8 Best-Selling Dental Hygiene Books Millions Love

Discover 8 best-selling Dental Hygiene books authored by top experts, including Laura Mueller-Joseph and Michele Leonardi Darby, offering proven strategies and comprehensive care insights.

Updated on June 26, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

When millions of readers and dental professionals turn to the same books, you know those titles have earned their place in the field. Dental hygiene is a vital healthcare discipline, and mastering its nuances can shape patient outcomes and career success. These best-selling books have helped countless students and practitioners deepen their understanding of oral health, diagnosis, and patient care with proven, reader-validated methods.

The authority behind these books is evident in the credentials of authors like Michele Leonardi Darby, whose decades-long teaching career informs her comprehensive guides, and Laura Mueller-Joseph, who brings clarity to diagnosis and care planning techniques. Their work, combined with others, forms a rich foundation of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for excelling in dental hygiene.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks and exam preparation strategies, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Dental Hygiene needs might consider creating a personalized Dental Hygiene book that combines these validated approaches. This way, you get targeted insights that fit your background and goals.

Best for comprehensive clinical knowledge
This book stands as a foundational pillar in dental hygiene education, combining extensive theoretical knowledge with practical clinical application. Its thorough coverage—from disease prevention and root morphology to ethical and legal considerations—addresses the evolving demands of dental hygiene professionals. Preparing you for new technologies and higher accountability, it benefits dental hygiene students and practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding and improve patient care.
Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice: Theory and Practice book cover

by Michele Leonardi Darby BSDH MS, Margaret Walsh RDH MS MA EdD·You?

1995·1174 pages·Dental Hygiene, Clinical Practice, Disease Prevention, Assessment Techniques, Ethical Decision Making

Michele Leonardi Darby and Margaret Walsh bring decades of dental hygiene expertise to this detailed guide that grounds you firmly in both theory and clinical practice. You gain essential skills in making thorough assessments and crafting dental hygiene diagnoses, while also learning to plan and evaluate care tailored to diverse client needs, including those with special requirements. Chapters on disease prevention, root morphology, and ethical decision-making equip you to handle the complexities of modern dental hygiene. This book suits dental students and practicing hygienists seeking a solid foundation and updated knowledge in their field.

View on Amazon
Best for integrating theory with practice
Michele Leonardi Darby, BSDH, MS, serves at Old Dominion University’s College of Health Sciences and brings decades of dental hygiene education experience to this book. Her background in both teaching and research shapes the text’s balance of theory and clinical practice, making it a trusted resource for those entering or advancing in dental hygiene. The book reflects her commitment to thorough instruction and practical application, designed to build your confidence in every aspect of dental hygiene care.
Dental Hygiene: Theory and Practice, 2nd Edition book cover

by Michele Leonardi Darby BSDH MS, Margaret Walsh RDH MS MA EdD··You?

2003·1152 pages·Dental Hygiene, Clinical Skills, Patient Care, Special Needs, Health Education

Michele Leonardi Darby’s extensive career in dental hygiene education clearly informs this text, which moves beyond treating dental hygiene as a list of tasks to emphasizing it as a cohesive process of care. Through detailed, step-by-step procedures with rationales, you gain practical understanding of clinical skills alongside the theoretical foundations. For instance, chapters feature scenario-based critical thinking exercises that challenge you to apply concepts in realistic contexts, while special sections address care for individuals with special needs, reflecting the authors’ comprehensive approach. This book serves dental hygiene students and practitioners aiming to deepen their grasp of both theory and practice without oversimplification or jargon.

View on Amazon
Best for personalized care plans
This AI-created book on dental hygiene diagnosis and care is written based on your experience and goals. You share which diagnostic methods and patient care areas matter most to you, and the book is tailored to focus precisely on those topics. This personalized approach ensures you get relevant, practical knowledge that aligns with your background and helps you develop expert skills efficiently.
2025·50-300 pages·Dental Hygiene, Patient Assessment, Diagnosis Techniques, Care Planning, Periodontal Evaluation

This tailored book explores step-by-step strategies for diagnosis and patient care in dental hygiene, crafted to match your background and goals. It delves into essential clinical procedures, patient assessment techniques, and effective care planning to help you build expertise with confidence. The content focuses on your interests, combining widely validated knowledge with insights aligned to your specific learning objectives. By addressing key areas such as periodontal evaluation, oral disease recognition, and hygiene interventions, this personalized guide reveals practical approaches to elevate your dental hygiene practice. It offers a focused, engaging learning experience that empowers you to refine skills critical for expert patient care and diagnosis.

Tailored Content
Clinical Diagnosis Focus
3,000+ Books Generated
Best for exam preparation and practice
Mosby's Comprehensive Review of Dental Hygiene has earned its place as a go-to resource for students preparing for the national dental hygiene exam. This text offers a clear, outline-based content review paired with practice questions and case studies, reflecting the exam's structure closely. Its inclusion of updated topics, online resources, and a CD-ROM with simulated exams makes it especially valuable for those seeking thorough preparation. Whether you're a student or an instructor, this book addresses the core challenges of exam readiness in dental hygiene with practical tools and proven methods.
Mosby's Comprehensive Review of Dental Hygiene book cover

by Michele Leonardi Darby BSDH MS·You?

2002·1104 pages·Dental Hygiene, Exam Preparation, Case Studies, Practice Questions, Content Review

The methods Michele Leonardi Darby developed while preparing dental hygiene students for national exams have shaped this resource into a detailed guide that mirrors the exam format closely. You gain a thorough content review organized in an accessible outline form, along with practice questions and case studies that sharpen your critical thinking for real test scenarios. Especially helpful are the added websites for further study and the CD-ROM simulation, offering a practical edge in exam readiness. This book suits students aiming for certification and educators seeking a dependable teaching aid, as it balances depth with clarity without overwhelming you.

View on Amazon
This question-and-answer review stands out in dental hygiene education for its sheer volume of carefully designed questions—1,280 in total—crafted to help you tackle the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Authored by Caren M. Barnes and Michelle L. Sensat, both dental hygienists with master's degrees, it offers detailed explanations and rich visuals like radiographs and pathology photos that deepen your grasp of subjects from anatomy to community dental health. Whether you’re preparing for licensure or simply want to keep your knowledge sharp, this book delivers a focused and practical approach that breaks down complex material into manageable, interactive chunks, making it a reliable companion in your dental hygiene journey.
Prentice Hall Health Question and Answer Review of Dental Hygiene (5th Edition) book cover

by Caren M. Barnes RDH MS, Michelle L. Sensat RDH MS·You?

2001·304 pages·Dental Hygiene, Periodontics, Radiology, Oral Pathology, Pharmacology

This book takes a problem-solving approach to mastering dental hygiene knowledge, focusing on exam preparation through a vast collection of 1,280 targeted questions. Authors Caren M. Barnes and Michelle L. Sensat, both experienced dental hygienists with advanced degrees, crafted this resource to cover essential topics like radiology, periodontics, and oral pathology with practical visuals such as radiographs and case studies. You’ll gain a clear understanding of complex subjects through concise explanations and illustrative examples, making it ideal if you’re preparing for licensure or need a solid refresher. Its organized, question-based format helps you actively engage with the material rather than passively reading dense texts.

View on Amazon
This guide stands out in dental hygiene for its precise synchronization with the American Dental Association's exam updates, offering targeted preparation for the National Board Examination. Its chapter-by-chapter approach covers every essential topic from human anatomy to legal considerations, integrating case studies and review questions that reinforce learning. Whether you're a dental hygiene student gearing up for boards or a professional needing to retake exams for licensure in a new state, this book provides a solid foundation rooted in current exam content, making it a valuable tool in your study arsenal.
Prentice Hall Health's Complete Review of Dental Hygiene book cover

by Jacqueline N. Brian LDH MsEd, Mary Danusis Cooper RDH MSEd·You?

2001·612 pages·Dental Hygiene, Oral Pathology, Pharmacology, Instrumentation, Periodontology

What keeps this guide relevant decades after its release is its direct alignment with the American Dental Association's exam standards, making it a go-to resource if you're preparing for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Jacqueline N. Brian and Mary Danusis Cooper, both seasoned dental hygiene educators, structured the book around critical subject areas—from oral pathology to pharmacology—each chapter blending clear explanations with case studies and review questions that sharpen your test readiness. You'll also find practical visuals like radiographs and illustrations that help cement your understanding of complex concepts. This book suits anyone aiming to pass board exams or dental hygienists refreshing their knowledge, though it's less about clinical practice nuances and more about exam-focused mastery.

View on Amazon
Best for custom exam plans
This AI-created book on dental hygiene exam preparation is tailored to your skill level and specific learning goals. By sharing what you want to focus on and your background, you receive a book that covers the exact knowledge and practice needed to boost your confidence. Personalizing the content means you spend your study time efficiently, concentrating on areas most relevant to your exam success. This focused approach helps you build both understanding and exam skills in a way that fits your unique needs.
2025·50-300 pages·Dental Hygiene, Exam Preparation, Clinical Skills, Patient Care, Oral Anatomy

This tailored book explores an intensive 30-day plan designed to prepare you confidently for dental hygiene exams by blending essential knowledge review with targeted practice. It examines key concepts and clinical skills, emphasizing techniques and patient care fundamentals that match your background and specific goals. The content is personalized to focus on the areas you find most challenging or important, ensuring a learning experience aligned precisely with your needs. By combining proven exam preparation approaches with insights drawn from widespread reader experiences, this book offers a focused pathway to exam readiness. The tailored structure supports steady progress, reinforcing both theoretical understanding and practical application essential for success.

Tailored Content
Exam Readiness Plan
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for clinical reasoning and board simulation
Edited by a respected dental hygiene educator, Dental Hygiene in Review offers a well-structured approach to mastering the content covered on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. This book’s blend of case-based questions, detailed photographs, and radiographs, alongside a CD-ROM with a mock exam, makes it a practical tool for students seeking to validate their knowledge and gain confidence before testing. Its methodical presentation of dental and dental hygiene sciences helps clarify complex topics and supports learners in developing clinical judgment. For anyone aiming to succeed in dental hygiene certification, this book addresses both knowledge gaps and exam strategy.
Dental Hygiene in Review (Book with CD-ROM) book cover

by Christina B. Debiase·You?

2001·599 pages·Dental Hygiene, Exam Preparation, Case Scenarios, Radiography, Clinical Reasoning

When Christina B. Debiase first compiled Dental Hygiene in Review, her goal was to create a resource that truly preps students for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. This book walks you through core concepts of dental and dental hygiene sciences using case scenarios, radiographs, and multiple-choice questions that mirror the exam format. You’ll gain not only factual knowledge but also sharpen your clinical reasoning with real-world examples, making it ideal if you’re aiming to pass the boards or reinforce foundational skills. With its accompanying CD-ROM featuring a mock exam, this book offers a tangible way to test your readiness under exam conditions.

View on Amazon
Best for diagnosis and care planning skills
Dental Hygiene Process: Diagnosis and Care Planning stands out for its focused guidance through the essential stages of dental hygiene practice, from accurate diagnosis to creating effective care plans. Published by Cengage Learning, this book supports learners and practitioners by breaking down the process into practical, manageable steps. It benefits dental hygiene students and professionals aiming to sharpen their clinical skills and patient management techniques. By emphasizing diagnosis and care planning, this book fills a vital niche in dental hygiene education, helping you build a solid foundation for patient care.
Dental Hygiene Process: Diagnosis and Care Planning (Health & Life Science) book cover

by Laura Mueller-Joseph, Marie Petersen·You?

1995·272 pages·Dental Hygiene, Preventive Dental Health, Diagnosis, Care Planning, Patient Assessment

This book offers a clear, focused approach to mastering the dental hygiene process from diagnosis to care planning. Laura Mueller-Joseph and Marie Petersen draw on their extensive experience to guide you through critical skills like assessing patient needs, interpreting clinical data, and creating tailored care plans. The chapters break down complex procedures into understandable segments, making it easier to apply concepts in practice. If you're training to be a dental hygienist or seeking to refine your diagnostic and planning abilities, this guide lays out the essential steps without unnecessary jargon.

View on Amazon
Vickie Kimbrough is a respected educator and author in dental hygiene, specializing in ethics and practice management. With years devoted to teaching and curriculum development, she understands the educational needs of dental hygiene students and professionals alike. Her experience informs this book’s thorough exploration of ethical frameworks and the realities of running a dental practice, ensuring readers gain both philosophical insight and practical know-how.
Ethics, Jurisprudence and Practice Management in Dental Hygiene (Kimbrough, Ethics, Juriprudence and Practice Management in Dental Hygiene) book cover

by Vickie Kimbrough, Charla Lautar RDH Ph.D.··You?

2011·240 pages·Dental Hygiene, Ethics, Practice Management, Jurisprudence, Career Development

Drawing from her extensive background in dental hygiene education, Vickie Kimbrough addresses the complex intersection of ethics, law, and business in dental practice. This book guides you through the moral foundations of the profession, including detailed discussions on informed consent and ethical codes, then shifts to practical aspects of managing a dental hygiene practice as a small business. You’ll find updated insights on emerging roles like dental therapists and regulatory shifts, alongside career development strategies. This resource suits dental hygiene students, new graduates, and practicing professionals seeking to navigate both ethical dilemmas and operational challenges with confidence.

View on Amazon

Proven Dental Hygiene Methods Personalized

Get expert-approved strategies tailored to your unique Dental Hygiene goals.

Targeted learning plan
Efficient study focus
Personalized content mix

Trusted by thousands of dental hygiene students and professionals

Dental Hygiene Mastery Blueprint
30-Day Hygiene Success System
Strategic Hygiene Foundations
Ethics & Practice Code Secrets

Conclusion

These 8 books showcase the diverse expertise required to excel in dental hygiene—from clinical skills and patient care to ethics and practice management. If you prefer proven methods, start with Michele Leonardi Darby's comprehensive texts for a solid blend of theory and practice. For validated exam strategies, Mosby's and Prentice Hall's reviews deliver focused preparation.

Combining books like "Dental Hygiene Process" for diagnosis with "Ethics, Jurisprudence and Practice Management" provides a well-rounded professional toolkit. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Dental Hygiene book to combine proven methods with your unique needs.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in their careers and board exams, offering reliable guidance for anyone committed to excellence in dental hygiene.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice" by Michele Leonardi Darby and Margaret Walsh. It balances clinical skills and theory, giving you a solid foundation before moving to more specialized texts.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Dental Hygiene?

Not at all. Many of these books, like "Dental Hygiene Process," break down complex concepts into manageable steps, making them accessible for beginners and valuable for ongoing learning.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can certainly start with one based on your goals. For exam prep, Mosby's Review is excellent. For clinical practice, "Dental Hygiene" by Darby offers broad coverage. Combining a few gives the best results.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice" and "Dental Hygiene" provide a strong theoretical background with clinical application. In contrast, "Prentice Hall Health Question and Answer Review" leans toward practical exam-focused review.

How long will it take me to get through these books?

It depends on your pace and goals. Some, like "Prentice Hall Health Question and Answer Review," are concise for quick study, while comprehensive texts like Darby's may take several months for in-depth learning.

Can personalized Dental Hygiene books complement these expert texts?

Yes! These expert books offer proven knowledge, and personalized books tailor that knowledge to your specifics, combining popular methods with your unique learning needs. Learn more here.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!