Diploma in Dental Hygienist: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Colleges, Fees, Careers & More

• Updated on  Jul 11, 2025, by Saher Gelra

Dental Hygienist Diploma is a 2-year medical diploma that instructs students on preventive oral health, patient care, and minor dental procedures. It's a hands-on vocational training program for dental assistants who wish to work as assistants to dentists in dental offices, clinics, and dental hospitals.

 

The minimum qualification for admission is to pass 10+2 with science (PCM, PCB) with a minimum of 50% marks. Admission is usually based on merit, however, few institutes may consider national-level or state–level entrance examinations scores or conduct their own institute specific test.

 

The course fee in India varies from INR 25,000 to INR 4,50,000. Santosh Paramedical College, Jaipur Dental College, and MMU are some of the best institutions for the course.

 

Following the diploma, one can become an oral health educator, dental assistant, or dental hygienist. The fresher salaries are in the INR 2-4.5 LPA range, with possible extra earnings with experience and specialization.

 

Table of Contents
  1. Diploma in Dental Hygienist Key Highlights
  2. What is a Diploma in Dental Hygienist?
  3. Why Study a Diploma in Dental Hygienist?
  4. Who Should Study Diploma in Dental Hygienist?
  5. Diploma in Dental Hygienist Eligibility Criteria
  6. Entrance Exams for Diploma in Dental Hygienist
  7. Diploma in Dental Hygienist Colleges in India
  8. Diploma in Dental Hygienist Admission Process 2025
  9. Diploma in Dental Hygienist Syllabus
  10. Diploma in Dental Hygienist Job Opportunities in India
  11. Diploma in Dental Hygienist FAQs

 

Diploma in Dental Hygienist Key Highlights

Given below are the key highlights for the Diploma in Dental Hygienist:

Particulars

Details

Course Name

Diploma in Dental Hygienist

Course Level

Diploma (2 year)

Course Type

Full-time

Admission Process

Merit-based or Entrance Exam (varies by college)

Eligibility Criteria

10+2 with Science (PCB), minimum 50% marks

Course Fees

INR 20,000 – INR 2,00,000

Top Colleges

Santosh Paramedical College, Jaipur Dental College, MMU

Job Profiles

Dental Hygienist, Dental Assistant, Health Educator

Top Recruiters

Dental Clinics, Hospitals, Private Practices

Average Salary

INR 2–4.5 LPA (entry-level)

 

What is a Diploma in Dental Hygienist?

Diploma in Dental Hygienist is a 2-year course that educates students on oral hygiene and how to support dentists and teach patients about oral care. It covers dental, X-ray, sterilization, and patient care.

 

It is designed for those who want to work directly with patients and support dentists in clinics, hospitals, or community health environments. It includes practical experience by being trained in hospitals to gain real clinical skills.

 

Why Study a Diploma in Dental Hygienist?

Oral health is a large component of overall health, and trained dental hygienists are very much in demand. This diploma gives you the education and hands-on skills you need to become successful in dental care.

 

Key reasons for doing this course are:

  • Learn professional tooth cleaning, oral checks, and hygiene routines.
  • Assist in dental surgery and perform diagnostic procedures like X-rays.
  • Educate students on how to maintain healthy teeth throughout life.
  • Open doors of opportunities for jobs in clinics, hospitals, and public health programs
  • Create a strong foundation for further studies in health or dental sciences.

 

Who Should Study Diploma in Dental Hygienist?

It is ideal for those who are interested in people and health and hygiene. It's especially suited for:

  • 10+2 science students (PCB) who wish to pursue a career in the healthcare sector particularly in the dental field.
  • Aspirants aiming for safe jobs at dental offices or health centers.
  • Students looking for a job-oriented course with a shorter time frame.
  • Anyone who wants to enter the dental field without becoming a complete dentist.

 

Diploma in Dental Hygienist Eligibility Criteria

The criteria for eligibility for the course in Diploma in Dental Hygiene are:

  • Completed 10+2 with a science stream (physics, chemistry, and biology) from a recognized board
  • Should have obtained a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 boards.
  • Some establishments may ask you to take an entrance exam or attend a personal interview.

Students with science in 10+2 can also pursue Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

 

Entrance Exams for Diploma in Dental Hygienist

Admission is mostly merit-based, but a few colleges and universities conduct entrance exams. Common entrance exams include:

Exam Name

Application Dates (Tentative)

Exam Date (Tentative)

Application Fee

NEET (UG) 2026

Nov 2025 – Mar 2026

1st Sunday of May 2026

INR 1,700 (Gen); INR 1,000 (OBC/EWS); INR 800 (SC/ST/PwD)

College-Specific Interviews

Varies by Institute

Varies

Usually included in application fee

 

Diploma in Dental Hygienist Colleges in India

Here are some of the best colleges in India with their locations and respective fees:

College Name

Location

Course Fee (Approx.)

Santosh Paramedical College (Santosh Institute of Allied Health Sciences)

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

INR 4,00,150

Jaipur Dental College

Jaipur, Rajasthan

INR 2.20 

Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU, Mullana)

Ambala, Haryana

INR 90,000

National Council of Training Academy

New Delhi

INR 25,000

Dental College in Gorakhpur (Mahayogi Gorakhnath University)

Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh

INR 1,10,000

 

Diploma in Dental Hygienist Admission Process 2025

Entry to paramedical diploma courses such as the Diploma in Dental Hygienist is typically straightforward and merit-based. So here is the admission process at Santosh Paramedical College.

 

Step 1: Visit the Santosh Institute of Allied Health Sciences official site and download the application form for the Diploma in Dental Hygienist course under Allied Health Sciences/Paramedical.

 

Step 2: Complete the form with your information. Upload scanned copies of your 10+2 mark sheet (PCB), passport-size photograph, signature, and a valid ID. Make sure all your paperwork is in order.

 

Step 3: Pay the application fee online or through the payment mode specified on the portal. The application fee generally varies between ₹500 and ₹1000, based on the admission cycle and category.

 

Step 4: If necessary, mail a printout of the filled form with the supporting documents and a payment receipt for your fee to the institute’s admission office address.

 

Step 5: The institute goes through the applications and might publish a merit list owing to your 12th PCB marks. Counselling & document verification of shortlisted candidates.

 

Step 6: Visit the counselling center on the date specified in your letter. Bring originals for verification and be ready to finalize your program choice.

 

Step 7: Once counselling is complete, final shortlisted candidates will be extended an admission offer. You’ll need to pay the initial portion of the fee to reserve your spot.

 

Step 8: After enrollment, you’ll receive your acceptance letter, orientation schedule, and class schedule. Classes start shortly thereafter.

 

Documents Required:

  • 10th and 12th mark sheets
  • Pass certificate
  • Transfer certificate
  • Valid government-issued ID (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
  • Passport-sized photographs (4–6 copies)
  • Application fee receipt

Many students also pursue Diploma in Dental Mechanics, click to know more!

 

Diploma in Dental Hygienist Syllabus

Below is the official syllabus for Santosh Institute of Allied Health Sciences. This is a 2‑year program, combining theory and clinical training modules :

Semester I

Semester II

Anatomy, Physiology & Histology

Dental Hygiene & Oral Prophylaxis

Pathology & Microbiology

Dental Health Education & Community Dentistry

Dental Radiology

Preventive Dentistry & Ethics/Jurisprudence

Pharmacology

Dental Materials

Food & Nutrition

Orientation in Dentistry

Semester III

Semester IV

Clinical Dental Hygiene I (pre-clinical)

Clinical Dental Hygiene II (advanced clinical practice)

Oral Prophylaxis

Periodontal Instrumentation

Infection Control & Radiography

Patient Education & Motivation

Community Dental Outreach

Internship / Clinical Assessment

 

Diploma in Dental Hygienist Job Opportunities in India

Diploma in Dental Hygienist unlocks a traditional clinical and public healthcare career. Dental hygienist graduates are sought by dental clinics, hospitals, and community health agencies. Here’s a peek at typical job profiles, recruiters, and salary ranges:

Job Profile

Experience

Top Recruiters

Avg. Salary

Dental Hygienist

0–2 yrs

Apollo Dental, Clove Dental, Fortis

INR 2.5–4.5 LPA

Dental Assistant

0–2 yrs

Government Hospitals, Private Clinics

INR 2–3.5 LPA

Oral Health Educator

1–3 yrs

Public Health Missions, NGOs

INR 2–4 LPA

Dental Lab Coordinator

1–3 yrs

Dental Labs, Hospitals

INR 2.5–4 LPA

Radiology/Dental Imaging Assistant

0–2 yrs

Diagnostics Labs, Dental Hospitals

INR 2.2–4.5 LPA

 

Diploma in Dental Hygienist FAQs

My English isn’t very strong! Will that be a problem in the class?

No, it’s not a big deal. A lot of them offer classes in English as well as local languages. Better communication makes you better with patients and when you get the job.

Will I get to work with real patients in the course?

Yes, nearly all the reputed institutes provide clinical training where students practice under supervision in hospitals or dental departments.

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