Dental hygienists clean and examine teeth, educate patients on best oral hygiene practice, take X-rays, and sometimes make a diagnosis based on their findings.
To become a dental hygienist, you’ll need a degree or certificate from a school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), in addition to passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). The final step is passing a regional or state clinical board exam and obtaining licensure. For step-by-step instructions on how to become a dental hygienist, download the infographic below.
