Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Dental hygienists must be licensed by the state in which they practice. To qualify for licensure, a candidate must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school and pass both a written and a clinical examination. The American Dental Association Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations administers the written examination that is accepted by all states and the District of Columbia. State or regional testing agencies administer the clinical examination. In addition, examinations on legal aspects of dental hygiene practice are required by most states. Alabama also allows candidates to take its examination if they have been trained through a state-regulated on-the-job program in a dentist's office.

Job Outlook:
Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005 in response to increasing demand for dental care. There will be nearly 154,000 dental hygienists by 2005. Demand will be stimulated by population growth, greater retention of natural teeth by middle-aged and elderly people and rising real incomes. Additional job openings will result from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation.

Sources of Additional Information:

For information on a career in dental hygiene and the educational requirements to enter this occupation, contact: