Hygienists ensure that teeth are cleared of plaque, cement residue used in fillings as well as cleaned and polished. It also falls to the hygienist to ensure the patients understand how to properly care for the mouth to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. An associate’s degree in dental hygiene can be earned in two years. To sit for the test to receive a license, the degree must be from an accredited program. Hygienists must be licensed by the state in which they practice. As patient rosters grow, the job prospects become more diverse as dentists struggle to keep up with the aging population who is investing in quality dental care. 

A Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is usually a four-year program. To enroll in either an associate’s certificate or bachelor’s degree program, potential students must have a high school diploma or educational equivalent. The first two years focus on much of the same material as is covered in an associates program. This includes general education classes, such as English as well as specialty classes. Oral anatomy and hygiene theory are taught alongside cleaning techniques. A bachelor’s degree allows students to expand their knowledge and enhance their clinical expertise. This enables them to advance in their chosen career and provides opportunities that are not open to certificate holders. This includes the option to become a health educator or to work in healthcare management.

Hands-on experience with patients and clinical education is part of the coursework that is required to attain a major in dental hygiene. For students who are enrolled in a full time, four-year program, this is done in a supervised environment. For students who already have an associate’s certificate and have met the clinical requirements, accredited online programs provide flexibility for completion of the degree.  Graduates with a bachelor’s degree often earn upwards of $30 per hour in a private office setting. They can also choose other areas to practice their skills such as sales, dental assisting and earning their graduate degree, which further enhances their professional and salary potential.

The University of Louisville offers a comprehensive four-year dental hygienist degree. The curriculum provides a broad-based foundation in a variety of settings, teaching critical thinking and analytical skills. General education classes fill the liberal arts requirements during the first two years. The last years are spent primarily in the dental school facilities. Clinical courses and practical experience are emphasized. The minimum grade point average varies from year to year, so it is wise to check the requirements before applying. The University of Pittsburgh Dental Hygiene Program is the single one in the state that has an affiliation with a major university. It operates in conjunction with the School of Dental Medicine including the UPMC hospitals. 

Clinical, didactic and research activities are emphasized throughout the program. The initial two-year course provides students with a certificate in Dental Hygiene. There are several pre-requisites for students who wish to earn the bachelor’s degree after certificate completion. They include, but are not limited to a biology and a chemistry class, each with an accompanying lab, English Composition, and at least an introductory Sociology course. Personal interviews conducted by the admissions committee, three references and attending at the Dental Hygiene Applicant seminar are also necessary. The University of Southern California’s Los Angeles campus contains the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. A Dental Hygiene certificate is required for entry into the program.

The emphasis in this program, along with many of the other top programs is on ethics, values and clinical skills. The role in the dental community is fully explored. Students have significant hands-on experience by the time they graduate. They are taught to problem solve and interact with a variety of different people, from dentists to patients. The top undergraduate dental hygienist schools have fully accredited programs and competitive admissions. Although each varies somewhat, they all demand excellence. For those individuals who graduate with a bachelor’s degree, they will find that their skills are in high demand and that their salary is also higher than in other entry-level positions. School size, tuition and program focus should be among the primary considerations when choosing the program that is right for you.

Although graduate level dental schools have similar curriculum, there are specialty classes that help shape the direction of the student’s careers. The programs are diverse, so before embarking on your degree, you should take some time to consider your goals. New York University has one of the best dental programs at this level. It was the first successful dental school in the state. It has also been the pioneer of new technologies, such as the dental X-ray and was the first educational facility to fully institute a digitalized dental school curriculum. Its focus is on the Master of Science degree. Emphasis is on clinical research, biomaterials and biology/oral biology.

Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine is one of the country’s best graduate level dental schools. Founded in 1958, it was the first to focus on specialty dental education. In the late 1980’s, it implemented a program where students could receive practical experience in a supervised environment. The focus of the program is on research in areas such as health policy and services, clinical and periodontal studies. It has affiliations with other schools at Boston University as well as research institutes worldwide. The University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Dentistry offers a Master of Science, focused on Oral Biology. Founded as the Kansas City Dental College in 1881, it has gown and expanded in the past century.

It is known for its technologically advanced instructional settings, clinical facilities and administrative offices. The University of Kentucky in Lexington is comprised of two departments as well as twelve divisions. Known for its innovative approach to dental education, graduate level dental students specialize in Orofacial Pain, Orthodontics and Periodontics. They receive a Master of Science degree and a specialty certificate. There are several types of graduate degrees that offer a wide variety of career pathways.  Although some individuals do not progress further than a bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene, a large percentage of students attend the best graduate level dental schools. As the experience and education levels progress, the job opportunities become more focused and salary levels increase.

A few of the more important terms they use are described here. Fully operational dental hygienist programs that are “approved without reporting requirements” is a classification that indicates the coursework and ancillary requirements meet or exceed the specified guidelines. If reporting is needed, then one or more areas of the program have shown deficiencies or weaknesses. The educational institution will be put on notice that they have up to two years to correct the issues if they wish to retain accredited status. The Commission will decide if their accreditation will be withdrawn or if the period to meet standards will be extended. If the program is not fully operational, they may be going through a period of initial accreditation.

This status is extended to those dental hygienist schools that are either in the early stages of development or are in the process being implemented. This type of classification indicates to the licensing bodies, government and other related agencies that the school is taking the necessary steps to develop a program that meets accreditation standards. There are usually several site evaluation visits throughout the initial stages to ensure compliance until the program is fully operational. If an institution decides to stop enforcing the requirements and withdraws, the program status is changed to discontinued. Existing classes will still earn their degrees from the accredited program, but there will be no new, first year classes. 

This is not a spur of the moment decision by dental hygienist schools or the Commission. If the program is currently operating under the status, “intent to withdraw”, a formal notice has been served. It gives the school a date by which standards must be met before its status will be changed to “withdrawn.” Whereas the status of “discontinued” is voluntary, “withdrawn” is not. Rankings done by third party organizations are questionable. The school you attend should not be decided on this alone. Accreditation, location, tuition and specialty classes offered should be among the primary deciding factors, rather than ranking. A visit to the campus, on-site interviews and a review of internship opportunities available will help you choose the school that is right for you.

• The role of a dental hygienist has become an integral part of public and private dental facilities in recent years. As more people have decided to make the investment in oral and dental health, hygienists have been able to assist dentists in handling a larger patient roster. Their daily responsibilities include removing the hard and soft deposits from teeth, examining teeth and gums for potential issues and recording the data in patient charts. Hygienists also teach their patients how to practice good oral hygiene. They need to be able to provide education to their patients, in easy to understand terms.
• Dental health educators very often have a dental hygiene degree. Those individuals who thrive on teaching their patients about dental care often have careers outside of the traditional dentist office setting. In elementary and secondary schools, they may administer fluoride to students and teach proper oral care techniques. They function within the educational system’s health department.
• Public Health Administrators have advanced, non-clinical dental hygiene degrees. In community groups and government agencies, their duties may include developing programs to meet the needs of the community. They require high-level problem solving skills to find solutions and answers to issues that arise in the local dental health arena. Grant writing to fund the program may also be necessary. They are employed in research institutions, colleges and universities, public health departments and private foundations.
• A dental hygienist who works with individuals who have physical or mental disabilities is called an Advocate. They personalize oral health programs and remove barriers that prevent quality care, such as gaps in the provision of dental services. A minimum of a Bachelor’s is required, but most advocates carry at least a graduate degree.
• A Dental Tech Hygienist is also sometimes referred to as a clinician. It is a secure, in-demand career and can begin with an associate’s degree or certificate. A license from the state in which they are practicing is a requirement. It is a good place to start in the dental health industry, especially if the individual is interested in dentistry, but does not wish to become a dentist. They handle tasks that cannot be performed by a dental assistant.

There are several dental hygienist jobs and career pathways in today’s dental health industry. A dental hygienist is employed in a public or private practice. Educators, advocates and administrators have advanced degrees and spend their careers in an office, rather than a clinical setting. Regardless of the path you choose, there is a stable career with advancement potential awaiting.

If you have done the research and found that this career and its opportunities appeal to you, it is time to apply to dental hygienist schools. Regardless of the type program you have decided upon, whether an associates certificate or bachelor’s degree, it is important to confirm that it is accredited. This will ensure your ability to sit for your licensure exam. Admissions departments will be looking for the same type of information no matter where you apply. One of the first things considered is a strong academic record. If you are still in school and researching schools, find out what their base requirements are. Focus on raising your grades if your current grade point average is a little low.

Although higher grades may help you get into a dental hygienist program easier, they are not the only basis for a decision. This is especially true if you have been out of school for a while but have professional experience no matter what your current industry might be. If you have the determination and enthusiasm to make it in this field, it will be a consideration in your application package. Go through the list of components and gather all of the materials needed to meet the admissions requirements. Look through the information and make a list of your strengths and weaknesses.

Most applications for dental hygienist schools include a portion of the packet that addresses this topic in some way. In some cases, a personal statement is needed. It is important that you take your time and answer this type of question thoroughly and thoughtfully. It is your opportunity to showcase your personality and individuality. It may be tempting to write one essay and include it with all applications. This “one-size-fits-all” approach rarely works. Craft each one individually, based on the requirements. This will show your interest in the program and properly address your career goals. Make sure you adhere to all deadlines to ensure the admissions office has time to process your application and give it the attention it deserves.

It is not uncommon for there to be several different qualifications for eligibility to be met and applications accepted. If your high school transcripts reflect good grades, then you may qualify for merit-based scholarships. Dental Hygiene schools often send information about the options available in your acceptance package. Although any financial help will be useful, these are usually for small dollar amounts. There is no limit to the number of scholarships that you can apply for, so fill out the necessary paperwork for these applications and continue your search. There are many states that offer scholarships for students attending in their state. Talk with the financial aid departments at the schools you are considering, or check with the state’s Department of Education for more information.

The American Dental Association (ADA) Endowment and Assistance Fund has a program for dental professionals. This includes dentists, dental hygiene, dental lab technicians and assistants. There are many ADA Foundation scholarships available each year. Some are general, based on the industry and others are awarded for specialty programs. They are not just used for tuition. They are dispersed to pay for any costs related to education, such as books, supplies and living expenses. Although funds are sent directly to the school twice annually, the second disbursement is sent based on your ability to maintain grades and other performance criteria.

There are also professional organizations, such as the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) that not only offer scholarships, but also list grants and types of internships that are available. Dental hygiene degrees offer many career options. Due to the increased population over the age of sixty-five who are willing to invest in their dental health, as well as increased awareness for preventative maintenance, there is a high demand for quality, qualified professionals. Earning a bachelor’s degree is worth the investment, but it is not cheap. Contact the schools you are interested in, search professional organization web sites and check with your state’s Department of Education to find funding sources other than financial aid.