Dental hygienists are licensed health care professionals who provide preventive, educational, and therapeutic dental health services directly to patients. They focus on preventing and treating dental diseases to improve oral health in support of the patient's overall health.

Dental hygienists must be licensed in each state in which they practice. Licensure requirements vary from state to state. In most states, candidates must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program, pass a national written board examination, and pass a state or regional clinical board examiniation. The RDH credential stands for Registered Dental Hygienist and indicates that the dental hygienist is licensed to practice.

The scope of practice for dental hygienists varies from state to state. Most dental hygienist perform oral health assessments; expose, process, and interpret dental radiographs (x-rays); remove plaque, tartar, and stain from the teeth; apply preventive materials including fluoride and sealants; teach patients proper oral hygiene techniques; and counsel patients on maintaining optimal oral health. In some states, dental hygienists can administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation; prescribe fluoride and antimicrobial agents; and place temporary and permanent restorations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clinical dental hygienists provide direct patient care in a variety of health care settings which include private dental offices, managed care organizations, schools, public health clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

Dental hygienists with a bachelor's or master's degree have additional career options which include teaching dental assisting, dental hygiene and dental students in colleges and universities; administering public health and community-based programs; managing dental practices and health care facilities; and marketing dental supplies, products, and equipment.

Are you considering applying to the Clark College Dental Hygiene Program? If so, it is important to understand the requirements of both the program and the profession.

Dental hygiene is a physically demanding career that requires hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. The program requires a 40 hours-per-week commitment from students for classes and clinical rotations. Clinical assignments may be offered at times other than traditional clinical hours, such as evenings (other than Monday-Friday, 5:00am-7:00pm) and/or weekends. Reliable transportation is important. 

Application Deadline

Program applications are due January 8 each year.  

Each cohort starts in the fall quarter (September). Each cohort includes 25 students.   

The Clark College Dental Hygiene Program, in alignment with the Clark College mission, vision, values, and tenets and in service to the healthcare profession and our community, guides learners to achieve the educational and professional goals required to practice dental hygiene within its broadest scope. 

1. Establish an equitable and inclusive student recruitment and retention process that contributes to a more diverse and culturally competent healthcare workforce.
2. Cultivate a culture of community engagement and interprofessional education, fostering collaboration and shared learning experiences that enrich both the students and the broader community.
3. Empower students to achieve competencies and prepare for licensing examinations while upholding the highest quality patient care and ethical standards throughout their educational journey and future careers.
4. Prioritize and value professional growth and development of students and faculty with the emphasis on current evidence-based research while embracing lifelong learning to adapt the evolving demands of the profession.

1. Apply the roles of clinician, educator, and researcher to prevent oral diseases and promote health.
2. Communicate and collaborate effectively and professionally, using verbal, non-verbal, and written language with diverse populations to include patients, colleagues, the public, and other healthcare providers.
3. Analyze professional behaviors and make appropriate decisions guided by ethical principles and core values.
4. Assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate the provision of optimal, patient-centered dental hygiene care.
5. Apply evidence-based decision-making through critical analysis of current research.