Some colleges/universities offer a BS in Dental Hygiene. You can spend your first 2 years taking dental school requirements while making sure they align with the hygiene requirements. Almost all require you to “apply” to the hygiene program after the first year. That may help you decide if dental school is for you.
There are twice as many applicants to dental school as there are slots. That doesn’t include all the students that get weeded out in freshman chem and then orgo. Every year. Orthodontic programs are even more selective. Dental school is very expensive; most students cover the cost with loans as there are almost no merit awards. If you are choosing ortho because of the salary, it’s not for you. You have to enjoy dentistry or you will be miserable. This career is not forgiving.
Acceptance to a CC dental hygiene program is not a guarantee of acceptance. Your first year is spent taking the general ed requirements, then applying to the program. In my area, there is a minimum one year waiting list as this program is highly competitive.
Have you shadowed your local dentist? Spend a few hours there and also observe the hygienists. Then shadow an orthodontist. See what they do every day.
@WISdad23: I have one FT and 3 PT hygienists. They are 67, 58, 55, and 23. Another retired this spring at 59 due to arthritis issues. Older hygienists tend to age along with their employer dentist.