Which Schools Have Dental Hygiene Programs in Oklahoma?

If you would like to pursue a career in dental hygiene, there are plenty of preparatory programs in the state of Oklahoma that can train you in the field. For more information on your options in Oklahoma, read on.

What You Need to Know

Dental hygiene programs in Oklahoma are offered at the 2-year associate and 4-year bachelor's degree levels. They can be highly competitive and require a significant amount of prerequisite coursework; one school even offers a 60-credit pre-dental hygiene program that's intended to fulfill the academic prerequisites to qualify for application to a bachelor's degree program. Admission requirements for degree programs include standardized test scores, a minimum GPA on previous coursework, a background check, drug test and documented observation in a dental practice. Bachelor's degree admission requirements may also include letters of recommendation and an interview.

The curriculum of dental hygiene programs generally includes general education classes, major classes, labs and a clinical training component. Graduates of degree programs are prepared to sit for professional licensing exams. Read on to see if one of these schools is right for you.

Schools Offering Pre-Dental Hygiene Programs in Oklahoma

University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma offers a pre-dental hygiene program that prepares you to transfer to a dental hygiene baccalaureate program. Admission into 4-year programs is typically competitive, and it may be based on several factors, including your postsecondary academic record. This pre-dental hygiene program includes courses in 4 core areas: symbolic and oral communication, natural sciences, social sciences and humanities.

• Program Name: Pre-Dental Hygiene Program
• Program Length: 60 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees: $7,489 per year for OK residents; $18,376 per year for non-residents (2018-2019)
• School Type: 4-year, public; 15,393 students (13,840 undergraduates)

Schools Offering Dental Hygiene Associate Degree Programs in Oklahoma

Rose State College

The dental hygiene program at Rose State College has a highly competitive admission process. If you're accepted, you'll take courses in dental sciences, dental material, dental radiography and medical terminology, as well as a course that prepares you for the state licensing examination.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
• Program Length: 2 years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $4,319 per year for in-state students; $10,696 per year for out-of-state students (for 2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Completion of English composition, introductory chemistry, organic chemistry or biochemistry, microbiology, speech, sociology, psychology and nutrition with a grade of 'C' or better; completion of American federal government and U.S. history; overall GPA of 2.0 in all prerequisite courses
• Admission Requirements: ACT and COMPASS tests, application, official college transcripts, documented observation or employment in a dental office, interview, criminal background check and drug screening
• School Type: 2-year, public; 7,420 students (all undergraduate)

Tulsa Community College

Tulsa Community College's dental hygiene program is a daytime program that admits only about 14 students per year. Between the lectures, lab studies and clinical experiences, you may spend 35-40 hours per week on this program. In addition to general education courses, you'll take courses in oral embryology and histology, dental pain management, dental hygiene theory and dental radiography techniques. You'll also complete clinical rotations at approved community sites.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
• Program Length: 2 years (4 semesters), full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $3,349 per year (in-state); $8,581 per year (out-of-state) (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: 23-30 hours of dental hygiene prerequisite courses (human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, introductory organic and biochemistry, English composition, U.S. history, algebra and American federal government)
• Admission Requirements: ACT or SAT scores, criminal background check and drug screening prior to clinical experiences
• School Type: 2-year, public; 16,475 students (all undergraduates)

Schools Offering Dental Hygiene Bachelor's Degree Programs in Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

The dental hygiene baccalaureate program at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center can be taken on the main campus or at 1 of 3 remote sites. Prior to applying, you'll need to complete 60 credit hours of prerequisite courses, which typically takes about 2 years. Your dental hygiene curriculum includes traditional courses, lab work and clinical education. Upon completion of this program, you can take the exam and apply for licensure as a dental hygienist.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
• Program Length: 2 years, full-time, after completion of 60 prerequisite credits
• Tuition and Fees: $7,540 per year (OK residents); $22,921 per year (non-residents) for 2018-2019 at the main campus
• Prerequisites: 60 credit hours, including courses in English, human physiology, human anatomy, microbiology, statistics, psychology, nutrition and general chemistry with grades of 'C' or better
• Admission Requirements: College GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, statement of career goals, 2 letters of recommendation, 40 hours shadowing a dental hygienist, ACT or SAT score, personal interview
• School Type: 2-year, public; 3,126 students (760 undergraduates)

In conclusion, the University of Central Oklahoma offers a pre-dental hygiene program, Rose State College and Tulsa Community College both provide associate's degree programs, and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offers a bachelor's degree program in dental hygiene.