Dental Hygiene program prepares students for in-demand careers
Friday, February 20, 2026 12:00 AM
Blog Highlights
- Macomb’s accredited two-year Dental Hygiene program combines classroom learning with hands-on training in a working dental clinic.
- The demand for dental hygienists remains strong, with a median salary of $94,260 in 2024.
Strong job outlook for dental hygienists
For Macomb student Mari Gegai, enrolling in the Dental Hygiene program felt like a natural next step in a career she’d already started to build.
After entering the dental field in 2019 as a dental assistant, she realized she wanted more responsibility and a more active role in patient care. “I wanted to actually take initiative and take care of my own patients,” she said.
She enrolled in the dental hygiene program at a promising time. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, dental hygienists earned a median salary of $94,260 in 2024, and the profession is projected to grow with about 15,300 openings each year through 2032.
Hygienists play an essential role in public health, providing cleaning, screenings and early detection of oral health issues.
“Preventive care changes lives, and dental hygienists are on the front lines of protecting patients,” said Wendi Sparks, associate dean of Dental Sciences.
Hands-on training in a working dental clinic
After entering the dental field in 2019 as a dental assistant, she realized she wanted more responsibility and a more active role in patient care. “I wanted to actually take initiative and take care of my own patients,” she said.
She enrolled in the dental hygiene program at a promising time. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, dental hygienists earned a median salary of $94,260 in 2024, and the profession is projected to grow with about 15,300 openings each year through 2032.
Hygienists play an essential role in public health, providing cleaning, screenings and early detection of oral health issues.
“Preventive care changes lives, and dental hygienists are on the front lines of protecting patients,” said Wendi Sparks, associate dean of Dental Sciences.
Hands-on training in a working dental clinic
Macomb’s two-year accredited program prepares students for this responsibility through a blend of classroom instruction and extensive hands-on experience in the college’s working dental clinic.
Students learn how to provide:
Students learn how to provide:
- Dental cleanings
- X-rays
- Anesthesia
- Periodontal therapy
Classes are small, with just 36 students in each group. All groups work under the supervision of licensed professionals.
Like Mari, student Autumn Fontaine had worked in dental offices but wanted more. “Once I started assisting, I really fell in love with the clinical aspect of dentistry,” she said.
Now in her second year, Autumn, a first-generation college student, credits Macomb’s supportive instructors for keeping students motivated through challenging coursework and hands-on training. Their encouragement has inspired her to continue her education after graduating, with hopes of entering the University of Michigan’s associate-to-master’s program.
“The fact that I’m even able to think about getting a master’s degree, it’s because of the opportunities that I’ve had here,” she said.
When Olivia Monfette enrolled at Macomb, she knew she wanted a career in health care but wasn’t sure what direction to take. Olivia said the best part of studying dental hygiene at Macomb has been how quickly students get hands-on experience.
“On the first day, we immediately picked up our instruments and started working,” she said.
The small class size makes a difference. Instructors typically work with just a handful of students at a time, offering individual guidance in the clinic and classroom. “They really spend one-on-one time with you,” she said. “It’s nice to have that support.”
After graduating, Olivia hopes to move directly into private practice.
“As a dental hygienist, you’re not just providing a service – you’re educating, empowering and uplifting every patient who sits in your chair,” Sparks said.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Dental Hygiene program at Macomb, please visit our webpage.
Like Mari, student Autumn Fontaine had worked in dental offices but wanted more. “Once I started assisting, I really fell in love with the clinical aspect of dentistry,” she said.
Now in her second year, Autumn, a first-generation college student, credits Macomb’s supportive instructors for keeping students motivated through challenging coursework and hands-on training. Their encouragement has inspired her to continue her education after graduating, with hopes of entering the University of Michigan’s associate-to-master’s program.
“The fact that I’m even able to think about getting a master’s degree, it’s because of the opportunities that I’ve had here,” she said.
When Olivia Monfette enrolled at Macomb, she knew she wanted a career in health care but wasn’t sure what direction to take. Olivia said the best part of studying dental hygiene at Macomb has been how quickly students get hands-on experience.
“On the first day, we immediately picked up our instruments and started working,” she said.
The small class size makes a difference. Instructors typically work with just a handful of students at a time, offering individual guidance in the clinic and classroom. “They really spend one-on-one time with you,” she said. “It’s nice to have that support.”
After graduating, Olivia hopes to move directly into private practice.
“As a dental hygienist, you’re not just providing a service – you’re educating, empowering and uplifting every patient who sits in your chair,” Sparks said.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Dental Hygiene program at Macomb, please visit our webpage.