Certifications & Career Advancement
Beyond the RDH credential, a range of certifications and degree pathways let hygienists expand clinical scope, move into specialty care, or transition into education and leadership. Below is a practical overview of the most common advancement routes.
Local Anesthesia Certification
Authorization to administer local infiltration and nerve block anesthesia, expanding clinical scope and practice autonomy.
- Who it's for
- Hygienists in states that permit LA administration who want to increase clinical value and patient comfort.
- Typical cost & time
- Typically a 1–2 day course plus a written and clinical exam. Cost varies widely by program and state.
Laser Certification
Training in the safe use of dental lasers for periodontal therapy, debridement, and bacterial reduction.
- Who it's for
- Clinicians whose practices incorporate laser-assisted periodontal therapy and whose state permits laser use by hygienists.
- Typical cost & time
- Often a multi-day course with didactic and hands-on components. Cost varies by manufacturer and academy.
Myofunctional Therapy
Specialized training in orofacial myofunctional therapy, addressing tongue posture, airway, and orofacial muscle function.
- Who it's for
- Hygienists interested in airway-focused, collaborative care and a private or specialty practice pathway.
- Typical cost & time
- Several months of coursework and a certification exam. Programs range from a few thousand dollars upward.
Public Health / Expanded Function
Credentials enabling expanded duties in public health settings, including restorative procedures in some states.
- Who it's for
- Hygienists working in community health, school-based programs, or states with expanded function allowances.
- Typical cost & time
- State-specific coursework and clinical competency. Varies by state scope-of-practice rules.
RDH-to-BSDH / MSDH Degree Completion
Bridge programs that move an associate-level RDH to a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Dental Hygiene.
- Who it's for
- Hygienists targeting education, public health leadership, research, or advanced clinical roles.
- Typical cost & time
- BSDH completion often 1–2 years online; MSDH 2+ years. Cost varies by institution and residency.
Get info on degree programs
Tell us where to send information about BSDH and MSDH degree completion programs.
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