Dental Hygienist Schools

“By educating patients on not only oral health concerns but also the link between systemic diseases and oral health, we have the opportunity to improve the quality of life and overall health for people in our community.”

– Annette Arevalos, Registered Dental Hygienist, Dee for Dentist

Dental hygienists provide preventive therapy to promote oral health, examine patients for signs of disease, and teach them to manage their oral hygiene. In addition to completing a dental hygiene program at an ADA-accredited school, aspiring dental hygienists must pass state exams on providing dental hygiene and education to patients and, in most states, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Upon receiving their license, hygienists become Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) and qualify for this high-growth occupation.

Dental hygienists are in high demand, and there are many opportunities for future career growth. With an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, dental hygienists can meet critical needs in metropolitan and rural communities by examining patients’ overall oral health, cleaning teeth, and providing preventative care through dentistry and public health advocacy.

While a dentist supervises most dental hygienists, many dental hygienists are pivoting into dental therapist roles by providing preventative and restorative dental procedures in underserved areas. Also known as “direct access care,” this work aims to increase healthcare access to rural and low-income areas that may not have enough dentists to serve the needs of specific populations. The dental therapist movement has full support from the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) to expand professional autonomy and provide basic healthcare needs for vulnerable communities.

Read on to learn more about on-campus and online dental hygienist schools, standard courses, accreditation, licensing, and certification for this growing career.

MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about dental hygienists?

Arevalos: I wish the public understood the value a hygienist brings to a patient’s overall health. By educating patients on not only oral health concerns but also the link between systemic diseases and oral health, we have the opportunity to improve the quality of life and overall health for people in our community.

MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring dental hygiene students?

Arevalos: One piece of advice that is always given is that your educational road will be one of the hardest things you go through to get your license. Often I hear, ‘Do we really want someone in the healthcare profession whose schooling was a walk in the park?’ I do agree with this statement, yet the advice that I share with students is to remember why you started the path in the first place, which likely had something to do with the quality of care you want to provide to the public. Always put that first!

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. Before enrolling, students should verify that the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredits their program. Most entry-level positions require an associate’s degree, but bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are also available.

Earning an associate’s 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 bachelor’s degree, it’s an average of 118 credits.

Bachelor’s or master’s degree programs may take an additional two to four years to complete and are ideal for dental hygienists who aspire to pursue careers in research and teaching or management roles in clinics or public health programs.

Admission requirements for dental hygienist schools typically include completing high school chemistry, biology, health, psychology, speech, and mathematics courses. The ADHA reports that some programs also ask candidates for interviews, dexterity tests, or essays. It’s important to check specific admission standards before applying to ensure eligibility.

Dental hygiene programs generally have two components. First, they offer science-intensive coursework. Core classes cover the fields of fundamental science (e.g., pharmacology, anatomy, physiology), dental science (e.g., oral pathology, radiology, pain control), and dental hygiene science (e.g., oral health education, preventative counseling, clinical dental hygiene). Second, these programs offer supervised patient care experiences.

The ADHA estimates that dental hygienist students will complete an average of 659 hours of supervised clinical instruction before receiving their degrees or certifications. This practical work helps students flesh out their theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in patient care.

Students may be eligible for licensure after completing a dental hygienist program at an accredited school. Initially, students must take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a test comprising 350 multiple-choice questions gauging both concrete knowledge and theoretical knowledge and students’ ability to tackle case studies. After passing this exam, students must complete their state clinical board examinations. The ADHA provides a comprehensive guide to these varying regional requirements.

Students are also required to have the following before obtaining licensure:

• Completion of a jurisprudence exam
• Proof of CPR certification
• Letter(s) of recommendation from a dentist(s) in the state of the desired licensure
• Official transcripts from high school(s) and college(s) attended
• Official letters from state boards of dentistry

Upon receiving licensure, dental hygienists can use the credentials “RDH” after their names to indicate their status as “Registered Dental Hygienists.”

On-Campus Dental Hygienist Schools

Here is a sampling of the CODA-accredited dental hygienist schools in the United States:

Seattle Central College

Seattle Central College offers a bachelor of applied science in allied health in dental hygiene. With an on-campus state-of-the-art dental education clinic in Beacon Hill, this program provides hands-on practical experience and courses in anatomy, chemistry, and pharmacology. The school includes instruction and supervision from faculty who are licensed and experienced dental professionals.

Offering a variety of learning experiences through hands-on learning in the Dental Education Center and community dental clinics, this eight-quarter, full–time BAS degree will prepare students for an exciting career in oral health as practicing dental hygienists. 

The program, which is made up of 195 credits, includes courses in fundamentals of dental hygiene, restorative practice and materials, pharmacology, dental radiology, research methods in allied health, pain control anesthesia, periodontology, and community dental health, among others.

The program opens up opportunities for graduates in private dental offices, hospitals, schools, public health clinics, nursing homes, managed care organizations, correctional institutions, and more.

• Location: Seattle, WA
• Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities
• Expected Time to Completion: Eight quarters

Salt Lake Community College

Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City offers a two-year associate of applied science (AAS) program in dental hygiene, accredited by ADA’s CODA and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, a regional accreditation body. This school boasts small class sizes and offers students interested in pursuing bachelor’s degrees the opportunity to transfer credits to four-year institutions within the Utah System of Higher Education.

The program, which comprises 88 credits, includes courses such as Dental Radiology, Dental Materials, general and oral pathology, community dental health, local anesthesia, practice management, head and neck anatomy, pharmacology, dental anatomy, and periodontology.

• Location: West Jordan, UT
• Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four semesters

University of Minnesota – School of Dentistry

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in Minneapolis offers an accelerated, three-year bachelor of science program for aspiring dental hygienists. Students in this program spend four weeks in a dental outreach clinic treating patients with dental students to gain hands-on experience, which prepares them for dental hygienist careers or a graduate degree.

UM also offers a master of science in dental hygiene (MSDH) to prepare students for careers in research or academia. For those interested in pursuing the education track of the MSDH program, UM has begun offering flexible online coursework options.

Students in the bachelor’s degree program take courses such as dental anatomy and histology, head and neck anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, periodontology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, general and oral pathology, local anesthesia and pain management, pediatric dentistry, cardiology and applied nutrition in dental hygiene care, and principles of restorative techniques.

• Location: Minneapolis, MN
• Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 36 months

College of Southern Nevada

The College of Southern Nevada offers a full slate of dental hygienist degrees: an 88-credit associate of science degree, a 123-credit bachelor of science degree, a 120-credit bachelor of science degree as an education specialist, and a 120-credit bachelor of science degree as a public health specialist. This school features state-of-the-art radiology, sterilization, and ultrasonic equipment at its Charleston Campus Health Sciences Center (HSC) in Las Vegas.

As part of the program, students will delve into topics such as dental hygiene theory, pharmacology for dental hygienists, legal and ethical concepts in dentistry, pain control methods, clinical dental hygiene, dental public health concepts, advanced education concepts, periodontic principles, oral epidemiology and biostatistics, oral biology, human anatomy and physiology, and future directions in dental hygiene.

The curriculum of these programs is designed to prepare students for the enhanced responsibilities and roles of dental hygienists in education, public health, research, administration, management, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Location: Las Vegas, NV; Henderson, NV; North Las Vegas, NV
• Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Expected Time to Completion: BS (48 months); AS (24 months)

Valencia College

Valencia College in Orlando, Florida, offers a two-year associate’s degree in dental hygiene. In this program, students learn skills such as administering anesthetics, operating radiological equipment, assisting root canals, applying fluoride and sealants, and instructing patients in acceptable oral hygiene practices.

The program comprises 88 credits, including coursework in dental anatomy, introduction to dental hygiene, introduction to clinical procedures, fundamentals of dental hygiene, dental hygiene instrumentation, dental radiography, dental materials, periodontology, dental office emergencies, pharmacology, community dental health, and general and oral pathology.

• Location: Orlando, FL
• Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Six semesters

University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee (UT) in Memphis offers a four-year bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene. It comprises a “2+2” format, combining two years of built-in prerequisite completion, two years of program coursework, and one week of clinical instruction. This program aims to teach its students the fundamental skills of dental hygiene and character-building, emphasizing community service initiatives for diverse populations.

This 122-credit program includes courses such as clinic theory, head and neck anatomy, dental embryology, histology, and anatomy, general and oral pathology, periodontology, anxiety and pain control, dental pharmacology, community dental health theory, and ethics, jurisprudence, and practice management.

• Location: Memphis, TN
• Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Hybrid & Online Dental Hygienist Programs

According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, many CODA-accredited programs offer online and hybrid options for prospective dental hygienists seeking both quality and flexibility in course completion.

The ADHA reports that the fully online options are typically for students with associate degrees or certificates in dental hygiene and are interested in degree completion programs to earn a bachelor of science in dental hygiene (BSDH). These accredited degree-completion programs, such as one at Wichita State University, offer all classes online, including educational methodology in dental hygiene, population health management in dental hygiene, research and evidence-based practice in dental hygiene, and issues in dental hygiene.

However, due to the hands-on nature of the profession, most entry-level dental hygienist programs require a classroom or clinical component. Students may be required to return to campus for laboratory or clinical practicums.

Here is a sampling of accredited online programs at dental hygienist schools.

Please note that the following programs require prior completion of an associate degree or certificate in dental hygiene. Students in these programs are generally practicing dental hygiene and looking to advance their qualifications.

Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers a bachelor of science (BS) in dental hygiene degree completion program (BSDHCP) geared toward students who want to further their professional development. The BSDHCP enhances students’ clinical knowledge with management, education, and public health courses. All classes are offered online under the guidance of Northern Arizona University’s faculty and students’ convenience. This university also provides exciting summer externship opportunities to serve diverse populations in Peru, Ghana, Camp Pendleton, Phoenix, Yuma, North Country, and more.

Applicants for this program must complete a minimum of 55 credit hours of prerequisite coursework. The curriculum includes coursework in neck and head, oral and dental anatomy, oral histology and embryology, oral radiology, ethics and law in healthcare, oral health and disease prevention, oral medicine and pharmacology, oral pain management, and restorative and dental materials.

• Location: Flagstaff, AZ
• Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University offers an online baccalaureate degree completion program in dental hygiene for licensed dental hygienists holding an associate degree or a certificate in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited program. Students in this online program will have the opportunity to participate in an educational and stimulating environment that combines advanced education in dental hygiene with the general education aspects of a bachelor’s degree.

The program’s curriculum includes courses such as periodontal therapy, research methods and interpretation, practice management, current concepts in dental hygiene, oral health behavior management, and a dental hygiene practicum.

Applicants to the program must be graduates of a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 and be licensed or eligible for an Ohio license to practice dental hygiene. The Ohio State University is authorized to offer this degree completion program in all 50 states.

• Location: Columbus, OH
• Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 18 months

Minnesota State University

Minnesota State University offers a two-year, accredited, online BSDH program provided by the Department of Dental Hygiene in the College of Allied Health and Nursing at Minnesota State University, Mankato. It’s ideal for full-time or part-time students who require flexibility in their course completion schedules. The curriculum is tailored to students’ level of college experience but generally requires students to complete 11 dental hygiene courses (32 credits) and two to four general education courses.

This program is designed for licensed dental hygienists who have successfully completed training at a program accredited by the ADA Commission dental hygiene. With no campus visits required, this program includes dental hygiene courses such as advanced dental hygiene practice, current issues in dental hygiene, technology in oral health, dental hygiene care planning, decision making in periodontology, research methods in dental hygiene, and oral medicine and treatment planning, among others.

• Location: Mankato, MN
• Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA); The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Dental Hygienist Core & Elective Courses

Core Courses

To become a dental hygienist, students must complete a program at an accredited dental hygienist school. These programs combine standard coursework with a hands-on, clinical laboratory component. According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, core classes typically include:

• Dental anatomy
• Head and neck anatomy
• Oral embryology and histology
• Oral pathology
• Radiography
• Periodontology
• Pain control (anesthetics)
• Dental materials
• Microbiology
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• General education courses (e.g., psychology, English, speech)

Electives & Specializations

Dental hygiene students may have the opportunity to complete electives in various specializations. This flexibility allows students to tailor coursework to their interests. Additionally, this instruction may enhance an individual’s candidacy for jobs that specialize in different dental procedures. Some of these course electives may include:

• Medical and dental emergencies
• Nutrition in dentistry
• Community dental health
• Patient management
• Legal responsibility in dentistry
• Oral biology

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 program’s accreditation status.

Programmatic Accreditation

The American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation has continually developed and administered high accreditation standards for dental hygiene educational programs. CODA also offers a list of approved programs organized by the state to prospective students. In most states, students must graduate from a CODA-accredited program to be eligible for state licensure.

Institutional Accreditation

In addition to programmatic accreditation, an institution should hold accreditation as an institution. For instance, four-year universities may have earned regional accreditation from organizations such as the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). In contrast, a two-year program may have earned accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).

As with programmatic accreditation, institutional accreditation considers faculty, facilities, and curricula to determine the institution’s viability in its educational mission.

Career Outlook

The BLS shows that in May 2024, 219,070 dental hygienists were employed in the United States. As with careers in healthcare, openings for dental hygienists are predicted to grow faster than average by 9 percent from 2023 to 2033 (BLS 2024).

Expanded access to medical and dental care through the Affordable Health Care Act, in tandem with ongoing research that links good general health to good oral health, will likely increase the demand for dental hygienists.

How Much Do Dental Hygienists Make?

According to the BLS (May 2024), the 219,070 dental hygienists in the country made an average annual salary of $93,890. The percentiles for the wages were:

• 10th percentile: $66,470
• 25th percentile: $80,060
• 50th percentile (median): $94,260
• 75th percentile: $102,920
• 90th percentile: $120,060

Top-Paying Industries for Dental Hygienists

Although the BLS no longer compiles salary data by industry, here’s a list of the five industries for dental hygienists that are generally the top paying:

• Employment Services
• Outpatient Care Centers
• Offices of Dentists:
• Facilities Support Services
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals

Top Employers for Dental Hygienists

As with salary data, the Bureau of Labor Statistics no longer compiles the top employers for the dental hygienists’ workforce, however dental offices are usually the top employers by a wide margin. Five industries with generally high levels of employment for dental hygienists are as follows:

• Offices of Dentists
• Employment Service
• Offices of Physicians
• Outpatient Care Centers
• Federal, State, and Local Government

Top Employing States for Dental Hygienists

Unsurprisingly, the states that hire the most dental hygienists are also some of the most populous. Here are the top five states with the highest levels of employment and the annual wages they earn (BLS May 2024):

• California: 22,940 employed ($127,090 per year)
• Texas: 16,010 ($89,640)
• Florida: 13,860 ($83,270)
• New York: 10,350 ($93,590)
• Illinois: 8,740 ($86,940)

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Dental Hygienist Licensure & Certification

State Licensure for Dental Hygienists

After graduating from an accredited dental hygienist program, individuals become eligible for professional licensure. State governments grant licenses, and therefore, requirements vary from state to state. Aspiring dental hygienists should investigate the requirements in the state where they want to practice. 

However, according to the ADHA, there are a few steps that are common across virtually every state:

• Completion of an accredited dental hygiene program
• Passing the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
• Passing a regional or state clinical board exam
• Completion of continuing education credits (to maintain licensure)

Once these steps are complete, the applicant must contact the state’s licensing authority where he or she wishes to practice and submit the required documentation and fees to become legally eligible for employment.

Certification for Dental Hygienists

Several certifying bodies for the dental hygienist profession may be relevant for those entering the field. The proper certifying body will depend on the geographic location of the individual becoming licensed.

• Council of Interstate Testing Agencies
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments
• Southern Regional Testing Agency
• Western Regional Examining Board

Each certification body administers exams in many states. For example, a hygienist who wants to become licensed in Kansas can take the ADEX, CDCA, CITA, CRDTS, SRTA, or WREB board exams. To determine what licensing exam to take, new hygienists should contact their state licensing board.