What is Pre-Dental Hygiene?

The pre-dental hygiene pathway prepares you for a stable, in-demand healthcare career focused on oral disease prevention, patient care, and overall wellness. This 2+2 program begins with foundational science coursework for 2 years, followed by 2 years of advanced clinical training at the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans for Louisiana residents or an approved program in your home state. Graduates pursue dental hygiene careers in private dental offices, public health, education, research, or corporate healthcare settings.

Program Website
Degree Details
Admissions Info
Program Highlights
Expert Advising LSU allied health advisors guide you through every step, from course planning to program requirements, ensuring you’re fully prepared for admission and success in professional dental hygiene programs.
Community Impact Transform lives and show off your commitment to becoming a top healthcare provider by participating in outreach that promotes oral health education and care for children, elderly, and underserved populations.
Career Connections LSU’s partnerships with leading healthcare systems like Children’s Hospital New Orleans, Ochsner Hospital for Children, and Our Lady of the Lake Health help expand your network and strengthen your career.
Groundbreaking Research Be part of innovative research in areas of periodontal health, oral-systemic connections, and more at LSU Health New Orleans—strengthening clinical insight and applications to professional programs.

What You Can Do

An LSU degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, LSU equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

Dental Hygienist
Dental Supply Sales Representative
Health Educator
Dental Hygiene Instructor

Workplace Settings

Dentist Office
Physician Office
Government Agency
Orthodontic Clinic
University Clinic
Non-Profit Organization
Dental Supply Company

Building Skills
Clinical Cleaning Techniques Develop precision skills for scaling, polishing, and maintaining healthy teeth.
Dental Materials Science Understand dental materials and how they’re used in real treatments and procedures.
Preventative Oral Care Learn strategies that prevent dental diseases and support long-term oral health.
Professional Ethics Conduct Uphold ethical judgment and professionalism essential to patient trust and care.
$100,376
Average alumni Pre-Dental Hygiene salary 2-5 years after graduation

Related Majors

Nutrition and Food Sciences
Biological Sciences
Kinesiology
Microbiology
Psychology
Communication Studies
Apply Today!