Schools That Offer Dental Hygienist Programs

University of Alaska at Fairbanks

• Founded in 1917, the University of Alaska at Fairbanks is a public institution home to more than 8,500 undergraduate and graduate students. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in dental hygiene. Admission to the program is competitive, and students must first complete courses in anatomy, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, algebra, communications, college writing, psychology and sociology. Those admitted to the program spend two years completing required professional courses, including periodontics, radiography, pharmacology and pathology. Three clinical rotations at the school's dental hygiene clinic are required for graduation. These rotations provide students the opportunity to receive hands-on practice in the dental techniques they learn in the classroom.

  University of Alaska at Fairbanks
  P.O. Box 75750
  Fairbanks, AK 99775
  800-478-1823
  uaf.edu

University of New England

• The University of New England is a private, nonsectarian institution located in Maine. More than 4,200 undergraduate and graduate students attend the school. Dental students begin their first two years in the bachelor of science in dental hygiene program at the school's Biddeford campus, completing general education requirements in fields including anatomy, chemistry, citizenship, composition, statistics and human development. Students spend the final two years of the program at the school's Portland campus in the professional phase of the program. This consists of classes in nutrition, tooth structure, radiology and community health. During the professional phase, students complete approximately 12 to 16 hours per week in the college's dental clinic, which treats approximately 5,000 patients each year. In addition to the traditional program, the university also offers a degree completion program in dental hygiene designed for students who are already licensed in the field but hold only an associate degree.

  University of New England
  Hills Beach Road
  Biddeford, ME 04005
  207-283-0171
  une.edu

Wallace State Community College

• Located in Hanceville, Alabama, Wallace State Community College is a public institution with approximately 6,000 students. The school's dental hygiene program culminates in an associate of applied science degree. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED. The program takes five semesters to complete and features coursework in anatomy, chemistry, periodontics, nutrition and emergency dental treatments. Four clinical rotations are required of students. The rotations are conducted in dental clinics throughout northern Alabama. The school boasts a 93 percent job placement rate within three months of graduation. Graduates pass the national board exam in dental hygiene the first time they take it 96 percent of the time, according to the college's website.

  Wallace State Community College
  801 Main St.
  Hanceville, AL 35077-5462
  256-352-8000
  wallacestate.edu