Dental hygienists target prevention and treatment of oral diseases and conditions, recognizing this work as an integral element of overall health and wellbeing, according to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

“We are trained to prevent disease,” says Matt Crespin, longtime dental hygienist and a former president of the ADHA. A hygienist’s daily tasks may include cleaning patients’ teeth, applying sealants and fluorides, and taking dental X-rays. Hygienists also educate patients on best dental practices, as well as products to use for clean and healthy mouths.

But dental hygiene goes beyond the traditional dentist’s office. The emergence of medical and dental integration has changed the field significantly over the last few years. Dental hygienists are sometimes incorporated into full medical teams, such as in hospitals and nursing homes.

Dental hygienists are focused on “not allowing disease to occur, because we know how to prevent it,” Crespin says. Their emphasis on preventive health may include patient assessment, disease diagnosis, and treatment planning and implementation.

Some may take a research route, focusing on disease prevention. Others may work in advocacy or as educators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7.4% employment growth for dental hygienists between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 16,300 jobs should open up.

Here are the steps to take to start a career as a dental hygienist:

1. Complete a dental hygiene program. Most hygienists have at least an associate degree in dental hygiene. Graduating from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation is required for licensure.

2. Obtain a license. Dental hygienists need a state-specific license to practice. The requirements vary state to state, but most require graduation from an accredited program and completion of a written and practical exam.

3. Continue your education. Some dental hygienists earn bachelor’s degrees in dental hygiene – and even master’s degrees to further their careers. Local dental schools, dental hygiene programs or the ADHA may offer continuing education opportunities for dental hygienists, such as coursework in local anesthesia. To maintain their license, dental hygienists must complete state-specific continuing education requirements. Some jobs may also require CPR certification.

Some hygienists may decide to study dentistry, but working as a dental hygienist isn’t a shortcut to becoming a dentist. Hygienists who choose to pursue a Doctor of Dental Surgery will have the same length of study – plus years of residency.