Dental Hygienist Schools

a dental hygienist takes a lot of time, effort, and training but it is well worth the effort. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “[e]mployment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 36 percent through 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.” This growth rate promises a heightened demand for skilled dental hygienists, a demand that you can fill—with the right training.

Job Description

Dental hygienists remove hard and soft deposits from patients’ teeth (plaque and tarter), apply cavity prevention treatments, and instruct patients on proper dental hygiene practices. Some of their other job duties include:

  • Inspecting teeth and gums for dental abnormalities.
  • Taking x-rays of teeth
  • Recording patients’ dental health history
  • Applying cavity-prevention treatments to teeth
  • Assisting the dentist during a dental procedure

In some states, dental hygienists may also:

  • Administer anesthetics
  • Remove sutures
  • Place temporary fillings
  • Perform laboratory tests and present the results to the dentist for analysis
  • Smooth and polish dental work

Becoming a Dental Hygienist

Successful completion of a dental hygiene program is required before you can work in this profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 301 such dental hygiene programs (accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation) in the United States.

Most dental hygiene programs offer 2-years associate’s degrees and are taught at community colleges and technical schools. Some universities offer 4-year bachelor’s degrees in this field as well. (A bachelor’s degree offers one a broader educational base and can lead to more and better career opportunities).

Generally, an associate’s degree is sufficient for practicing in a private dental practice. However, if you want to pursue a career in teaching, research, or administration, a bachelor’s or a master’s degree is advisable.

Entry Requirements for Dental Hygiene Programs

Although entry requirements for dental hygiene program vary depending upon the school, most require that you:

  • Are at least 18 years of age
  • Have obtained a high school diploma or a GED
  • Have taken some high school courses in math, biology, English, and chemistry
  • Maintained at least a “C” average in high school
  • Achieved satisfactory college entrance exam scores

In addition, many dental hygiene programs require that the applicant complete one year of college prior to admittance.

But how do you find a good dental hygiene program? A good first step, say experts, is to investigate the American Dental Hygienist’s Association website, which has a comprehensive listing of dental hygiene schools in (or out of) your area.

Typical Courses of a Dental Hygiene Program

Although course requirements differ from school to school, most dental hygiene programs offer such courses as:

  • Speech
  • English
  • Psychology
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Sociology
  • Nutrition
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Radiography
  • Pharmacology
  • Periodontology (gum disease)
  • Clinical dental hygiene
  • Microbiology
  • Histology (tissue structure)

These course are taught in classrooms and also incorporated into clinical and laboratory instructional settings.

These are the courses that will prepare you to take your place proudly beside other professionals in the dental hygiene occupation.

Top Dental Hygienist Schools

  • Carrington College California

    Now you can earn your associate degree and can get started in the career field you’ve always dreamed of more conveniently than ever by attending the online Campus of Carrington College California. Considered a leader in education, Carrington College California has a long history of helping students succeed in real world careers.

  • Carrington College

    Carrington College®, a recognized leader in private education, opened in 1976 and currently provides practical, real-world education to more than 4,000 students annually. Carrington College® offers small classes with hands-on learning taught by experienced faculty.

  • West Coast University

    West Coast University (WCU), with campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, offers Bachelor and Master’s level degree programs that are designed to help you reach your educational and professional goals while balancing an already busy life and work schedule. We want to help you advance in the health care industry through higher education.

    Complete information about West Coast University, including its academic programs, campus locations, admissions policy, and tuition, is located at westcoastuniversity.edu.

  • Argosy University

    To succeed in today’s competitive workforce, you need a solid foundation of knowledge – and the power to put it to work. And that’s exactly what an Argosy University education offers. Drawing upon our more than 30-year history of granting degrees, Argosy University has developed a curriculum that focuses on interpersonal skills and practical experience alongside academic learning. Because getting a degree is one thing. Succeeding, quite another.

  • Sanford-Brown Institute

    Sanford-Brown can help prepare you for a rewarding career in health and dental care, business, paralegal, criminal justice or information technology. With nearly 20 campuses in the Sanford-Brown Institute and Sanford-Brown College divisions, selecting a school that suits your particular career training and education needs is easy.

  • Missouri College

    For over 40 years, Missouri College in St. Louis, Missouri has given students the opportunity to obtain innovative, career-oriented training through our Business Administration, Health Care, and Massage Therapy program areas. We have helped prepare students for their initial journey into the workplace, as well as helped experienced professionals with career advancement.

  • Sanford-Brown College

    For over 140 years, Sanford-Brown College has provided career-oriented postsecondary educational programs. Our institution offers focused, innovative, quality short-term programs in the fields of business and healthcare. At Sanford-Brown, we have focused our study programs, which enable you the opportunity to develop your skills effectively to meet your specific career goals. Plus, our programs focus on the essential concepts and skills most employers look for in entry-level employees. Our goal is to provide you with the practical information and experience you need to get your foot in the door. The secret to our success is that we do not require students to take courses that are not directly supportive of their career goals.

  • Concorde Career College

    With over 15 years of experience in preparing adults for rewarding careers, Concorde is a recognized leader in training Healthcare Professionals. We offer short, manageable programs with day and evening classes to fit your busy schedule.

  • Herzing University

    Herzing University provides a career-focused education in technology, business, healthcare, design, and public safety. Founded in 1965, Herzing University now includes 12 physical locations in eight states and Herzing University Online. Focusing on the individual student’s need is key to the Herzing philosophy.

    Herzing University’s instructors are specifically trained to make it a stimulating and interactive experience. Classes are monitored for quality and class sizes are limited to ensure personal attention.
    The Herzing University educational philosophy is based upon the premise that higher education can enhance an individual’s capacity to attain personal and career goals.