Clinical Dental Hygienist Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Clinical Dental Hygienist

Best Schools to become a Clinical Dental Hygienist in U.S. 2024

New York University

New York, NY

In-State Tuition:$55,384
Out-of-State Tuition:$55,384
Admission Rate:12%
Graduation Rate:87%
Total Enrollment:59,144

Tufts University

Medford, MA

In-State Tuition:$63,804
Out-of-State Tuition:$63,804
Admission Rate:10%
Graduation Rate:94%
Total Enrollment:13,431

Boston University

Boston, MA

In-State Tuition:$61,050
Out-of-State Tuition:$61,050
Admission Rate:14%
Graduation Rate:89%
Total Enrollment:36,714

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

In-State Tuition:$63,468
Out-of-State Tuition:$63,468
Admission Rate:12%
Graduation Rate:92%
Total Enrollment:48,945

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

In-State Tuition:$56,212
Out-of-State Tuition:$56,212
Admission Rate:7%
Graduation Rate:96%
Total Enrollment:28,201

University of the Pacific

Stockton, CA

In-State Tuition:$52,918
Out-of-State Tuition:$52,918
Admission Rate:93%
Graduation Rate:74%
Total Enrollment:6,277
Clinical Dental Hygienist Job Description:
  • Administer oral hygiene care to patients.
  • Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records.
  • Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention.
  • May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Clinical Dental Hygienist

Job Duties for Clinical Dental Hygienists

  • Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.

  • Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.

  • Record and review patient medical histories.

Technologies and Skills Used by Clinical Dental Hygienists

Electronic mail software

  • Email software

Medical software

  • Dental office management software
  • Henry Schein Dentrix

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Talking to others

Social

  • Looking for ways to help people
  • Understanding people's reactions

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Clinical Dental Hygienist

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Clinical Dental Hygienist

FAQs About Becoming a Clinical Dental Hygienist