Established in 1899, Northern Arizona University is a public college in Flagstaff with more than 16,500 undergraduate students. The Department of Dental Hygiene ADA-approved program at the university grants a Bachelor of Science degree. Students spend the first year of the program completing general education requirements before receiving admission to the three-year professional phase. The upper-level curriculum features courses in radiology, pain management, periodontics, public health and pharmacology. Students complete five clinical rotations prior to graduation, including a three-week public dental health internship at an American Indian reservation, a military base or a clinic or agency that provides dental care to under-served populations. Northern Arizona also offers a baccalaureate course of study for licensed hygienists who have only a certificate, diploma or associate degree.
Northern Arizona University
South San Francisco Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
928-523-0520
nau.edu
Apollo College is a private, for-profit career college with branches throughout the western United States. The college's Mesa campus offers an ADA-approved certificate program in dental hygiene. The school only requires that students have a high school diploma or GED to attend the program, but space is limited and enrollment is first-come, first-serve. In addition to dental hygiene practice and techniques, the curriculum includes coursework on dental X-ray safety and procedures. The school participates in federal grant and loan financial aid programs. Job placement assistance is available for all graduates.
Apollo College at Mesa
630 W. Southern Blvd.
Mesa, AZ 85210
480-650-5898
apollocollege.edu
A member of the Maricopa Community College network of public, two-year schools, Phoenix College is home to 30,000 students. The school offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in dental hygiene. Before applying for admission to the program, students must satisfy prerequisite requirements in anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, critical reading, sociology, psychology, composition, communications and humanities. Students must also gain CPR certification before enrolling in hygiene classes. Among the topics of study in the program are restorative dentistry, periodontics, public health, legal and ethics issues, radiography, root planing and sealants. Clinical training occurs not only at the school's on-site, public dental hygiene clinic, but also at dental health clinics in the area, homeless shelters, public health facilities and the Maricopa County Department of Health Services.
Phoenix College
1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85013
602-285-7329
pc.maricopa.edu