Easiest Dental Hygiene Degree Programs & Colleges

For those looking forward to getting into dental hygiene as their career, the first step is to choose the right education path. In the realm of dental hygiene degrees, simplicity can be a guiding light.

Whether you're seeking the convenience of online lectures or a simplified curriculum, the search for the easiest dental hygiene degrees can lead to promising opportunities.

These programs prioritize a smooth transition into the dental health profession, offering tailored support and straightforward pathways to success.

Through coursework that encourages practical learning with comprehensive training, students will progress confidently on their dental hygiene path, knowing they're on the path to a fulfilling career in oral healthcare.

Easiest Dental Hygiene Degree Programs

Traversing the world of oral health doesn't have to be a daunting task. Explore our list of the easiest dental hygiene degrees to help kickstart your career.

1. University of Missouri-Kansas City

University of Missouri-Kansas City's (UMKC) School of Dentistry provides a bachelor's program in dental hygiene, equipping practitioners with the essential know-how and competencies to work in contemporary settings.

The program is composed of two tracks that are well-designed to meet the needs of both, prospective hygienists and licensed professionals seeking further advancements in their careers.

2. Augusta University

Augusta University's Doctorate of dental medicine has an eight-semester program of study emphasizing basic and clinical sciences as primary components.

Ranging from oral biology through the behavioral sciences, students acquire knowledge designed for clinical dentistry.

3. Ohio State University

Ohio State's online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene is aimed at licensed hygienists, with a focus on education methodology and research.

The program integrates theory with practice, enabling graduates to secure positions as both teachers and multidisciplinary personnel.

4. Missouri Southern State University

Offering a pre-dental program, Missouri Southern State University equips students with foundational biology knowledge. Graduates are prepared for dental school admission, armed with essential skills for oral health practice.

5. Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT)

Oregon Institute of Technology's (OIT) online completion program for a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene provides an excellent opportunity for licensed hygienists to enhance their career positions.

The curriculum embodies dental hygiene and public health together with management courses, molding the students for a vast number of roles.

6. Wichita State University

Wichita State University's (WSU) online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene expands the knowledge of dental hygiene practitioners to a higher level. With a flexible, fully online format, students can complete the program in as little as three semesters.

7. St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College (SPC) is the only educational institution in Florida that provides a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene, giving a boost to the career prospects of licensed hygienists.

The fully online program includes trainings that cover a broad range of subjects, such as sales, practice management, and education.

8. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

At Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIUC), the B.S. in Dental Hygiene attentively prepares its students through sequential classes and hands-on experiences that create a strong sense of community.

The program's rigorous and competitive admissions process ensures that only committed individuals who meet high standards and have high professional aspirations are selected.

9. Herzing University

Being accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Herzing University's bachelor's degree is designed to not only ensure you pass your licensure exams but also provide you with a great career in the national dental workforce.

With up to 90 transfer credits, it guarantees an easy transfer for already licensed hygienists.

10. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University's (ODU) BSDH program caters to licensed dental hygienists, providing advanced training without clinical requirements. Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), the program offers a pathway to career expansion and graduate study.

How Much Does a Dental Hygiene Degree Cost?

The price of a dental hygiene degree is dependent on the degree a dental hygiene major is seeking.

Based on the American Dental Hygienists' Association, an aspiring dental hygienist needs to spend around $22,692 for the average estimated total cost of tuition and fees for an associate degree, $36,382 for a bachelor's degree, and $30,421 for a master's degree.

Can I Earn My Dental Hygiene Degree Online?

Even though most dental hygiene programs require physical presence within the classroom, reputable online options do exist for licensed dental hygienists seeking to advance their education from an associate to a bachelor's degree.

What Is the Typical Course Load for a Dental Hygiene Degree?

The typical course load for a dental hygiene degree covers a range of key content areas, as outlined by CODA. These areas include:

• General education: Classes that cover the fundamentals of subjects such as social sciences, math, and English.
• Biomedical sciences: Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pathology, which is essential in dentistry.
• Dental sciences: Focus on dental anatomy, radiology, pharmacology, prosthetics, and dental materials.
• Dental hygiene science: Foundational training in these core courses includes preventive oral care, periodontology, dental hygiene theory and practice, and clinical experiences.

How To Get Into a Dental Hygiene Program

Prospective students intending to enter a dental hygiene program should fulfill specific prerequisites and demonstrate academic readiness. While requirements vary by institution, common criteria include:

• Completion of prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, including subjects like anatomy, biology, chemistry, and sociology.
• For master's programs, a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene or a related field is typically required, as well as a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Acceptable GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores may be necessary for applying to master's programs.
• Possession of a current dental hygienist license.
• Submission of letters of recommendation and possibly a career statement or current resume.

Start Your Dental Hygiene Degree Today

In essence, opting for one of the easiest dental hygiene degrees offers a pathway to an exciting career in oral health.

Through dedication to their education and selecting the appropriate program, prospective dental hygienists can begin down their path toward professional achievement and personal satisfaction within this essential healthcare domain.