If you’re nearing the end of dental hygiene school, it may have felt like this moment would never arrive, but here you are. Throughout your time in the program, we’ve been preparing you not just to care for patients and master clinical skills, but also to take the next big step — entering the workforce.
You must overcome a series of hurdles to become a bona fide (should we say certified?) dental hygienist.
Don’t worry, we’ve prepared you for this.
As your education comes to a close, there are several important milestones to complete. One of the most critical is the national board examinations. Specifically, the ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination, a series of computer-based and simulated patient (manikin) based exams designed to assess your clinical competence and knowledge of the field for licensure.
Once you’ve successfully passed your exams, your path to a fulfilling career will open.
“So…what’s next?” Lining yourself up for professional success
Some students already have job offers lined up, often through prior experience working in dental offices, while others may still be exploring their options.
At University of Bridgeport, we support our students through that transition. Career advisors are available to help you strengthen your resumé — even if you have limited experience — so you’re ready to apply for your first professional position.
After you’ve passed your exam and while you’re polishing your resumé, you will apply for state licensure in the state where you plan to practice. This process varies from state to state and, depending on when you apply, may take anywhere from two weeks to two months. Every state may have different continuing education requirements before licensure. Be sure to check your state’s website for a list of licensing requirements.
Once you receive your state license, you’re ready to apply for dental hygiene positions
You can explore dental hygiene positions through a variety of platforms; Indeed.com and various other workforce hiring websites typically have a dental hygiene option in their filters. You may hear about opportunities through professors, classmates, or word of mouth, and you could also be recruited from hygiene school job board postings. Some offices needing a hygienist will call programs in their area to let them know they have positions available and encourage new graduates to apply. It’s a good idea to keep your LinkedIn profile updated, as LinkedIn has become a reliable way to connect with hiring managers and discover new roles (not to mention stay connected with UB alums!).
Whether you choose to work full-time in one office or gain experience at multiple practices through temping, each setting offers valuable real-world learning. Some graduates prefer the stability of staying in one place, while others enjoy trying out different practice styles to find the right fit. Neither option is right or wrong — it’s all about what works best for your personal and career goals. Opportunities exist in solo practices, group practices, DSOs (Dental Service Organizations), and public health clinics — each with its own unique pace and patient population.
As you begin your job search, keep in mind: references matter
Your instructors and clinical professors have worked closely with you for two years. Don’t hesitate to ask them for letters of recommendation. They understand your strengths, can speak to your professionalism, and know what qualities employers are looking for in new graduates.
Remember: This transition doesn’t happen all at once. Throughout your program, you’ve had exposure to different areas of clinical practice, and you’ve built a solid foundation. You’re not starting from scratch; you’re moving forward with the knowledge, skills, and support to succeed.
So, take a deep breath. You’ve got this. Your future in dental hygiene is just beginning.
Amanda Sargent, MSDH, RDH, is an assistant clinical professor in the Fones Dental Hygiene program at University of Bridgeport. She teaches Clinical Dental Hygiene to first- and second-year students. A lifelong dental professional, she received her master’s degree from UB Fones in 2019. She is an avid reader and a weekend day tripper since moving to Connecticut from New Jersey to join the UB team.