Dental hygienists are essential professionals performing critical labor at dental practices. In fact, you spend most of your time at the dentist with a dental hygienist! Learn about some of the best online dental hygiene programs associate’s degrees available to you, and start your career today!
Dental hygienists perform much of the teeth cleaning for standard dental appointments. They also take x-rays, do measurements, and perform other important work for dentists. In addition, dental hygienists enjoy stable work hours and reasonably high salaries.
Fortunately, becoming a dental hygienist is relatively easy, especially with online dental hygiene associate’s programs. Today, let’s break down the best online dental hygiene associate degree programs and explore what it takes to become a dental hygienist.
Article Navigation: Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene Overview | What to Expect in an Online Dental Hygiene Associate Degree Program | What to Look for When Selecting an Associate in Dental Hygiene Program | The Best Dental Hygienist Associate’s Degree Online Programs | How to Finance an Online Dental Hygiene Program | After Education, the Exam | Dental Hygiene Career Outlook & Salary Potential | FAQs
Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene Overview
Dental hygiene is an always-evolving field. Therefore, aspiring dental hygienists must complete an accredited associate degree in dental hygiene to qualify for available positions.
Typically, associate degrees in dental hygiene will cover topics such as dental hygiene practices, radiology analysis, restorative dentistry, and more. Further, they must include classwork that covers topics outlined by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
In addition, all accredited dental hygiene programs include supervised clinical experience requirements. Thus, online-only programs are not truly online-only. They have some necessary in-person experience credit hours. However, students who attend school remotely can complete these hours at local dental practices or facilities.
Most students acquire between 8 and 12 hours of in-person practical experience each week. In the second year, these hours usually bump to 12 to 16 hours of in-person experience per week.
Most associate degrees in dental hygiene take up to two years to complete. However, this can vary heavily based on the program itself, its course contents, and the experience level of a given student.
Certificate vs. Associate Degree
Technically, dental hygienists do not necessarily need an accredited associate degree to qualify for these positions. They can also complete accredited certificate programs for dental hygiene.
Certificate programs are more focused and streamlined training programs for aspiring dental hygienists. An associate degree includes not only dental hygiene classes but also general education classes. Those general education classes cover topics like history, social science, etc. The intention is to provide a well-rounded education and to prepare them for a bachelor’s degree.
In contrast, dental hygiene certificate programs are focused only on dental hygiene practices and courses. Because of this, dental hygiene certificate programs are:
- Usually cheaper than associate programs
- Faster than associate programs, and some can take less than one year to complete
However, students should be careful to attend accredited dental hygiene certificate programs. In addition, an associate degree program may still be a wiser choice in the long run. As noted, associate degrees prepare students to enter bachelor’s degree programs later.
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree later down the road will be better off completing an associate degree now. In other words, knock out those general education classes. But those who only wish to be dental hygienists can accomplish their goals with just a certificate program.
What to Expect in an Online Dental Hygiene Associate Degree Program
No two online dental hygiene associate programs are alike. Admission requirements or dental hygiene prerequisites vary from program to program. And the dental hygienist education requirements to graduate from the program vary. Students should explore each program thoroughly before signing up for any specific degree program.
Admission Requirements
Generally, students must meet specific admission requirements to qualify for excellent online dental hygiene associate programs. These requirements include:
- A GPA of 2.5 or higher
- High school or GED transcripts
- Certain class prerequisites
- A letter of recommendation (or several)
At the same time, some programs have more relaxed admission requirements. Students should research each program’s requirements in detail to determine which will most likely admit them promptly.
What to Look for When Selecting an Associate in Dental Hygiene Program
There are plenty of factors to keep in mind when choosing a degree program, especially since they can cost several thousand dollars.
Accreditation
As with most medical professions, relevant degrees must have accreditation from special organizations. That organization is the Commission on Dental Accreditation or CODA for dental hygiene. Other accreditation is valuable, but pursue accreditation by CODA to be employed as dental hygienists later down the road.
In total, the CODA accredits three dental hygienist training program types:
- Entry-level programs are for individuals who don’t have any experience in dental hygiene. These programs include both associate and bachelor’s degree programs.
- Degree completion programs are for licensed dental hygienists who want to further their education. Current dental hygienists who need continuing education credits will likely take these programs sooner or later.
- Graduate programs. Graduate programs are for those with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene or a related subject. They prepare degree holders for careers in administration, research, or teaching.
Most quality online associate degrees in dental hygiene should have CODA accreditation. Still, it pays to double-check before applying for a given program.
Type
Students should then consider the type of program they wish to take. As noted above, online associate programs in dental hygiene include some in-person credit hours. These hours are unavoidable given the practical experiences needed to qualify as a dental hygienist.
However, some online associate programs in dental hygiene are more online than others. For example, certain programs may have 50% of the classes online, while 50% are in person. Another may have 75% online classes with only a few practical classes requiring in-person visits.
Students should also attend an associate or certificate program based on their needs. The programs can seem very similar.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Dental Hygiene Associate Degree?
It generally takes two years to complete a dental hygiene associate degree program from start to finish. That’s because dental hygiene associate programs include general education classes. However, students with some general education credits can potentially complete a program in less than two years.
Cost of Program
All students should consider the dental hygienist school cost before signing on the dotted line. Most associate programs cost around $8,100 for two years of education.
Standard Courses
If possible, students should consider the courses they’ll take in an associate program. Note that all properly accredited degrees have a certain range of classwork dictated by CODA.
Standard dental hygiene associate-level courses include:
- Oral anatomy
- Pharmacology
- Periodontology
- Research principles
- Restorative dentistry
- Community dentistry
The Best Dental Hygienist Associate’s Degree Online Programs
Fortunately for aspiring online students, there are many quality online associate degrees in dental hygiene and related subjects.
1. University of Pittsburgh
Program: AS in Dental Hygiene
Accreditation: CODA
The University of Pittsburgh offers a specialized dental hygiene program. Its full accreditation comes from the Commission on Dental Accreditation and offers classes on campus and online. Furthermore, students can choose to take the program part-time or full-time, depending on their schedules.
Regardless, all students must complete 87-course credits over two years maximum. Students undergo several clinical rotations on campus and throughout the local Pittsburgh community. Rotations give all students the valuable experience they need to succeed in dental hygiene.
Practical experience rotations occur in locations like the University of Pittsburgh Radiology Department. Also, the Center for Patients with Special Needs and much more.
2. New York University
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
Accreditation: CODA
Alternatively, students can turn to New York University. This prestigious school offers an online associate program through the Office of Allied Health. Importantly, graduates can immediately proceed to an online bachelor of science degree in the same industry if they choose.
Most of the program’s courses are online (though not all). Most of the clinical and science-based courses are available on NYU’s campus only. In other words, prepare for a hybrid learning experience.
Throughout the program, students will learn various topics ranging from nutrition and health to dental materials, oral pathology, pain management, and more. Most students complete this online degree in less than two years, although some take the full two years. However, it would help if you considered that as a private university, NYU is one of the most expensive schools one can pick.
3. Mesa Community College
Program: Associative Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
Accreditation: CODA
Mesa Community College provides a rigorous and thorough associate in dental hygiene degree. It offers a personalized and balanced curriculum that combines general education classes with more focused courses for maximum benefits.
Even better, all students have the opportunity to proceed smoothly to the clinical and written dental hygiene exams post-graduation. Thus, students can potentially become employed as dental hygienists within days or weeks after graduating from the program.
Naturally, many of the program’s curriculum has to be attended in person to fulfill practical experience requirements. Still, this is a popular and affordable online associate degree in dental hygiene overall.
4. University of North Carolina
Program: Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
Accreditation: CODA
The University of North Carolina’s Chapel Hill campus offers an online associate degree in this field. Even better, UNC’s School of Dentistry is the largest dental school in the US. Moreover, it’s a dental facility that offers baccalaureate degrees online and in person.
Of course, admission to this university doesn’t automatically guarantee entry into the School of Dentistry. Students admitted will complete two years of general curriculum courses. Then, they can attend a personal interview to enter the dental hygiene program.
The long wait and additional course requirements are well worth it for most. The program includes robust and thorough courses covering topics such as:
- Dental jurisprudence
- Nutrition
- Histology
- Radiograph interpretation
- Special care in dentistry
5. Phoenix College
Program Name: Associate in Dental Hygiene
Accreditation: CODA
Lastly, students can take a dental hygiene program at Phoenix College, which was the first dental hygiene program for Arizona residents. The first class graduated in 1970. Now it’s offered online, but the program has significantly changed since it has updated its information with modern medical principles and practices.
The whole program takes four semesters, and it offers lengthy breaks during the holidays and the summer season. Throughout the program, students will learn all the modern dental hygiene practices and principles they need to succeed.
Note that several local community colleges share this program’s curriculum: including Mesa Community College and Rio Salado Community College. Because of this, students can easily transfer credits if necessary because of workplace requirements or family obligations.
How to Finance an Online Dental Hygiene Program
Students can finance online dental hygiene education in a variety of ways. Most associate degrees cost around $8,100 or less. Because of this, students can feasibly save money or pay for an associate degree out-of-pocket by taking classes as they can afford.
Dental Hygiene Scholarships & Grants
However, students can also take advantage of accessible and valuable dental hygiene scholarships and grants. Scholarships fund students, often after submitting an application essay or other requirements.
Grants, such as the Federal Pell Grant, are also available to dental hygiene students. Depending on the grant in question, some grants may be awarded regardless of degree or concentration. Others might be limited to degree types, specific student demographics, or other limitations and requirements.
It’s a good idea to search for scholarships and grants before applying to a specific school. This way, students can decrease their out-of-pocket costs as much as possible.
After Education, the Exam
Once aspiring dental hygienists have their degrees, they must take national and state licensure exams. This examination is the only way to become fully certified as a registered dental hygienist.
Pass the NBDHE Exam
The first is the National Board Dental Examination or NBDE exam. Split into two parts; the examination requires that each test-taker complete an accredited degree or certificate program before applying.
Part one of the exam focuses on dental anatomy, ethical principles, and anatomic sciences. The second part of the exam covers topics such as dental charting, oral diagnoses, and so on.
Pass Regional or State Clinical Exam
In addition to passing the national exam, all dental hygienists must pass their local regional or state clinical exams. Every state has different examination and licensure requirements. Generally, these exams consist of multiple-choice tests with potential practical examinations where students demonstrate their skills in front of examiners.
Investigate a state’s dentistry boards or similar organizations to determine what is needed to acquire state dental hygienist licensure.
Fulfill Additional State Requirements
In addition to the examination requirement, some states require students to have an associate degree rather than just a certificate. Again, this highlights the importance of doing the research before starting on the path to dental hygiene registration.
For example, suppose a student only completes a certificate program but finds that their state requires an associate degree. Then they’ll have to spend more time qualifying for and completing that associate degree before getting their license.
Dental Hygiene Career Outlook & Salary Potential
Many people decide to become dental hygienists because of the salary potential and career possibilities. Dental hygienists generally enjoy good career stability and employment opportunities across the country. To illustrate, the BLS indicates that dental hygiene employment should grow by 11% until 2030.
Dental Hygienist Pay
The BLS states that most dental hygienists earn over $77,000 yearly. Dental hygienists can make more than this, however. The top 10% earn approximately $100,000 annually, and newer dental hygienists frequently earn $60,000 per year.
Potential Careers in Dental Hygiene with an Associate Degree
New dental hygienists with an associate degree can also enjoy excellent career flexibility and advancement opportunities.
1. Dental Hygienist
The first profession for most dental hygiene graduates is, of course, dental hygienist. Dental hygienists handle the daily work of a dental practice. They work beneath licensed dentists and do everything except advanced dental techniques or procedures.
Most official dental hygienists are technically called registered dental hygienists or RDHs. In Indiana, registered dental hygienists are known as licensed dental hygienists instead. The “registered” marks a professional as having completed state and national certification exams and requirements.
2. Dental Assistant
Dental assistants are not as advanced as dental hygienists, however. These individuals can take x-rays, keep records, schedule appointments, and whether office or clerical work for dental practices. They are not qualified to work on patients’ teeth. They also earn significantly less, usually around $39,000 a year.
3. Dental Office Manager
Dental office managers are advanced clerical specialists who run dental offices. They can earn $50,000 a year or more, but they may not spend much time working on patients’ teeth or carrying out dental procedures. They are often promoted from dental assistants.
Options to Advance
Many dental hygienists opt to advance their careers and become dentists themselves. However, this takes much more education. Becoming a dentist requires a doctoral or professional degree. The rewards, though, are very worthwhile. Dentists earn over $160,000 a year on average.
With an associate degree, dental hygienists are well-positioned to continue their educations in the years to come. They can start by earning a bachelor’s degree, then proceed to a doctoral degree when they are ready.
FAQs
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?
Becoming a dental hygienist can take anywhere from six months to two years. It takes longer, depending on how long it takes one to pass the official exams.
Do you have to be good at math to be a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists require reasonably good algebra skills and a complete associate-level degree. However, advanced mathematics, such as calculus, is not necessary to be a dental hygienist.
What degree is best for a dental hygienist?
An associate or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene is best for aspiring dental hygienists. Any degree must be from an accredited school or program.
Where is the highest demand for dental hygienists?
According to the BLS, dental hygienists are most in demand in metropolitan states or those with large cities. These states include California, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York, and similar states.
How hard is dental hygienist school?
Dental hygienist school can be challenging and intellectually taxing. It also requires students to spend long hours earning practical experience credits. But it is not more difficult in nursing school.
What does it take to be a dental hygienist?
Dental hygienists must have good attention to detail, a team-oriented personality, and a high disgust threshold. Dental hygienists will spend much time cleaning teeth and around patients’ mouths.
What do dental hygienists do?
Dental hygienists perform the day-to-day work inherent in a dental practice. They clean teeth, take x-rays and ask patients questions. Also, they record measurements for dentists and assist with any other dental work as required.
Can I become a dental hygienist online?
You can earn a dental hygienist degree largely online. But all accredited dental hygiene degrees or related degrees will include some in-person practical experience credit requirements. So you’ll have to visit a nearby dental practice or school to earn those credit hours in person.
Is dental hygiene school harder than nursing school?
No. Dental hygiene school and nursing school are roughly equivalent. Especially in terms of their difficulty, credit hour requirements, and practical experience requirements.
Do you need a degree to be a dental hygienist?
No. However, it would be best if you had either an accredited certificate or an associate degree to become a dental hygienist.