Find accredited online dental hygienist associate’s degree programs near you. Accelerated and hybrid (classroom/online) training options are available at some schools.
After completing a dental hygiene program you can have what is considered one of the highest paying trade school jobs. To research, teach, or work in the public school system, you’d need a master’s degree.
Colleges with Online Dental Hygiene Programs
- Daymar College
- Altierus Career College
- YTI Career Institute
- Vista College
- American Institute
- ECPI
- Platt College
- Miller Motte College
- Iowa Central Community College
- Northwestern College
- Midwest Technical Institute
- Ultimate Medical Academy
How to become a Dental Hygienist
What is a Dental Hygienist?
Dental hygienists are the ones who prep their patient’s mouth for the dentist. They clean the teeth, examine the mouth for signs of any concerning oral conditions such as gum disease or oral cancers. They also document the visit and educate the patient on how to take better care of and explain preventative measures of their mouths, teeth, and gums. Dental hygienists may take mouth x-rays, and apply tooth sealants and protectants. Tools hygienists use to clean teeth and gums are usually manual, powered, or ultrasonic, and they may use lasers, as well.[ref1]
What do Dental Hygienists do?
“Most dental hygienists start out in a community college or trade school in the dental hygiene program. Typically, an Associate’s in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene is the most common path and the one most preferred by potential employers. Most dental hygiene programs require one year of college curriculum with a GPA of 2.5 of higher before entering the program. Programs will take anywhere from two to four years, depending on whether you’re going for an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. All programs are similar, whether you’re going for an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. Both have general ed classes, as well as those that pertain directly to dental hygiene. However, when going for a bachelor’s degree, the courses go more in-depth, allowing the student a deeper knowledge of the field. While the bachelor’s degree option is perfect for those who plan on teaching, going into the research aspect of dental hygiene, or working in a clinical setting for schools or public health programs, an associate’s degree plus the certification is all that’s necessary to be employable.
In the associate’s degree program for dental hygiene, there are 24 credits of general education and 50 credits of core courses required, along with 8 elective credits. Bachelor’s degrees have a higher course credit requirement. 45 general elective credits, 68 core class credits, and 6 elective credits.
Dental hygiene coursework will include both classroom and practical, or hands-on, learning. Most programs include anatomy and physiology, microbiology and immunology, intro to dental hygiene, dental anatomy, periodontics, head and neck anatomy, and radiology in their curriculum.” – [ref1] Facts You Need To Know About Dental Hygienist Careers
How much money does a Dental Hygienist make?
Dental hygiene is one of the top paying trade school careers. The median annual wage for dental hygienists is over $72,000. The lower 10% earn around $50,000 and the highest 10% will make nearly $100k per year. Also, dental hygiene is one of the fastest growing careers and employment is expected to grow 19% through 2024. – “highest paying jobs with little schooling”
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