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Oral Health Program: Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists work with patients to provide preventive oral health care. Responsibilities may include:

  • Reviewing patient health and dental history.
  • Removing plaque, tartar, and stains.
  • Applying sealants and fluoride treatments.
  • Screening for oral conditions such as tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, and cancer.
  • Taking and viewing dental x-rays.
  • Educating patients on oral health, proper dental hygiene, and nutrition to prevent tooth decay.
Headshot of person in scrubs

Why become a dental hygienist?

  • Interest in patient care, health, and science
  • Passion for educating and disease prevention
  • Variety of work settings with flexible schedules

How do you become a dental hygienist?

Wisconsin technical colleges offer Associate degrees
for dental hygiene.

Student performing dental care on a patient

In addition to graduating from an accredited program, you must pass written exams and a clinical exam to receive a dental hygiene license in Wisconsin. The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) Dental Hygienist page explains the requirements and fees associated with obtaining or renewing your license in Wisconsin. Wisconsin dental hygienists are required to complete continuing education hours to renew their licenses every two years.

You may choose to further your education with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene or a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene. Marian University is the only Wisconsin school offering an online dental hygiene completion program for a Bachelor’s degree.

Learn more about the career outlook for dental hygienists!

Practice settings, supervision, and limitations

  • Traditional dental practice
    • Dental hygienist is employed
    • Dentist supervision
  • Practice settings as defined in 2017 Wis. Admin. Code Act 20
    • Dental hygienist can provide oral health care services:
      • In certain settings
      • Without dentist oversight
      • Can be hygienist-owned or mobile practice
      • Increase care for underserved populations:
        • Special health care needs populations
        • Rural communities
        • Home bound or unable to travel, like patients at nursing homes
        • Medical facilities, like clinics or hospitals, serving patients like:
          • Diabetic or cardiac patients
          • Pregnant moms and pediatric patients
    • Dental hygienist can perform:
      • Educational dental services
      • Preventative dental services
      • Therapeutic dental services
    • Limitations as defined in Wis Stat.§ 447.01(3)(a-g)

Learn about the need for dental hygienists in Wisconsin's skilled nursing facilities, (PDF).

Professional organization support

The Wisconsin Dental Hygienists’ Association (WI-DHA) is the largest organization in the state dedicated to representing dental hygienists at the state and national level. WI-DHA is a constituent of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA). WI-DHA and ADHA serve to help dental hygienists achieve their full potential as they seek to improve the public’s oral health.

Additional resources

Glossary

 
Last revised May 15, 2026