Top Dental Hygienist Schools Ratings & Rankings

If you have decided to apply to dental hygienist schools for a bachelor’s degree, you may have found the number of options overwhelming. There are campus based programs as well as those offered online. One of the most important things to take into consideration is whether or not the programs are accredited. Many employers and all graduate programs require this type of degree. As you begin your research, you may found that there are different terms that refer to a variety of classifications of accreditation. The American Dental Association (ADA) has specific guidelines regarding what makes a quality program. There is a commission tasked with maintaining and ensuring standards are met.

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 The Commission will decide if their accreditation will be withdrawn or if the period to meet standards will be extended.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.