text: i am interested in being a dental hygienist or dental assistant? i am interested in persuing a career in the dental industry. is there any dental hygienists or assistants out there who can tell me how long would i have to go to school for each one, and how difficult it would be. it's a big deal for me because i'm 40 and this is a whole new thing for me. dental hygienist:    there are 2 different program types to become a hygienist.  there is the associate's degree program and the bachelor's degree program.  to obtain your associate's degree in hygiene it takes approximately 2 1/2 - 3 years.... 2 years of hygiene school plus a semester or two to take pre-requisite classes.  to obtain your bachelor's degree in hygiene takes 4 years.  once graduated from your hygiene program, you will be required to take an exam administered by your state board of dental examiners that you must pass in order to receive your license to practice in your state.  dental assistant:    dental assisting programs vary greatly.  they could range from about 7 months to 2 or 3 semesters.  generally only a technical certificate is obtained to become a dental assistant.  also, depending on the state you live in, the functions of a dental assistant vary.  assistants are allowed to do certain things in some states that they aren't allowed to do in other states.... for one example.. packing a cord during a crown prep procedure.  there are certified dental assistants and expanded duty dental assistants... tests are given once finished with schooling for both the cda and the eda.  an assistant is required to hold a radiology license within the state they are working in order to be able to take x-rays.