Prequalifications

• A high school diploma is mandatory, as well as a degree from an accredited dental hygiene program or school. To gain admittance to a dental hygiene program typically requires entrance test scores. It is common for programs to also require at least 1 year of college. Entrance requirements vary.
  
  

Education

• A minimum of a certificate in dental hygiene combined with an associates degree is required for practice. The Commission on Dental Accreditation has accredited 286 dental hygiene programs.
  
  

Licensure

• Licensure is required in the state that they practice. Almost all states require dental hygienist candidates to graduate from an accredited school and pass clinical and written examinations, which are accepted nationally.
  
  

Physical Qualifications

• Manual dexterity is required for dental hygienists because they have little room for error while using dental instruments inside the patient's mouth.
  
  

People Skills

• Working well with others is another important aspect, since they work closely with dentists, dental assistants and patients.
  
  

Character

• Dental hygienists are rigorous in seeking out disease for eventual diagnosis and treatment by the dentist. They also take part in repetitive motions through cleaning, X-ray and other routine requirements.