A dental hygienist is a licensed professional and member of the oral health care team who provides services to promote optimal oral health. Dental hygienists serve as clinical practitioners, educators, researchers, administrators, managers, program developers, consultants, and/or dental product sales representatives, depending on the individual's employment setting and educational background. In addition, dental hygienists with a bachelor's degree may pursue careers in elementary and secondary schools, community and public health settings, institutional and industrial dental hygiene, professional education, and research. Other career opportunities exist in health maintenance organizations, community health agencies, private industry, and abroad with the Peace Corps, World Health Organization, and foreign governments.

Students successfully completing the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program (entry level) are eligible to take the national, state, and regional board examinations in dental hygiene to become a licensed dental hygienist.

The baccalaureate degree completion curriculum is designed for the licensed dental hygienist who graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program with an associate degree or certificate in dental hygiene.