Dental Hygienist
— BECOMING A DENTAL HYGIENIST
Dental Hygienist
A career as a dental hygienist offers a wide range of challenges. In the dental office, the dentist and the dental hygienist work together to meet the oral health needs of patients and working with people is one of the most enjoyable aspects of this career. Dental hygienists perform a variety of services including patient screening, taking x-rays, removing plaque from teeth, applying sealants and fluorides, and educating/counseling patients about good oral hygiene and nutrition.
— LEARNING
Education & Training
In Minnesota, to become a licensed dental hygienist, individuals must complete an accredited dental hygiene program, typically resulting in an Associate’s in Science (AS) or a Bachelor’s of Science (BS) degree. The AS degree usually takes two to three years to finish and covers essential topics such as dental anatomy, radiography, and patient care, alongside clinical training. A BS degree, which takes about four years to complete, provides more advanced education, including research, public health, and leadership skills. Graduates of these programs must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a state clinical exam to become licensed in Minnesota. Additionally, dental hygienists in Minnesota must complete continuing education requirements to maintain their licensure.
— PROGRAMS AVAILABLE —
Dental Hygiene Programs in Minnesota
Century College
Department of Dental Hygiene
3300 Century Avenue North
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Phone: 651-779-3200
Herzing University
Lake Superior College
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Metropolitan State University
700 East Seventh Street
St. Paul, MN 55106-5000
Phone: 651-793-1373
*This program is a BSDH dental hygiene degree completion program, partnered with Normandale Community College.
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Normandale Community College
Rochester Community and Technical College
— FOR MORE INFORMATION —
MN SALARY INFORMATION
Below is salary information of a Minnesota dental hygienist.* You may also view the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Minnesota Employment & Economic Development.
Estimated Total Employment
4,800
Mean Hourly Wage
$40.78
Mean Annual Wage
$90,140
*2023 May US Bureau of Labor Statistics
— GET TO KNOW MORE —
Fast facts
What is the licensure process in Minnesota?
Information about the types of licensure and the requirements is available through the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. Find answers to frequently asked questions about licensure application here.
Where can I find more information?
For more information, please visit https://www.adha.org/
and https://mndha.org/.