Florida's Miami Dade College hosts one of the largest dental hygiene programs in the South. The two-year course requires that you complete 88 credits to graduate with an Associate in Science degree. According to the school's site, students will be required to take courses in natural science and general education, as well as those specific to dental hygiene. This is a full-time course, and Miami Dade College recommends students work no more than 20 hours per week outside of school. For the practical section of coursework, students are assigned to clinics in Miami Dade County.
Miami Dade College
300 N.E. 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33132-2204
305-237-4142
mdc.edu
Ohio State University, located in Columbus, offers a four-year course of study that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Unlike those with an associate's degree, people with an advanced degree in dental hygiene can find employment in teaching and researching. They also have the option of working in a school or a public institution without being under the auspices of a dentist. The program, which is half classroom based, half hands-on clinical practice, also offers a Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program for those who already have an associate's degree and want to earn a bachelor's degree. This is a competitive program, and entry is granted to students with an interest in the profession and with good interpersonal skills.
The Ohio State University
Dental Hygiene
3082 Postle Hall
305 W. 12th Ave
Columbus, OH 43210
614-292-2228
professional.osu.edu/denthy.asp
The University of Minnesota's School of Dentistry also offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. The program, which focuses on both theory and research methodology, is also committed to producing well-rounded students, requiring them to take numerous courses in other disciplines. It also helps future dental hygienists to be ready to work in a variety of environments, such as schools, elderly care facilities and community clinics. An accelerated program is available that goes year round and allows students to graduate in three years.
University of Minnesota
240 Williamson Hall
231 Pillsbury Drive S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0213
612-625-2008
dentistry.umn.edu
New York University's College of Dentistry offers both an Associate in Applied Science Degree Program in Dental Hygiene and the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. The associate's degree program is the only one of its kind offered in a dental college program and requires students to complete 78 credits. For people who work, this is a flexible program that can be completed two or three days per week or in the evenings. The bachelor's degree program is more intense and requires 128 credits for completion. Students will complete the practical component working with the Coler/Goldwater Memorial Hospital.
NYU College of Dentistry
345 E. 24th Street
New York, NY 10010
212-998-9800
nyu.edu