10 Affordable Online Dental Hygienist Degrees (2025)

Dental hygienists play a vital role in the field of oral health. They are skilled professionals who work alongside dentists to ensure patients maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental problems.

For 2024, students have many affordable online dental hygienist degree options available so they can select the one that better fits their needs and goals.

List of Affordable Dental Hygienist Degrees Online

Selecting the right educational path for a career as a dental hygienist is essential, especially if you're looking for affordability and flexibility. In this list, we've compiled 10 affordable online dental hygienist degrees for aspiring students.

These programs not only offer quality education but also accommodate various schedules and budgets, making them an excellent choice for those looking to enter the field.

1. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University provides an online option for registered dental hygienists looking to advance their education with a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene.

This program has 120 credit hours, and students can transfer up to 90 qualifying credits from their previous educational experiences.

It's important to note that this program holds accreditation from CODA, the Commission on Dental Accreditation. For Virginia residents, the tuition cost per credit hour is $393, while out-of-state students pay $423 per credit hour.

2. Georgia State University

Georgia State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene completion program designed specifically for registered dental hygienists who hold an associate degree.

By transferring credits from previous education, students can complete the program with just 30 credit hours, spread across 10 courses. These courses cover topics including research methods, oral health development, and alternative healthcare approaches.

For Georgia residents, the tuition cost per semester is $4,474, while out-of-state students will pay $13,993, excluding student fees and taxes.

3. Pennsylvania College of Technology

The Pennsylvania College of Technology offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene completion program for current registered dental hygienists with an associate degree or equivalent qualification.

This program goes beyond the basics, allowing students to specialize in areas such as dental practice management, dental public health, and United States health policymaking.

The university offers in-state tuition costs for this online program, set at $608 per credit hour before taxes and applicable fees.

4. Ohio State University

Ohio State University provides an RDH to BS in dental hygiene program, ideal for individuals who already hold an associate degree and want to further their education.

This program is accredited by CODA and the tuition cost per credit hour is $514.58, which already includes instructional and general fees.

The program consists of 55 credit hours, which students can complete in four semesters. A notable feature is the availability of asynchronous classes, allowing students to access course materials and lectures at their convenience.

5. East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University offers an online dental hygiene AS to BS completion program designed for certified dental hygienists looking to advance their careers.

This program is accredited by the SACSCOC. The out-of-state e-rate for this program is $507 per credit hour.

While the program consists of 120 credit hours, students are required to complete only 30 credit hours at this university since they can transfer up to 90 credits from previous courses.

6. Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University offers an online BS in dental hygiene program designed to assist students with an Associate of Science degree in advancing their education.

This program not only equips students to identify the evolving trends in the dental hygiene profession but also teaches them how to adapt to these changes effectively.

For Utah residents, the tuition cost is $482 per credit hour, which includes fees, while out-of-state students are offered a flat rate per credit hour of $260.

7. San Joaquin Valley College

San Joaquin Valley College presents an online Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene program designed for students already holding an associate degree in dental hygiene accelerating the process to a bachelor's degree.

It allows students to transfer their previously earned credits, helping them graduate in just 12 months.

San Joaquin Valley College ensures affordability by offering specific tuition tailored to each student's situation, and they also provide various financial aid options.

8. Marian University

Marian University offers an online Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene program tailored to individuals with an existing associate degree in dental hygiene.

With the right transfer of credits from accredited institutions, students can complete this program in just 16 months. The program consists of 30 credit hours, organized into courses lasting seven weeks each.

The tuition cost for this program is $494 per credit hour, excluding additional fees, taxes, and textbooks.

9. Minnesota State University Mankato

Minnesota State University Mankato offers an online BS in dental hygiene program, designed for licensed dental hygienists holding an associate degree or certificate from an accredited institution.

This accelerated program can be completed in as little as one or two years, covering essential subjects such as public health and dental education.

The tuition per credit hour for this program is $367.90, with a nominal fee of $0.80 per credit hour. For the 2023 to 2024 academic year, students enrolling online can have the $20 application fee waived.

10. University of New Haven

The University of New Haven offers an online BS in dental hygiene completion program, consisting of 30 credit hours. Applicants must hold a dental hygienist license and an associate degree to qualify for this program.

It can be completed in one or two years, covering courses in oral medicine, instructional planning, and dental hygiene research.

The tuition cost per credit hour for this program is $735, excluding taxes. Additionally, the University of New Haven offers different financial aid options to assist students with their financial load.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygienist Cost?

The cost of an online bachelor's degree in dental hygiene varies based on factors such as the student's residency, the type of university, and the potential transfer of prior credits.

On average, the cost typically ranges from approximately $326 to $700 or higher per credit hour, with in-state students having lower rates than out-of-state students. It's

Additionally, students may incur additional fees for textbooks and other course-related expenses.

How To Make an Online Dental Hygienist Degree Affordable

To attend an affordable online dental hygienist degree program, individuals should consider attending a public university in their state for lower tuition rates.

They should apply for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and employer assistance programs, and explore part-time work opportunities to supplement their income while studying online.

Opting for accelerated programs to finish the degree faster can reduce overall tuition expenses, and maximizing transfer credits if they have prior college experience is advisable.

Is an Online Dental Hygienist Degree Worth It?

Whether an online dental hygienist degree is worth it for an individual depends on their career objectives and circumstances.

If one aims to become a dental hygienist, the degree is essential, offering job stability and competitive pay.

Online programs provide flexibility for those needing to balance work or other commitments while studying, often at a lower cost compared to traditional on-campus options. It's crucial to ensure the program is accredited and meets licensure requirements.

Find an Affordable Degree in Dental Hygienist Online Today

When looking for an affordable online dental hygienist degree for 2024, people can find relevant and reasonable programs that fit their job goals. Start now with your careful research and weigh the accreditation of recognized programs.