Dental Hygiene Schools

Dental hygienists work closely with dentists, orthodontists, and patients to ensure each patient has the highest level of dental health. Hygienists often examine a patient's teeth and gums first, cleaning away plaque and tartar and noting any abnormalities. After using a variety of tools to remove stains and deposits, hygienists clean and polish teeth and take any necessary oral x-ray images. They also consult patients as to the best everyday techniques for achieving good oral health.

Browse Dental Hygiene Schools schools by State:

CA | GA | MN | ON | PA | TN

Recommended Schools

Medix College

Associate
Dental Hygiene
Georgia

Argosy University

Associate
Associate of Science (AS) in Dental Hygiene
Minnesota

Tri-State Business Institute

Associate
Dental Hygienist
Pennsylvania

Concorde

Associate
Dental Hygiene
Tennessee, California

Other Dental Hygiene Schools

Trillium College

Diploma
Dental Hygiene
Ontario

Carrington College California

Associate
Dental Hygiene
California

Other Community and Technical Colleges

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George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville

801 Main St NW, Hanceville, 35077
Telephone:(256) 352-8000
http://www.wallacestate.edu

University of Alaska Anchorage

3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, 99508
Telephone:(907) 786-1800
http://www.uaa.alaska.edu

Mesa Community College

1833 W Southern Ave, Mesa, 85202
Telephone:(602) 461-7000
http://www.mc.maricopa.edu

Mohave Community College

1971 Jagerson Ave, Kingman, 86409
Telephone:(928) 757-4331
http://www.mohave.edu

Northern Arizona University

Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, 86011
Telephone:(928) 523-9011
http://home.nau.edu/

Phoenix College

1202 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, 85013
Telephone:(602) 264-2492
http://www.pc.maricopa.edu

Pima Community College

401 North Bonita Avenue, Tucson, 85709
Telephone:(520) 206-4500
http://www.pima.edu

Rio Salado College

2323 W 14th St, Tempe, 85281
Telephone:(480) 517-8000
http://www.rio.maricopa.edu

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

4301 W Markham, Little Rock, 72205
Telephone:(501) 296-1275
http://www.uams.edu

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

5210 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, 72913
Telephone:(479) 788-7000
http://www.uafortsmith.edu

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What to Expect as a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists typically: read more [+]

Take and develop dental X-rays
Examine patients' teeth and gums
Observe the head and neck for any signs of abnormality
Remove calculus and plaque from above and below the gum line
Apply cavity preventive materials such as sealants and fluorides to teeth
Perform some aspects of periodontal therapy
Assist the dentist by working chair-side

Where do Dental Hygienist Work?

Dental hygienists are employed by:

Private dentists
Hospitals
Dental clinics
Dental hygiene education programs
Correctional institutions
Nursing homes
Schools

Dental hygienists may work in more than one office, because dentists typically hire hygienists to work two or three days a week.

What Degree Do I Need to Work as a Dental Hygienist?

Practicing in a private dental office requires a certificate or associate's degree. A bachelor's or masters' degree is usually required for teaching, administrative jobs, and practicing in the public school system. After graduating from an accredited program, a license must be obtained from the state where the hygienist wants to practice. To get licensed, they must pass a national written exam and a state or regional clinical exam.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is one of the fastest growing occupations, and faster than average job growth is predicted through 2016. Opportunities are available full-time, part-time, evenings and weekends. The flexibility of the work hours and the fact that it is such a high growth occupation make this an excellent field to get into.