The majority of community college programs take two years to complete, with graduates receiving associate degrees. Receipt of this degree allows a hygienist to become licensed and to work in private practice. University-based dental hygiene programs may offer baccalaureate and master's degrees, which generally require at least two years of further schooling. Dental hygiene program admission requirements vary, depending upon the specific school. High school-level courses such as health, biology, psychology, chemistry, mathematics and speech will be beneficial in a dental hygiene career.
Many programs show a preference for individuals who have completed at least one year of college.
Some baccalaureate degree programs require that applicants complete two years of college. Licensure Dental hygienists are licensed by each state to provide dental hygiene care and patient education. Almost all states require that hygienists be graduates of Commission-accredited dental hygiene education programs to be eligible for state licensure. The state examination tests candidates' clinical dental hygiene skills as well as their knowledge of dental hygiene and related subjects. They have now become valued members of the health care community.