The Best Dental Hygienist Schools in USA

Are you searching for Dental Hygienist Schools in The USA or near you? Look no further; we provide all pertinent details in this blog post.

Dental hygienists play an essential role in dental healthcare, working alongside dentists to clean teeth, examine patients and educate them on oral hygiene.

With the growing need for oral healthcare professionals, job opportunities as dental hygienists are in high demand.

However, to become a dental hygienist, you must attend an accredited school. In this article, we’ll review the top schools in America and their admission requirements, job prospects, and continuing education options available to them.

The table of Contents highlights the top dental hygiene programs in the USA, CODA Accredited Dental Hygienist Schools in the USA, Affordable Dental Hygienist Programs in the USA, and Low-Cost Dental Hygienist Programs in the USA.

What Are The Requirements For Dental Hygienist School Admission Requirements in America, we add all details below.

Top Dental Hygienist Programs in the USA

Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is essential for your educational and career advancement. The top 10 schools in America are ranked according to reputation, accreditation, and job placement rates.

• New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry in Manhattan, NY.
• University of Michigan School of Dentistry in Ann Arbor, MI.
• The University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry in Los Angeles
• University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, PA.
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC
• University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry
• University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in Minneapolis, MN.
• University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle, WA.
• Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry in Portland, OR.
• University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in Aurora, CO.
• CODA Accredited Dental Hygienist Schools in the USA

Accreditation is an essential factor when selecting a dental hygienist program.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is the national accreditation body for dental hygiene education programs in the USA. Here are some of the top CODA-accredited hygienist schools:

• New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry in Manhattan, NY.
• University of Michigan School of Dentistry in Ann Arbor, MI.
• University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry in Los Angeles, CA.
• University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, PA.
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC

Accredited Dental Hygienist Programs in the USA

Aside from CODA accreditation, dental hygienist schools can obtain other types of accreditation.

Accreditations guarantee that a program meets specific educational and quality criteria. Some of the top accredited dental hygienist programs in America include:

• New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry in Manhattan, NY.
• University of Michigan School of Dentistry in Ann Arbor, MI.
• The University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry in Los Angeles
• University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, PA.
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, NC.

Affordable Dental Hygienist Schools in the USA

Dental hygiene programs can be found at various educational establishments, such as community colleges, vocational schools, and universities.

However, tuition costs can vary widely depending on the institution and location. Here is a list of some of the most affordable dental hygienist schools in America:

Rio Salado College, Arizona: This community college offers an online associate degree program in dental hygiene for around $6,000 annually for in-state residents and $9,000 for out-of-state students.

Miami Dade College in Florida: This community college offers an associate degree program in dental hygiene at approximately $3,000 annually for in-state residents and $12,000 for out-of-state students.

New York City College of Technology in New York: This college offers an associate degree program in dental hygiene that costs $6,500 annually for in-state residents and $13,000 for out-of-state students.

Low-Cost Dental Hygienist Programs in the USA

In addition to affordable options, some dental hygienist programs are low-cost or even free of charge. These initiatives are typically sponsored by government agencies or non-profit organizations to assist underserved communities. Examples:

Indian Health Service: This federal agency offers a scholarship program for dental hygiene students who commit to working in an Indian Health facility for at least two years after graduation. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other costs and provides a monthly stipend.

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: This institute sponsors a research training program for dental hygiene students at various universities. The program covers tuition fees as well as providing them with a stipend.

Dental Lifeline Network: This non-profit organization offers free dental hygiene services to elderly, disabled, and medically compromised patients through its Donated Dental Services program. Dental hygiene students can volunteer for this program and gain valuable clinical experience while helping others.

What Are the Requirements for Dental Hygienist School?

Before applying to a dental hygienist program, meet the minimum requirements. Here are some common prerequisites:

High school diploma or GED: Most dental hygienist programs require a high school diploma or GED.

Prerequisite Courses: Some programs require completion of specific courses such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy before admission is granted.

Entrance Exams: Some programs require the Dental Admission Test (DAT) or Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) for admission.

Clinical Experience: Some programs require a certain number of hours of clinical experience in either a dental office or a volunteer program.

Admission Requirements for Dental Hygienist Programs in the USA

Before being accepted into a dental hygienist program, you must meet the following qualifications:

• Minimum requirement for employment: Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum Grade Point Average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Completing prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and anatomy.
• A passing score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required for admission into dental school.
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement

Some programs may also require an interview or background check. It is essential to research each program’s admission requirements thoroughly to guarantee you meet all necessary criteria.

How to Become a Dental Hygienist: Job Prospects and Salary Information

After completing your dental hygienist program, the journey doesn’t stop there. You’ll need to secure a license to practice in your chosen state.

This often means successfully passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and other clinical tests.

In your role as a dental hygienist, you’ll work closely with dentists. Your tasks will include cleaning patients’ teeth, capturing diagnostic x-rays, and offering guidance on maintaining oral health.

You’ll also be involved in preventive measures, such as applying fluoride treatments and sealants.

Financially, the profession is rewarding. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in May 2020 highlighted a median annual wage of $77,090 for dental hygienists.

The top 10% in the field earned over $103,340, whereas the bottom 10% took home less than $54,800.

Beyond the attractive pay, dental hygienists benefit from job stability and adaptability in their schedules.

The option to work part-time or have a flexible routine makes it a fitting career for those valuing a balanced life.

Dental Hygienist Career Path: Education and Job Possibilities

If you are considering becoming a dental hygienist, here is your path to success – check it out!

As a dental hygienist you have a variety of possibilities for career advancement. You can choose to specialize in a specific area, such as dental periodontics or pediatric dentistry. You can also pursue a higher education degree with either the master’s or doctoral degrees in the field of dental hygiene.

With further training and expertise, you could be able to hold the position of a dental office’s leader or other public health institutions. Some dental hygienists are able to become educators or researchers in this field of dentistry.

The job prospects for dental hygienists appear promising. According to industry estimates, demand is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6% between 2019 and 2029 due to an aging population and greater emphasis on preventative oral health care.

Thank you for staying with me through this blog post until the end.