# Dental Hygienist jobs and career guide

Category: Dental
Page: https://medroles.com/roles/dental-hygienist/
Also called: RDH, Registered Dental Hygienist, Hygienist, Temp Hygienist

Dental hygienists clean teeth, screen for gum disease, take X-rays and teach patients how to care for their teeth and gums.

## Typical US pay
$75k–$105k per year (approximate, entry level to experienced).

## What they do
- Remove plaque and tartar and polish teeth
- Screen and chart gum health and oral conditions
- Take and develop dental X-rays
- Apply sealants and fluoride and teach home care

## Key skills
- Scaling and root planing
- Periodontal charting
- Radiography
- Local anesthesia (where permitted)
- Patient education

## Training
An associate or bachelor's degree from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.

## Licensing & certifications
Hygienists must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a regional or state clinical exam, then hold a state license (RDH).

## Open jobs (0)
None posted right now.