If you are considering a career as a dental hygienist, a good place to start is deciding which degree type is right for you. When you’re ready to search for programs, click here and peruse all the options!
Associate Degree
(2-3 years)
The fastest route to becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).
You’ll take:
- General education and science courses (anatomy, microbiology, chemistry)
- Core dental courses such as:
- Oral Anatomy
- Radiology
- Pharmacology
- Dental Materials
- Public Health
Search for an Associate Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
(4 years or 2+2)
A bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene combines the requirements of an associate degree with the bachelor’s degree curriculum. If you have already earned an associate degree, you may be eligible to complete a bachelor’s degree with only two additional years of study. This degree includes advanced coursework in:
- Dental Hygiene Research
- Practice Management
- Oral Pathology
- Local Anesthesia
SEARCH FOR A BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Master’s Degree
An advanced master’s degree in Dental Hygiene is a two-year program that prepares students for roles in the field such as:
- Teaching dental hygiene
- Leadership roles
- Public health programs
- Research positions
You’ll study topics such as:
- Healthcare Policy
- Educational Methods
- Grant Writing
- Global Healthcare
Important: Accreditation Matters
The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is the national programmatic accrediting agency for dental and dental-related education programs at the post-secondary level. Being accredited is the ultimate source of consumer protection for prospective students. It is often a prerequisite for governmental funding.
Graduating from an accredited program is an eligibility requirement for licensure and/or certification examinations. As a student, it is the most important source of independent validation that the program you selected has at least enough educational value to be approved by a credible, expert-based, independent (free of outside influence), reliable (consistently applied standards) organization that has the U.S. Department of Education’s seal of approval.
Smart Questions to Ask Programs
When researching schools, here are some good questions to ask and then compare them among the different programs you’re considering to work toward the one that’s right for you.
- What percentage of graduates pass the national board exam first try?
- Is there a waitlist for admission?
- Do you offer part-time study options?
- What makes your program unique?
- What’s your graduate employment rate?
- What student support resources do you offer?
- Can I talk to current students or recent graduates?
Ready for the Next Step?
Download our handy checklist of helpful next steps for exploring a career in dental hygiene – including how you can connect with a mentor to help you through the process!
GET THE RDH READY CHECKLIST!
