Are you planning to take up a Dental Hygienist degree online program? This guide is designed for you, as we are about to provide you with all the information you need to pursue a Dental Hygiene degree online. We are going to provide you with top schools that offer this program, but before that, let us look at what the Dental Hygiene degree entails.
Dental Hygiene Degree
The Dental Hygiene Program provides students with a fascinating, science-based, and rigorous learning experience that prepares them to become certified dental health professionals that provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services to help patients achieve maximum oral health. Students learn how to gather and synthesize data in a critical, scientific, and efficient manner.
They will grow professionally and personally by applying classroom information in clinical, laboratory, and community settings, as well as by planning, implementing, and evaluating professional services on their own. Students who complete the Dental Hygiene Program will work with dental and other health-care professionals to promote and maintain people’s oral health. Students who complete this program will be prepared to take on responsibility for their own professional development as well as scientific advancements in the delivery of dental hygiene treatment.
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What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
Dental hygienists evaluate their patients’ dental health by doing various cleanings and exams. They also assist a dentist when needed and work with patients to help them maintain good oral health by teaching them how to brush and floss properly.
An associate degree in dental hygiene and state licensure are required for dental hygienists. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in dental hygiene is recommended for those who desire to grow in their job. Dental hygienists with higher degrees may be able to pursue careers outside of the dental clinic, such as teaching and research.
Patient, detail-oriented, dexterous, and upbeat dental hygienists are ideal. Interpersonal and decision-making abilities are also required. Their jobs also force them to stand for long periods of time.
How To Become a Dental Hygienist
To become a dental Hygienist, you have to following the steps below:
Get an Associate Degree
An associate’s degree from a Commission on Dental Accreditation-accredited college is the minimum entry-level requirement for most dental hygiene practitioners. Many colleges and institutions’ dental hygiene programs may have prerequisites that must be met before a student may be accepted. Before applying to dental hygiene school, high school students should take biology, chemistry, and arithmetic classes.
A community college, vocational school, or dental school can all provide an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. The duration of these programs might range from three to five years. Laboratory, clinical, and classroom education are all used to teach dental hygiene students course content. Radiology, pathology, medical ethics, physiology, nutrition, anatomy, periodontics, and patient care are among the topics covered.
Complete Licensing Requirements
Licensing requirements differ by state, although all states require hygienists to be licensed before starting work. After completing each of the three processes, aspiring dental hygienists can be deemed a fully licensed Registered Dental Hygienist, apply for positions, and begin practicing dental hygiene.
Advance Your Career
If you want to develop your dental hygiene job, you should get a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field. These degrees may allow you to teach or do research, among other things. For jobs in public health or school clinics, advanced degrees might be necessary.
To keep their licenses, dental hygienists must also complete continuing education classes. Hygienists are kept up to date on new oral healthcare information through continuing education classes.
Update Your Resume
You should update your resume with your newly gained abilities, experience, and education once you’ve finished the essential prerequisites to secure a job as a dental hygienist. Having two papers open on your computer screen side by side and adding the transferrable and relevant abilities and experience from your old resume to your new resume is a useful technique to update your resume.
Top Schools Offering Dental Hygienist Degree Online
Let us now look at a few of the schools that offer Dental Hygienist Degree Online. Please note that these school are all accredited, so feel free to contact them and get more information about their programs.
Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech)
For practicing dental hygienists, the Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) offers a fully online degree completion program. Students will obtain a dental hygiene education that includes lessons in public health, education, and management. The Canvas learning management system allows students to complete their courses on their own time.
Canvas allows students to communicate with their classmates and teachers while also learning through video lectures, simulations, quizzes, and projects. Students can choose elective courses that match with their career goals and interests from within the curriculum. Participants will get a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene upon completion of the program, and they may choose to continue their education by pursuing a master’s degree.
Students must be licensed dental hygienists in their states or be eligible for licensure. Qualified applicants must submit their transcripts as well as an online application to be considered for admission. Transfer students must have at least 24 credits and a minimum GPA of 2.25, with at least 45 credits completed at Oregon Tech. Peer counseling, testing services, library access, and academic advising are among the student options available.
Ohio State University
For presently licensed dental hygienists, Ohio State University’s College of Dentistry offers an online bachelor’s degree completion program. The Canvas learning management system makes all of the program’s courses available online. Students who are new to Canvas can complete a readiness assessment and an orientation online.
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene requires 30–55 credits and a total of 120 credits, depending on the amount of transfer credits used. Students usually finish the program in two years if they attend full-time.
Students may, however, opt for a part-time study program. The program encompasses general education needs as well as advanced dental hygiene procedures, with students being able to specialize in one of these areas. Candidates must have a 2.7 GPA on all previous higher education coursework and an approved associate degree or certificate in dental hygiene. In order to start classes in the fall, new students must submit an application by May. Students must also submit their transcripts and two letters of recommendation with their application. Career counseling and support, academic advice, library access, and technical support are all offered to distant learners.
Minnesota State Mankato University
Several online programs are available at Minnesota State Mankato, including a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree completion program. The curriculum is designed for students who are already licensed dental hygienists and intends to expand their skill set in preparation for advanced career prospects.
The curriculum consists of 11 courses totaling 32 credits. The Desire2Learn learning management system offers it in both normal and accelerated formats. Students on the conventional track will enroll in two classes per semester, while those on the accelerated track will enroll in four.
Students must also pass general education requirements, which can be found online. Papers, tests or quizzes, online chats, and presentations may be included in asynchronous courses. Those interested in applying must complete both a Minnesota State Mankato application and a Dental Hygiene Completion Program application. Official transcripts and a 2.0 GPA are also required for the former, while proof of licensing and completion of an accredited dental hygiene program are required for the latter. TRIO support services, academic advising, career development tools, and accessible concessions are all available to students at Minnesota State Mankato.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
The flagship site of the SIU system, which comprises schools, universities, and institutions across Illinois, is Southern Illinois University Carbondale. A fully online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Management/Education degree completion program is available via the School of Health Sciences at Carbondale. It’s aimed at working people having an associate’s degree in the discipline.
Students must complete 120 credit hours, with 31 of those hours devoted to management and education. These classes are designed to teach you the abilities you’ll need to rise to higher-level positions in the industry. The Desire2Learn learning management system is used to provide all of the coursework, which includes both asynchronous and synchronous elements.
Part-time or full-time study options are available to students. Each year, new students are admitted on a single day. Dental hygienists with a valid license are required to apply. Academic transcripts with a 2.0 GPA are required as part of the application. If applicants have fewer than 26 transfer credits, they must also provide ACT or SAT results. Academic advice, tutoring, IT help, and library resources are all available to students once they have enrolled.
University Of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is an online program with a total of 128 semester hours. Students can enroll in part-time or full-time courses, with start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. Licensed dental hygienists who want to develop advanced clinical skills and expand their careers into areas including teaching, public health, and practice management can apply. Online courses include reading, quizzes, and other sorts of coursework, as well as class discussions via chat and email.
Students must be licensed in dental hygiene and hold a certificate or associate degree to be admitted. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA or better, as well as a copy of national board scores and an interview with the admissions committee. Technical assistance and a comprehensive online library are provided to online students by the university. Students can also access many university resources through a student portal, and teachers can be reached via email or chat. The online dental hygiene curriculum may be adapted to the needs of each student and is designed to allow students to continue working while completing it.
Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is a two-year program that takes 120 credits to complete. The fall semester is when students begin their studies. Students who desire to pursue a career in education, public health, research, or management can consider the online BS in dental hygiene. A master’s degree is also an option for students.
Licensed dental hygienists with a diploma, certificate, or associate degree are eligible to apply. To graduate, students must have a GPA of 2.5 or better and pass all courses with a “C” or higher. Students get access to technical support services, an online library, tutoring, and academic advice services. Utah Valley University’s online dental hygiene program is designed to allow students to work while concurrently completing studies.
Vermont Technical College
Vermont Technical College offers a two-year, 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree. The classes begin in the fall and are completed part-time. Students who complete the program successfully can pursue a master’s degree. This online dental hygiene curriculum prepares students for professions in education and public health as well as leadership responsibilities. Lectures and conversations are included in the online courses.
This curriculum is designed for licensed working hygienists with an associate degree. All biology and dental hygiene courses must be completed with a grade of C or above. Students can access an online library as well as an IT portal for technical support. Faculty can be reached by email and chat, and academic advice is offered. This program is designed for students who intend to work while pursuing their studies. Because lessons are held online, students can fit their studies around their job schedules.
University Of Michigan
An online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree completion program is available from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. This 36-credit part-time program takes two years to complete. The curriculum prepares students for careers in public health or education by teaching them management and leadership abilities. Students can also seek a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene degree through this program. The first two weeks of sessions must be completed on campus; the remaining classes must be completed online. Lectures, debates, papers, and projects make up a course; there are no quizzes or examinations.
Students must have an associate degree and be licensed as a dental hygienist to be admitted to the online BS program. Students have access to a variety of online resources, such as an online library and technical assistance. The University of Michigan’s online dental hygiene program is staffed by licensed dental hygienists with master’s degrees. Students enroll in one class at a time, allowing them to continue working in their chosen area uninterrupted.
The University of Bridgeport’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is a two-year online program. Students may be able to transfer 60 to 90 credits from another program into this one. Students who complete this program are prepared to seek a higher-level degree or to advance their careers in research, education, sales, public health, and other fields. The course curriculum can be tailored to fit the specific needs of each student.
Students must have an associate’s degree and be licensed as a dental hygienist to be admitted to the BS in dental hygiene program. Students must also have a GPA of 2.5 or better after completing all prerequisites. Students can access online advising services as well as a tech support help desk. E-tutoring and access to the online library are also available to students. The University of Bridgeport holds the title of having the first dental hygiene program in the world. This online dental hygiene program is designed to allow students to continue working while pursuing their degree.
Wichita State University
Wichita State University’s College of Health Professions provides an online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (RDH to BSDH). The 32-credit degree completion program can be finished in 12 to 15 months if studied full-time, or up to six years if studied part-time. Registered dental hygienists can enroll in the online dental hygiene program. In both community health and education settings, students will study about evidence-based practice, clinical leadership, and dental hygiene.
Students must complete an applied learning experience outside of the classroom as part of a professional cooperation with a community partner in order to graduate. Students can access coursework on their own time through the Blackboard platform because courses are delivered asynchronously. Students must have a valid dental hygiene license and submit final transcripts (with a least 2.5 GPA) from an accredited dental hygiene program to be considered for admission. Students will engage with an advisor to develop a personalized study plan. Graduates will receive a BSDH accreditation, allowing them to work as full-time dental hygiene instructors. Every student is allocated an advisor who will help them succeed in their studies.
Clayton State University
Clayton State University’s College of Health offers an online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene finishing program. Registered dental hygienists can enroll in the 30-credit online dental hygiene program, which can be completed full-time or part-time. Students will be prepared for advanced dental practice, as well as supervisory, administrative, managerial, and marketing positions in the dental sector, through this curriculum.
It also prepares students for professions in teaching and research. Students access class materials through the BrightSpace Learning Management System. All courses are given online in specified semesters and are delivered both synchronously and asynchronously. Prospective students must have or be eligible for a current, unrestricted dental hygiene license in the United States.
A minimum GPA of 2.50 is required for admission, as well as the completion of 60 credit hours of core curriculum requirements. In addition, students must pass a criminal background check and a drug test. Students who study online have access to The Center for Academic Success and The Writer’s Studio, where they can get one-on-one tutoring and assignment assistance. Students are also assigned a personal advisor who will assist them throughout their studies.
Augusta University
For graduates of recognized dental hygiene schools who want to advance their careers, Augusta University offers an online Bachelor of Science degree completion program. Six courses (30 credit hours) are required for the program, which covers contemporary concerns in the industry, case management, workforce issues, dental informatics, and more.
The Desire 2 Learn platform is used to deliver online courses. D2L will be used by students to access course materials, watch recorded lectures, and submit assignments, quizzes, and examinations. Asynchronous and synchronous courses are available. Students can earn the degree in two semesters, but they can take longer. Students must have completed 60 hours of core curriculum requirements to be considered for admission. The D2L learning management system allows students to access course material and submit assignments.
Other tools that can be used to support distance learning include Echo360, MS Teams, and WebEx. Students can begin the program at any time during the academic year. Students must have an associate degree from a recognized dental hygiene program and pay an application fee. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview. Students who study online have access to the Academic Success Center, where they can get tutoring, peer coaching, and form virtual study groups.
Old Dominion University
For licensed dental hygienists, Old Dominion University’s College of Health Sciences School of Dental Hygiene provides an online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree completion program. Full-time students can complete the 30-credit program in three to four semesters, while part-time students can complete it in three to four semesters. Perspectives on Dental Hygiene Practice, Administrative Leadership and Professional Development, and Telehealthcare Technology are among the courses offered.
Students can mix their education with other responsibilities because most classes are provided asynchronously. Students can communicate with their peers via web conferencing, message boards, and discussion groups on Blackboard, as well as access professors’ office hours for one-on-one help. Students must be licensed dental hygienists and have completed necessary courses at a recognized university to be admitted to the program. Students who study online have access to virtual tutoring and study groups, as well as the Math and Science Resource Center and the Language Learning Center for further assistance. Online technical assistance is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The State University of New York (SUNY) system includes Farmingdale State College. The school’s School of Health Sciences provides an online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree completion program with a concentration on applied science and technology. Part-time or full-time study options are available for the online degree.
The curriculum is intended to introduce students to advanced studies in the subject of dental hygiene. Teaching, research, and public health are all topics covered in core classes. As part of the Open SUNY initiative, online courses are provided asynchronously; nonetheless, there are predetermined start and end dates that correspond to the regular fall and spring semester calendars. Every day of the week, online assistance is available. Students use the Blackboard learning management system to access their course content. Students must have a dental hygiene associate’s degree and a dental hygiene license to apply. Transcripts and a minimum GPA of 2.5 are required for admission. Although a personal statement, résumé, and letters of recommendation are recommended, they are not needed. The capstone practicum course allows students to research a topic of interest while also gaining real-world experience through an internship.
