As the world becomes more and more populated, it is becoming increasingly important for people to have healthy teeth. Unfortunately, many people do not have regular dental checkups, so they may be at risk for developing dental problems.
Fortunately, many colleges now offer dental hygiene programs, which can help students learn about oral health and how to care for their teeth.
Some of the most prestigious colleges that offer dental hygiene programs include the Idaho State University, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, and the University of Maine at Augusta.
These schools provide students with rigorous training in both oral health and dentistry, so they can become skilled professionals who can help others maintain good oral health.
If you are interested in studying dental hygiene at a college level, carefully explore your options.
Why Attend a College with Dental Hygiene Programs
There are many reasons to choose a college with dental hygiene programs. Foremost, a dental hygiene degree can help you find a job in the healthcare industry.
Healthcare facilities often need professionals with advanced degrees and certification in dental hygiene so that this credential will distinguish you from other applicants.
Second, many colleges offer excellent dental hygiene programs that can give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a dentist or dental hygienist.
Third, many colleges have strong partnerships with local dentists and hospitals, which means you’ll be able to find valuable clinical experience immediately.
Finally, attending a college with a reputable dental hygiene program will give you access to many resources and opportunities–both on campus and off–that will help you grow as an individual and as a professional in oral health care.
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20 Best Colleges with Dental Hygiene Programs
Here are the top colleges’ dental hygiene programs:
#1. Idaho State University
First on our list of colleges with dental hygiene programs is Idaho State University. Idaho State University offers flexible educational possibilities to students worldwide.
As an undergraduate, the school will give you a choice between on-campus and online degree programs. And you can even interact with peers, instructors, and staff on campus and online during their academic careers.
The program’s curriculum includes courses for future dental hygienists. Participants can change their schedule and select electives while taking foundational and advanced classes.
#2. Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Next on our list is the Lake Washington Institute of Technology. This institute is one of the best 4-year colleges with dental hygiene programs.
The public institution, a pioneer in hybrid education, offers six bachelor’s degree programs and supports in-person and online instruction.
Students in the dental hygienist program develop competency through demanding coursework and lectures pertinent to the profession. Through interactive study, learners engage with fundamental and advanced ideas and learn helpful information.
#3. The University of Maine at Augusta
The University of Maine at Augusta is a public university that provides students from all over the world with a top-notch bachelor’s degree program.
The public university offers undergraduate hybrid degree programs. Students can connect with encouraging teachers, peers, and other staff members through physical and online learning spaces.
Future dental hygienists follow a demanding program curriculum. Through interactive study, learners engage fundamental and advanced ideas and learn helpful information.
#4. College of Southern Nevada
Consider a bachelor’s degree from the College of Southern Nevada if you want to launch your career. Students from all learning modalities engage with peers and professors through a welcoming learning community.
By attending lectures, doing coursework, and taking part in other educational activities, students gain knowledge and abilities relevant to their chosen area.
By declaring a double major, minor, or degree concentration, students can tailor their course of study. They can also select optional classes.
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#5. Ohio State University in Columbus, OH
Ohio State University in Columbus offers a dental hygiene program, one of the many reasons it is rated as one of the best colleges in Ohio. The dental hygiene program at Ohio State offers both classroom and clinical training.
The classroom portion of the program includes lectures, hands-on instruction, and lab work. Clinical training takes place in a local dental office.
The dental hygiene program at Ohio State is highly respected and has been ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Students who enroll in the Ohio State dental hygiene program will have access to state-of-the-art equipment, laboratories, and classrooms.
The dental hygiene program at Ohio State also has a vital service and volunteer tradition, making it an excellent choice for students who want to pursue a career in dentistry or public health.
#6. University of Southern Indiana
The University of Southern Indiana supports many undergraduate degree programs.
With the choice of in-person or online learning, hybrid learning options are helpful for undergraduate students. Regardless of their location, students have access to a supportive learning community.
The program’s curriculum includes courses for future dental hygienists. Additionally, there are chances for experiential learning, research projects, and internships for students.
#7. University of West Liberty
Are you searching for a top-notch education to launch your career? Take into consideration one of West Liberty University’s 27 bachelor’s degrees.
Graduate students benefit from a supportive learning atmosphere, challenging courses, and qualified professors.
Foundational and advanced courses, as well as lectures on specific industries, are beneficial to students. Students can further tailor their education by selecting electives, announcing minors, and picking a degree specialization.
Students can use institutional resources while enrolled, such as academic advising and career help.
#8. College of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport offers outstanding undergraduate degree programs. Four of the college’s 35 bachelor’s degree programs allow for remote study.
While enrolled, students finish basic and advanced curricula and can take part in internships and other experiential learning activities.
Students can tailor their studies by selecting electives, declaring minors, and choosing a degree specialization. Students profit from institutional resources like academic counseling and career help throughout their academic careers.
#9. The University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA
The University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, California, offers a dental hygiene program that prepares students for careers in the dental field.
The curriculum includes anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pathology, and oral surgery classes. Students also receive clinical training in a dental office. The program is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful dentists.
Many students choose to attend USC because of their excellent dental hygiene program. The Commission accredits the program on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (ADA).
This means that the program meets all the required standards set by ADA. The program is also registered with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), so it is evaluated annually and deemed to meet national standards.
#10. Alaska University of Anchorage
Undergraduate students wanting a competitive education should consider one of the 53 bachelor’s degree programs offered by the University of Alaska Anchorage, two entirely online.
A positive learning environment and individualized interactions with instructors and staff benefit students.
Throughout their education, students take both introductory and advanced techniques.
Degree seekers can change their coursework, choose electives, and tailor their learning to suit their academic and professional goals by consulting with their academic adviser.
Students have access to academic counseling, career services, and other institutional resources throughout their academic careers.
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#11. College of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming offers flexible study options for students pursuing bachelor’ s-level coursework. Both in-person and online degree programs are available to students.
Through a welcoming learning environment, students may connect with their peers, teachers, and staff no matter where they are.
Also, the school has a positive learning environment, and remote and campus-based students can engage with their peers, teachers, and staff.
Through rigorous study, the college offers students a competitive education. Additionally, there are opportunities for experiential learning, research projects, and internships for students.
#12. The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan: Ann Arbor, MI, is a world-renowned university and one of the most prestigious institutions of its kind. It is one of the best colleges with dental hygiene programs in Michigan.
One such field is dental hygiene, which is offered as a degree program at the University’s School of Dentistry.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has accredited the university since 1916. It is one of only 53 universities nationally accredited in all six dental specialties: general dentistry, oral surgery, dental medicine, dental radiology, dental preventive medicine, and prosthodontics.
The ADA accreditation assures students that their chosen program will provide them with the skills necessary to become successful dentists.
#13. Missouri Southern State University
Missouri Southern State University offers various course options for students interested in bachelor’s-level study. The public university provides undergraduate hybrid degree programs.
The university currently provides 34 bachelor’s degree programs, including four online choices.
Students from all over the world gain from a welcoming learning environment.
Also, students in the program complete coursework as required by the program’s curriculum during their studies. Students graduate from these courses with the information and abilities necessary to advance in their future careers.
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#14. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the most prestigious colleges with dental hygiene programs in North Carolina, and it’s no wonder–their dental hygiene program is top-notch.
Besides offering a rigorous curriculum, UNC Chapel Hill provides several unique features that make its program stand out. For one, they partner with Duke University’s School of Dentistry, allowing students to get an undergraduate and a graduate degree in dental hygiene from one school.
UNC-Chapel Hill has an excellent research program – they have been ranked number one in the nation for clinical research by U.S. News & World Report for six consecutive years!
If you’re interested in pursuing a dental hygiene career, UNC Chapel Hill is worth considering.
#15. The University of Oklahoma – Norman
Oklahoma has many colleges and universities, but the University of Oklahoma – Norman offers a dental hygiene program. This institution has been in operation since 1907 and has over 36,000 students.
The Commission accredits the dental hygiene program at this school with the Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
The University of Oklahoma: Norman’s dental hygiene program offers an associate degree and a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.
The Commission accredits both programs on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. The associate degree program takes two years to complete.
It graduates students with knowledge in oral health assessment, dentistry principles, medical-surgical procedures related to dentistry, oral pathology, pediatric dentistry, and periodontics.
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#16. University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee (UT) has a long history of providing quality education. The school offers students various programs and services, including high-quality dental hygiene programs.
UT’s program is one of the best in the country and provides students with the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced professionals in the field.
The dental hygiene program at UT is designed for students who want to become certified dentists.
Besides completing required coursework, students must complete a clinical practicum that allows them to gain experience working with patients. The program also offers opportunities for research and involvement in community service projects.
This program is perfect for those who are interested in becoming certified dentists. It offers unique opportunities for research and community service and excellent instruction from some of the best professionals in the field.
#17. Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a highly respected and esteemed institution that offers various undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the many prestigious programs that VCU offers is dental hygiene, one of the fastest-growing fields in dentistry.
Dental hygienists are in high demand, and there are currently over 30,000 jobs available for this skilled professional.
To complete a dental hygiene program at VCU, students must first have an associate degree from an accredited college or university. After earning their associate degree, students can pursue a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from VCU.
The dental hygiene program at VCU is highly rigorous and features intense coursework in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, public health, and more.
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#18. University of Maryland
The University of Maryland offers several dental hygiene programs that are sure to meet the needs of any student. The university has a variety of programs, from two-year associate’s degrees to four-year bachelor’s degrees.
All programs offer rigorous coursework in anatomy and physiology, oral health care principles, dental hygiene procedures, and research methods. Besides the standard classroom instruction, many dental hygiene students take part in clinical rotations at local hospitals.
This hands-on experience provides students an excellent opportunity to learn about the practical application of dental hygiene principles.
Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive program that will prepare you for a career in dentistry or are just interested in learning more about this popular profession, the University of Maryland has what you need.
#19. University of Louisville
The University of Louisville is a prestigious university with a rich history. It was founded in 1798 and has grown to be one of the largest universities in the United States. The university offers many programs, including dental hygiene programs.
This is because the University of Louisville strongly focuses on providing quality education.
The dental hygiene program at the University of Louisville is highly respected and is considered one of the best in the country. The program prepares students for careers as dentists or dental hygienists.
#20. Howard University
Finally, on our list of best dental hygiene schools is Howard University. Howard University is a historically black university that has a dental hygiene program.
The American Dental Association has accredited Howard since 1949, making it one of the oldest dental hygiene programs in the country. The dental hygiene program at Howard is highly respected and ranked as one of the best in the nation.
Howard’s dental hygiene program offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The undergraduate degree program takes four years to complete and provides a wide range of courses covering all dentistry aspects.
The graduate degree program takes six years to complete and focuses on specialized areas of dentistry, such as oral surgery or prosthodontics. Students who complete Howard’s undergraduate and graduate degrees can sit for the United States Dental Board (USDB) qualifying exam.
Colleges with Dental Hygiene Programs Requirements
Dental hygiene program requirements vary from college to college, but there are some general requirements that all dental hygiene programs must meet.
Most colleges require a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be accepted into the program and to complete required courses.
In addition, many dental hygiene programs require applicants to have completed introductory science courses, such as biology or chemistry, to qualify for admission.
Finally, most colleges require applicants to pass a criminal background check and provide proof of insurance coverage for dental work.
FAQs
A dental hygiene associate degree and state license are prerequisites for dental hygienists. Consider earning a dental hygiene bachelor’s or master’s degree if you want to grow in your career.
Both require specialized training beyond the fundamental college courses, with a registered dental hygienist (RDH) needing more education than a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) (R.D.H.).
You might expect to earn a wage that is fairly competitive as a dental hygienist. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates you can make an average salary of $77,090 per year working full-time and $38,790 per year working part-time.
Classes on dental hygiene demand a lot of dedication. You will have to study a lot of the course material quickly. Even though working as a dental hygienist is rewarding, there are some challenges. It’s nothing you can’t handle if you have the right amount of patience and motivation.
Conclusion
Dental hygiene programs can be a great way to get started in the dental profession. They provide an excellent foundation for those interested in a career in dentistry, and they often lead to occupations such as a dental assistant or dental hygienist.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in dentistry, be sure to research various dental hygiene programs available across the country.
References
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