Dental Hygiene
Offered at IU Indianapolis by School of Dentistry
About
Are you looking for a high-demand career that allows you to care for others and make a lasting impact on their health? Dental hygiene might be the perfect fit.
Dental hygienists work directly with patients to support their oral health. They provide preventive care, screen for diseases, educate patients, remove tartar and plaque, apply sealants and fluoride, take X-rays, and document care and treatment plans.
If you've ever had your teeth cleaned at a dental office, chances are a dental hygienist performed the work. These respected professionals are essential members of the oral health team and work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community health organizations, public health agencies, and private dental practices.
Jobs in this field are projected to grow by 9 percent over the next 10 years, and the median annual salary approaches $90,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025).
To enter the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree program at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, you must complete 30 undergraduate college-level prerequisite credit hours (direct entry from high school is unavailable). The full program typically takes an additional three and a half years to complete, totaling 120 credit hours.
You may choose one of three specialized degree tracks: healthcare administration, public health dental hygiene, or education. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to take both national and state licensing exams. After passing these exams, you'll be ready to start your dental hygiene career.
Explore application deadlines and entry requirements at the IU School of Dentistry's website, and take the next step in your dental hygiene career.