Registered dental hygienists (RHDs) are licensed professionals who provide a variety of oral health services. They perform oral health assessments, provide nutritional counseling and self-care programs to prevent disease, examine the head, neck, and oral regions for disease, take and process dental X-rays, and perform other diagnostic tests. Hygienists provide services that help patients prevent gum disease and cavities by removing deposits from teeth and applying sealants and fluoride to prevent decay. They also perform oral cancer and blood pressure screenings, provide oral health instructions, place and remove temporary fillings and periodontal dressings, and remove sutures.

Work Environment:

Dental hygienists work as a member of the dental team in private dental offices, public health departments, hospitals, research, and nursing homes. They may teach dental hygiene for educational programs. Some are employed by private business, schools, correctional facilities, or the military.

Academic Requirements:

Dental hygienists are eligible for state licensure after graduation from an educational program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation and after successfully completing a written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the state licensure examination, which includes both written and clinical examinations. Training is available from a community college (two-year program), and from a university three- or four-year program. All programs cover content prescribed by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Educational Programs in the Region:

Associate Degree
Halifax Technical Community College

Certificate Program
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Bachelor’s Degree
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Master’s Program
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Salary Range: $35,000.00 - $56,000.00