Online Dental Hygiene Program
The best online dental hygiene programs have been growing at a rapid rate in the last decade. From certificate programs through doctoral online degree programs, an online delivery method continues to gain popularity from students and academics. An accredited online degree program offered via an accredited online school may be right for you if your schedule, learning style, and work ethic support the distance learning model.
Best Dental Hygienist Course Programs
A professional hygienist must first attend an accredited dental college as a requirement to become a licensed dental practitioner. The majority of states require a dental hygienist major to pass a state mandated examination before working with the public. The best dental hygienist school programs can be found at vocational schools, community colleges, specialty dental schools, 4-year colleges, state universities, and through online learning college programs. Get started on your search by reading the school types below:
Community College A community college is often associated with being a 2-year school geared towards providing students with an associate degree however, many accredited community colleges in the United States have recently begun to add bachelor of science degree tracks for in-demand professions. In addition, you may find an increase in onsite learning opportunities along with online degree programs.
In terms of dental hygiene education, students enrolled in a community college will likely discover a broad-based curriculum supporting the ever-evolving needs of dental professionals. Electives at a community college may include sociology, creative writing, public speaking, or economics. As such, dental hygiene students will be provided exposure to various general education courses to help think and process differently.
North Dakota State College Of Science
- Wahpeton, North Dakota
- Graduation Rate: 52%
North Dakota State College of Science offers an associate degree in dental hygiene that allows students to take the national dental hygiene exam and be employed as a licensed dental hygienist upon passing and graduating. The dental hygiene program consists of academic classroom curriculum as well as laboratory and clinical experiences that help students gain the necessary skill set needed to be a competent dental hygienist.
School Overview
- Vermillion, South Dakota
- Graduation Rate: 53%
As more scientific evidence connects oral health with overall health, the University of South Dakota prepares students to promote oral health through the accredited dental hygiene program.
Students can earn their bachelors degree in dental hygiene and qualify to become licensed hygienists. The curriculum includes coursework, laboratory experience as well as outreach clinical hours that fully prepares students to be employed as dental hygienists.
School Overview
- Klamath Falls, Oregon
- Graduation Rate: 43%
With a long history of innovative educational methods, the Oregon Institute of Technology offers a bachelors degree in dental hygiene that draws upon those innovative methods to better educate students.
School Overview
- Taft, California
- Graduation Rate: 3%
School Overview
- New York State
- Graduation Rate: 50%
School Overview
- Big Rapids, Michigan
- Graduation Rate: 49%
School Overview
- Collegedale, Tennessee
- Graduation Rate: 53%
School Overview
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Where Do Dental Hygienists Work
Clinical dental hygienists provide direct patient care in a variety of health care settings which include private dental offices, managed care organizations, schools, public health clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
Dental hygienists with a bachelor’s or master’s degree have additional career options which include teaching dental assisting, dental hygiene and dental students in colleges and universities administering public health and community-based programs managing dental practices and health care facilities and marketing dental supplies, products, and equipment.
Which Dental Hygiene School Is Right For Me
While determining which college dental hygiene school is right for you is a very personal choice. However, there are a few essential keys to getting matched to the best dental school for you after factoring in qualifications for admission, tuition, financial aid, and net price to attend.
The critical factors for any student looking to enroll in a college program for dental hygiene include program quality, accreditation, curriculum, program breadth, and timing.
Accreditation If your goal is to select a long-term career in dental hygiene, it is highly recommended to align yourself with an accredited higher education institution. Accredited colleges are best prepared to properly equip students for their state licensing exam and subsequent work in the dental field.
Look for schools to have a CODA affiliation to help ensure the best academic experience for your time and investment. CODA stands for the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Colleges earning a CODA affiliation provide students with the highest probability of gainful employment in the dental field after graduation.
Program Emphasis As you may expect, not all dental hygiene schools are created equal. Aside from the school type, you should apply to programs that offers the career path you are most interested in pursuing. More specifically, if you intend to perform research in the dental field after graduation make sure to align yourself with an accredited program that emphasizes dental research.
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Stages Of Patient Care In Quality Dental Hygiene
The team at Kerr Dental believe there are eight discrete stages of patient care for a dental hygienist. Best practices culled over the course of several years helps to reveal what students need to know. In a typical dental practice, the daily workflow for dental hygiene professionals includes the following eight elements:
Qualifications & Requirements Becoming A Dental Hygienist
To become a dental hygienist, students must complete an accredited program through a community college, technical school, dental school, or university. Students should verify that the American Dental Associations Commission on Dental Accreditation accredits their program before enrolling. Most entry-level positions require an associates degree, and bachelors and masters degree programs are available.
Earning an associates degree in dental hygiene school typically takes three years to complete. The American Dental Hygienists Association reports that an associate degree in dental hygiene requires an average of 84 credits. For a bachelors degree, its an average of 118 credits.
Bachelors or masters degree programs may take an additional two to four years to complete and are ideal for dental hygienists aspiring to pursue a career in research and teaching or management roles in clinics or public health programs.
Admission requirements for dental hygienist schools typically include completing high school courses in chemistry, biology, health, psychology, speech, and mathematics. The ADHA reports that some programs also ask candidates for interviews, dexterity tests, or essays. Its important to check specific admission standards before applying to ensure eligibility.
Students are also required to have the following before obtaining licensure:
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Accreditation Of Dental Hygienist Schools & Programs
Accreditation aims to protect students of dental hygienist programs. Seeking an accredited school is essential to ensure quality in coursework, training, and exam preparation. Typically, only students enrolled in accredited programs are eligible for government funding. Furthermore, graduation from an accredited program is also a standard requirement for licensure and certification examinations in dental hygiene. Before applying to a school, students should verify a programs accreditation status.
Dental Hygienist Bachelors Degree
The bachelors degree track is an advanced degree program lasting 4 years. A bachelors degree in dental hygiene will be conferred as a Bachelor’s of Science . The BS degree will include an array of general education courses along with core dental classes.
The core classes are career-focused and geared towards specific areas within the dental field which may include dental practice management, dental hygiene research, dental law & business ethics, periodontics, pharmacology, and advanced clinical research. Bachelors degrees are often a requirement for students looking to work in a managerial or supervisory capacity after graduation.
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Resources In Dental Hygiene
If you are looking for additional information on a future in the dentistry field, read our comprehensive dental career guide. It includes a variety of relevant topics such as job duties, common treatments, educational requirements, on-the-job training, typical hours, center duties, and dental assisting specialties. Additionally, you can find specific job information for dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental lab technicians in our guide.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Recognized as currently the largest dental school facility in America, UNCs School of Dentistry is also the only dental school in the state to award baccalaureate degrees. Admission to the University at large does not guarantee admission to the School of Dentistry.
Students are required to complete two years of prerequisite and general curriculum courses before applying to the dental hygiene program. A personal interview may also be required before admission.
Once accepted to the School of Dentistry students may enroll in the Certificate program of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. This major requires 61-62 credits.
Classes may include Nutrition, Histology, Radiographic Interpretation, Dental Ethics and Jurisprudence, and Special Care in Dentistry. After graduation, students may be eligible to apply for the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Education.
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What Are The Prerequisite Courses For A Dental Hygiene Program
Prerequisite courses usually include Chemistry, Biology and Microbiology at a minimum grade C level as well as General Education subjects. Most colleges expect a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Most will require that you hold a high school certificate, GED or equivalent, and that you hold a current CPR certificate.
Most degree programs are offered at public community colleges. As such, costs are generally low, especially if you attend a community college in the state in which you are resident. Some community colleges make further discounts for residents of the district where the school is located. All programs will require at least two years of study. For example, a resident of the Austin Community College District in Texas would pay $2,550 in annual tuition fees to study at local community college. A resident of Monmouth County in New Jersey would pay $3,653 in annual tuition fees to do the same. Bear in mind that costs are usually calculated on a cost-per-credit basis.
If you attend a private university or college, you can expect costs to be significantly higher. The American Dental Association estimates that the average cost of tuition for an Associate degree for in-district/in-state students is $22,692.
You should also budget for books and supplies of approximately $1,500, the costs of uniforms and basic equipment, room and board if necessary, transportation and medical insurance.
What You Will Learn
As someone interested in dental hygiene, you know the value of a healthy smile is much bigger than appearance overall dental health can indicate serious, underlying health issues including and beyond your mouth. You are passionate, eager, and patient to educate people about these facts to ensure that their oral hygiene is a priority. As a future dental hygienist, you imagine being professional and personable with your patients you’re likely detail-oriented and easy to talk to. You also recognize the importance of a team dynamic in the workplace. Enroll in the Dental Hygiene program at Central Piedmont and earn an Associate of Applied Science in dental hygiene.
On a typical day as a dental hygienist, you will:
- review health histories, assess oral health conditions, provide oral cancer screening, collect and review vital signs, and complete necessary chart entries
- expose and develop dental radiographs
- develop and present dental hygiene treatment plans to patients
- provide periodontal treatment to include removal of hard and soft deposits from the teeth and administration of preventive and therapeutic agents
- instruct patients on appropriate preventive oral hygiene techniques and nutrition as it relates to oral health
- make impressions of the teeth and pour study models
- place temporary fillings, periodontal dressings, and remove oral sutures
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The Technology Requirements Indicate There Is No Support For Chromebooks Or Apple Products Can I Still Take My Program If I Have A Macbook Or Chromebook
For most programs, the recommendation is to have a MS Windows 10 computer for an optimal experience and for ease of downloading academic software. The reliability of remote connections to college computers and software cannot be guaranteed for Macbook and Chromebook users.
The Microsoft Office suite products that are available free to Niagara College students though Office 365 do have versions that work with Macbooks and Chromebooks, and the majority of internet-based applications will work as well. However, some program-specific software is designed to run on Windows 10, and the successful download of these applications cannot be guaranteed. Our Learning Management System at Niagara College is Blackboard, and while students can access Blackboard through an internet browser, for some assignments and tests there is a layer of security that uses a proctored browser. The proctored browser will not function on Macbooks nor Chromebooks.
Students assume the risk of a compromised virtual experience if they choose to participate without the recommended technology.
COVID-19 has impacted the delivery type and computer/technology requirements of many Niagara College programs. Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 situation, computer/technology requirements may be subject to change.
All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
Availability
Note: This program features a condensed schedule.
Best 16 Dental Hygiene Schools In Florida In 2022
Dental hygienists in the State of Florida must first meet certain requirements before they start their career as a dental hygienist, which typically begins with earning a degree at one of the dental hygiene schools in Florida. Knowing the laws and regulations to become a dental hygienist, including the educational requirements, prepares an individual for a rewarding career.
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How To Become A Dental Hygienist
College-bound students interested in learning how long it takes to become a dental hygienist will find detailed steps below. It is worth noting that online degree completion requirements for CODA accredited higher education institutions will generally have similar requirements for incoming students. To earn a dental hygienist degree, you will need to get started to thoroughly understand the following state dental hygiene requirements along with dental school factors and components.
What Is A Dental Hygienist
A Dental Hygienist works as part of a dental team. They clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases, and provide preventative dental care. Additionally, Dental Hygienists develop educational services for individuals or groups, to aid in the understanding of oral disease. Hygienists are also trained in therapeutic services such as administering local anesthesia, scaling, root planing, curettage, polishing and application of fluoride and sealants to control oral disease and maintain oral health.
Get Started
Applications are accepted from March 1 – April 1.
If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, then the deadline is the following business day.
- 1570 E. Colorado Blvd.
- Pasadena City College
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What Does Trident Technical College Offer
Trident Technical Colleges Dental Hygiene program includes both general education and professional dental courses. Students receive hands-on learning in the dental clinic on Main Campus. This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Dental Hygiene graduates are eligible to sit for the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam and individual state board examinations for licensure.
What To Expect From A Career As A Dental Hygienist
Dental hygiene programs at Ontario colleges are popular, due in part to the lucrative salary expectations in the field. Still, training requires discipline of study and excellent communication skills, as well as an interest in helping patients maintain their oral hygiene. Dental hygiene programs will provide you with the scientific knowledge and practical experience needed to enter this competitive field.
If youre interested in fast-tracking into the dental field and you have the social skills needed to become a dental hygienist, heres what you need to know.
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What Do Dental Hygienists Do
Dental Hygienists form an increasingly important part of the dental clinic. They are specialists in cleaning teeth, but their role is much bigger and covers all aspects of preventative care. They examine the mouth for signs of oral disease such as caries , gum disease the most common of which is gingivitis, infectious diseases such as oral herpes, and oral cancer. They also play an important role in patient education, health promotion, pain management, infection control and helping patients to maintain and improve their oral health.
What To Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Warden WA, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation . Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Warden WA employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
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Health Kinesiology & Athletics Division
Our Dental Hygiene Associate in Science degree program can be completed in 2 years and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation . The program includes courses such as Clinical Dental Hygiene, Dental Radiology, General and Oral Pathology, Expanded Functions for the Dental Hygienist, Educational Theories in Dental Hygiene, and Community Dental Health.
Successful completion of the two year program qualifies you to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and the regional board exams for licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
Dental Hygiene Licensure Exam Pass Rates
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