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United States of America

Information to work in this country is available from

American Dental Hygienists' Association
444 N. Michigan Avenue Suite 400, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
Tel: +1 312 440 8900 • Fax: +1 312 440 8929 • Email: communications@adha.net
www.adha.org

Procedures and/or documents that are necessary to be able to work in this country

The applicant must graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Requires successful completion of the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Also requires successful completion of a regional or state clinical board examination.

Official licensing body in the country

There are individual licensing authorities for each state and U.S. territory. A list is available from the ADHA, and further information is available at http://www.adha.org/licensure.

Special conditions that may apply for hygienists that obtain employment

Conditions vary from state to state. More information on regulations/legislation that can impact dental hygienists can be found at http://www.adha.org/advocacy.

Contact for Work Permit and/or Visa

Immigration and Naturalization Service
425 I Street, NW, Washington DC 20536, USA
Tel: +1 202 514 2000

More information may be obtained from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in the country of residence.

Is a job offer required before a Work Permit/Visa is issued?

Yes.

Main local and/or official language(s)

English is the official language. It is necessary to be fluent in this language.

Are hygienists qualified overseas required to sit the country's national examination?

Yes for both national and state examination(s).

No specific course exists, but many overseas graduates find it necessary to enroll in additional coursework at an accredited program in the United States before taking the national and state examinations.

Information on the local working environment

Dental hygienists work in all sectors. Most work in private practice on average 30 hours per week. To learn more about different types of workforce opportunities within dental hygiene, visit http://www.adha.org/education-careers or http://www.adha.org/advocacy.

Standard tasks that hygienists are allowed to undertake in the country

The ADHA Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice assist dental hygiene clinicians in the provider-patient relationship, and can be used to facilitate the implementation of collaborative, patient-centered care in multidisciplinary teams of health professionals. To view the Standards, please visit http://www.adha.org/resources-docs/7261_Standards_Clinical_Practice.pdf.

Takes medical histories
Examines head, neck and oral cavity for disease
Performs oral cancer and blood pressure screenings
Removes supra and sub gingival deposits
Gives oral hygiene instructions
Applies fluorides and fissure sealants to the teeth
Takes and interprets radiographs
Places and removes temporary dressings
Removes sutures
Polishes and re-contours amalgam fillings

NOTE: In some states, a licensed dental hygienist who has graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program can provide primary oral health care directly to patients to promote and restore oral health through assessment, diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, and referral services. These Mid-level Oral Health Practitioners have met the educational requirements to provide services within an expanded scope of care and practices under regulations set forth by the appropriate licensing agency.

Further information

Job opportunities are good and expected to continue in this way.

Links to related web sites

Information based on data received by IFDH in

2020

NOTE: The information provided above is for general guidance only. The International Federation of Dental Hygienists advises all hygienists to contact the country's relevant licensing bodies and agencies for current information and regulations.