Associate degree programs in dental hygiene are two years in duration and typically require one or two semesters of general education and prerequisite coursework in the liberal arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. This is followed by both theoretical and practical hands-on instruction in dental hygiene. Graduates may choose to transfer their credential towards a bachelor’s degree completion program at a college or university.
Most dental hygiene programs are at the associate degree level, so there are many options to choose from. Baltimore City Community College, Sheridan College, Northern Virginia Community College, Parkland College, Calhoun Community College, Middle Georgia Technical College, Herzing College, Community College of Denver, El Paso Community College, Allegany College of Maryland, Tennessee State University and Austin Community College all offer an associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degree in dental hygiene. Associate of science (A.S.) degree programs in dental hygiene are also offered at Manor College, Columbus Technical College, Miami Dade College, Cape Cod Community College, Clark College, Taft College, Daytona State College, Community College of Philadelphia, New Hampshire Technical Institute, Indiana University and Springfield Technical Community College.
Baccalaureate degree programs in dental hygiene are generally four years in duration. The initial one or two years of study are typically comprised of general education requirements in the natural sciences, mathematics, liberal arts and social science. The final two years consists of intensive study in dental hygiene and science, addressing topics such as radiology, oral pathologies, community health, dental anatomy, preventative oral health care, dental materials and applications, oral histology, pharmacology and peridontics. Students often have the opportunity to apply their clinical skills in a professional internship prior to graduation.
Texas Woman’s University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Northern Arizona University, New York University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Southern California, University of Wyoming, University of Minnesota, Eastern Washington University, Ohio State University and Ferris State University all offer a Bachelor of Science degree program in dental hygiene. The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers a both a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene as well as a 16-month post-baccalaureate degree for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject area. The University of Michigan offers a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene as well as an online and on-campus completion degree program for students who hold associate level credentials.
Master's degrees expand on the knowledge and skills learned at the bachelor’s degree level through advanced coursework in topics such as biostatistics, epidemiology, community oral health, health policy, research methods, health administration, leadership and management, health informatics, periodontal functions and educational methods.
A bachelor’s degree and some work experience in the field of dental hygiene are the general requirements for admission into these programs.
There are currently 20 masters degree programs in dental hygiene that are formally recognized by the American Dental Hygienists Association. The University of Maryland, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, University of New Mexico, Texas A&M University, University of Texas at San Antonio, Eastern Washington University, West Virginia University, Medical College of Georgia, Idaho State University and University of Bridgeport all offer a Master of Science in dental hygiene. The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers a part-time Master of Community Oral Health through online distance learning. Metropolitan State University offers both a post-baccalaureate certificate program and a Master of Science degree in oral health care practice. The University of Missouri at Kansas City offers both a Master of Science in dental hygiene education and a Master of Science in oral biology.