Becoming a Dental Hygiene Educator: Your guide from RDH to the classroom 

Dental hygienists play an essential role in improving oral health and educating patients every day. For some professionals, that passion for education extends beyond the dental chair and into the classroom. If you’ve ever considered helping train the next generation of dental hygienists, pursuing a career in dental hygiene education could be a rewarding next step. 

For registered dental hygienists (RDHs), the path to becoming an educator often begins with advancing your education. The online RDH to BS completion program along with the online MS in Dental Hygiene at The Ohio State University provide clear pathways to help practicing hygienists gain the academic preparation and leadership skills needed to take the next steps towards teaching and academic roles. 

Why dental hygiene education matters 

Across the country, dental hygiene programs are working to prepare future clinicians to meet the growing oral health needs of their communities. At the same time, many programs are seeking qualified faculty members with advanced education and clinical experience. 

Dental hygienists who pursue careers in education often help shape the future of the profession by: 

• Teaching clinical and didactic dental hygiene courses 

• Mentoring and advising students 

• Supporting research and evidence-based practice 

• Contributing to community oral health initiatives 

If you enjoy mentoring others, sharing your knowledge and helping students succeed, a career in dental hygiene education may be a natural fit.  

Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree or complete your degree, through a completion program

For many practicing hygienists, the first step toward a career in education is completing a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. Many dental hygiene faculty positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, and graduate programs also require a bachelor’s degree as a part of their admission criteria. 

The online RDH to Bachelor of Science (BS) dental hygiene completion program within the College of Dentistry is designed specifically for licensed dental hygienists who already hold an associate degree or dental hygiene diploma/licensure. 

This flexible RDH to BS online program allows working professionals to continue practicing dental hygiene while expanding their knowledge in areas such as:

• Research and evidence-based practice 

• Public health and community oral health 

• Leadership and professional development 

• Healthcare policy and population health 

Completing a bachelor’s degree prepares you for graduate study and leadership opportunities within the profession as well as strengthens foundational knowledge of dental hygiene for a future as an educator. 

Step 2: Continue your education with a master’s in dental hygiene   

Dental hygienists interested in teaching in dental hygiene programs typically pursue a master’s degree. Graduate education provides deeper training in curriculum design, research methods, and leadership skills needed for academic and educational roles. 

The online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene (MSDH) program at Ohio State helps prepare dental hygienists for careers in: 

• Dental hygiene education 

• Academic leadership 

• Research and evidence-based practice 

• Community and public health programs 

Through advanced coursework and applied learning experiences, students gain the skills needed to teach, mentor, and support oral health professionals.

A flexible online pathway for working dental hygienists   

Many dental hygienists interested in teaching are balancing full-time careers, family responsibilities, and professional commitments. Online programs make it possible to continue advancing your education while maintaining your current career. 

Both the RDH-to-BS dental hygiene completion program and the MS in Dental Hygiene program at Ohio State are designed with working professionals in mind, offering flexible online learning that allows students to pursue their educational goals without putting their careers on hold. 

This pathway allows hygienists to progress from: 

RDH → Bachelor’s Degree → Master’s Degree → Dental Hygiene Educator 

all while building the leadership and academic skills needed to succeed in education. 

Make an impact on the future of dental hygiene   

As dental hygiene continues to evolve, educators play a vitDental hygiene educators play a critical role in shaping future oral health professionals. By sharing your clinical experience and passion for patient care, you can help prepare future hygienists to make a difference in their communities. 

For RDHs interested in teaching, advancing your education is an important first step. Starting with a bachelor’s degree and continuing to a master’s program can open doors to new opportunities in education, leadership and professional development. 

Explore how Ohio State’s online dental hygiene programs can help you take the next step in your career and move toward a future in dental hygiene education. Reach out to one of our Enrollment Advisors and learn more today.