A dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional who specializes in preventive oral health. Typically working with a dentistry office, dental hygienists provide include specialized cleanings for patients, take prescribed radiographs, and provide instructions for care. High school students are encouraged to prepare for this career by taking biology, chemistry, and mathematics courses. 

Dental hygienists must be graduates from a dental hygiene program, with either an associate degree, a certificate, a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree from a dental hygienist school that is accredited by the American Dental Association. Dental hygienist candidates must also be licensed by the state in which they practice. This license can be obtained by passing both a written and a clinical examination. Students who are planning to do research, teach, or have a clinical practice in public or school health programs students are usually required to have a bachelor's or master's degree.