
Physical demand
Moderate
People interaction
High
Remote potential
Low
Self-employment potential
Low
Certification & licensing note: State dental hygiene license (RDH)
A course certificate, a professional certification, and a state license are three different things — completing training alone never makes you licensed or certified.
Licensing & requirements in your state
Requirements for this career vary by jurisdiction. We never assume your location — pick your state to check.
Select your state to see requirements.
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Last verified: September 26, 2026
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Career requirements, licensing rules, education requirements, costs, and employment conditions can change. Verify official requirements with the appropriate licensing agency, credentialing body, employer, or educational institution. Lucky Finds does not guarantee admission, certification, licensure, employment, salary, or career outcomes.