FAQ's

What is MnDHA?

MnDHA stands for the Minnesota Dental Hygienists' Association. We are part of the ADHA, the American Dental Hygienists' Association.

What is MnDHA's mission?

To improve the public's total health, the mission of the Minnesota Dental Hygienists' Association is to advance the art and science of dental hygiene by increasing the awareness of and ensuring access to quality oral health care, promoting the highest standard of dental hygiene education, licensure and practice, and representing and promoting the interests of dental hygiene.

What Is a dental hygienist?

A dental hygienist is a licensed health care professional who works with the dentist, providing preventive, educational, and therapeutic services for the control of oral diseases and the promotion of both oral and overall health.

A registered dental hygienist (RDH) has graduated from a two or four year college program that includes classroom studies and extensive supervised clinical experience. A dental hygienist also must pass a national written exam and a comprehensive state clinical exam to earn the RDH license. Generally, the dental hygienist may work in general and specialty oral health practices. Other areas of employment include programs for research, professional education, and community health; hospital and institutional care of disabled persons; federal programs, such as the armed services; or other health service locations as specified in statute or as authorized by the state board of dentistry.

for more information about dental hygiene careers.

What kind of educational preparation do I need to become a dental hygienist?

Most dental hygiene programs offer either an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree. The American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation assures the minimal standards by accrediting quality programs, so the main thing is to be certain that the school you are interested in is accredited.

Both associate and baccalaureate programs offer a strong clinical curriculum. The baccalaureate degree allows entry into some positions in teaching, administration, public health, corporate positions and other areas of dental hygiene practice that other types of dental hygiene education do not. It may also provide a broader base in the humanities and other areas outside dental hygiene. Baccalaureate degree programs usually require approximately four years of study. Some schools require two years of prerequisite study and two years in program.

Generally an associate's degree takes two years to complete; however, most dental hygiene programs require prerequisite courses be taken before entry into dental hygiene, so in reality it may take longer than two years.

Every school is a little different, so check out the schools in which you are most interested. Each school also differs in specific course requirements, but generally the basic courses include college-level English, speech, psychology, sociology, nutrition, chemistry, and specific biology courses. Be certain that you know what the prerequisite courses and entry requirements are for the school you would like to attend.

Who do I contact if my name or mailing address has changed?

You can contact the member services chair at
mndha.members@gmail.com or
MnDHA - Attn: Member Services Chair
Northland Plaza
3800 American Blvd W Suite #1500
Bloomington, MN 55431

How can I be added to MnDHA's email list to receive the monthly newsletter and other important information?

Please email webmaster@mndha.com with your request or contact MnDHA's member services chair at mndha.members@gmail.com.

How do I read the MnDHA Newsletter?

You must be a member of MnDHA to receive our quarterly newsletter. In an effort to 'Go Green,' greatly control costs, and bring us up to speed in this electronic mail age, MnDHA newsletters will only be available online and via e-mail. In order to receive your newsletter via email, we will need your current e-mail address. Please update your e-mail address at www.adha.org if you currently have not been receiving the newsletters.

To view the Newsletter online, go to the 'Member Login' link on our website. If you are a MnDHA member and need access to the member login, e-mail mndha.members@gmail.com. Include your membership number in your correspondence.

What are the current salaries for dental hygienists' in Minnesota?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dental hygiene earnings vary by geographical location, employment setting, and years of experience. Dental hygienists may be paid on an hourly, daily, salary, or commission basis. Benefits vary substantially by practice setting and may be contingent upon full-time employment. According to the 2009 survey conducted by the American Dental Hygienists' Association, about half of all hygienists reported receiving some form of employment benefits. Of those receiving benefits, paid vacation, sick leave, and retirement plans were the most common.

For specific wage information by geographic location in Minnesota

For specific wage information by geographical area and employment setting