What is a Dental Hygienist?
Dental Hygienists work both as a member of the dental health team and are responsible for providing treatment directly to patients. The type of services dental hygienists primarily provide include conducting oral examinations, scaling and polishing teeth, applying dental sealants and fluorides, taking x-rays, administering local anesthesia, and providing dental health education. The profession appeals to those who have a strong interest in the sciences and working with people.
What is the difference between a dental hygienist and a dental assistant?
Both the dental hygienist and dental assistant are integral members of the dental team. The dental hygienist is a licensed provider who provides non-surgical periodontal therapies, preventive services such as sealants and fluoride treatments, exposes radiographs, patient education, and can provide local anesthesia if licensed.
The dental assistant works directly with the dentist in what is generally referred to as chairside, or four handed dentistry in a variety of procedures, as well as exposes radiographs if licensed to do so. The dental assistant can also perform other expanded duties if credentialed as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), or and Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA).
How long is the program?
The program is intensive. A student completes 88 credits over three academic years, graduating with and Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene, and are eligible to sit for the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and the Northeast Regional Board , which are both required for licensure.
Is the AS program really as hard as others tell me it is?
Yes. The dental hygiene curriculum is a science based, intensive program. The classroom and clinical courses require critical thinking skills, as well as a broad and deep understanding of anatomy and physiology, systemic diseases, pharmacology, and oral pathology. Additionally, the dental hygienist must be able to process a patient’s medical history and clinical findings in order to provide the appropriate individualized treatment and education. 
What can I expect for starting pay in Maine after graduation with my AS degree?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, the median wage for dental hygienists in Maine is $28. However, wages vary throughout the state based on area and experience.
Is there a pay differential between the RDH with the AS degree and the RDH with the BS degree?
In general, a higher level of education will translate into a higher level of pay, and will vary by individual employer. 
How is the AS degree different from the BS degree and what will the BS provide me with that the AS will not?
The Bachelor of Science degree differs in number of credits and additional requirements that increase professional knowledge and prepare the dental hygienist to take on roles beyond clinical practice.
The dental hygienist with a Bachelors degree can choose a wide array of career opportunities within dental hygiene. The Bachelor of Science degree will prepare the dental hygienist for positions of responsibility in a variety of settings, including health care delivery, research, education, public health, and for further study at the graduate level.
