35 Best Bachelor's Degrees in Dental Hygiene

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program from the University of Southern Indiana has a curriculum focused on coursework, hands-on experience in lab and clinical settings, and community oral health experiences. As the program covers a wide array of aspects of DH, students will be thoroughly prepared for work as licensed dental hygienists, educators, researchers, and more. Prospective students may apply to the program after completing prerequisite courses at USI. There are degree completion and accelerated tracks for students with non-traditional needs. Coursework will cover topics like Chemistry, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Psychology, Biostatistics, Public Health Care, and more.

Indiana University-Purdue University offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene with three different concentration areas: Dental Hygiene Education, Health Care Administration, and Public Health Dental Hygiene. Admission to the BS in Dental Hygiene program requires that students have already completed about 35 credits of prerequisites with at least a 2.7 GPA. There is no direct entry to the program for high school graduates, and those who already have an accredited DH education may apply to the degree-completion track. All students in the DH program, regardless of their focus area, will complete 65 credits in the core professional curriculum. 20 credits will then be dedicated to the selected concentration area. To view course maps and requirements, prospective students should contact the department.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City's Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is a professional level program, admitting students after their second year of college when they have completed 60 credits with at least a 2.5 GPA. Those who have an accredited DH degree from another institution may also apply to the Degree Completion program at UMKC. Graduates from the program will be well-prepared for professional careers or further education, as the program's dedicated focus to research allows hands-on experiences that make students a more competitive candidate in the field. Alongside the research opportunities, UMKC offers students the ability to go out into over 30 community-based health centers and provide care through outreach programs.

Weber State University's Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program prepares students for a professional setting with clinical and technical skills as well as theoretical understandings of dental hygiene. The curriculum focuses on the biophysical and psychosocial aspects of dental hygiene to give students a fully encompassing knowledge of the discourse. The program supports and encourages the skills necessary for professional growth upon graduation by exploring topics such as leadership, moral ethics, and communication skills. Undergraduate students in the Dental Hygiene Department also have access to funds for the design and implementation of research projects. All applicants must have earned an AAS in Dental Hygiene which can be completed at WSU prior to continuing the BS degree.

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of New Mexico prepares students for careers in education, sales, public health, management, and research. Admission is competitive with only 24 students beginning the five-semester curriculum each year after completing their pre-professional courses. While out-of-state applicants may apply, residents of NM receive preferential consideration. Once admitted, students will begin courses in Biomaterials, Pharmacology, and Pathology. There are courses dedicated to teaching research methodologies in the field as well. The curriculum emphasizes not only the importance of foundational knowledge in the theory and practice of the field, but also professionalism in dental hygiene including career development, research, and management skills.

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at the University of Maine's Augusta campus is housed under the College of Professional Studies but accepts students directly from high school so long as they have completed certain courses with at least a C-. Transfer students may also apply. The DH program at UMA builds off of foundational and necessary coursework in Anatomy, Radiology, and related topics like Professionalism, to then place students in clinical settings for hands-on practice. Alongside clinical work, students will choose between completing an Expanded Pre-Clinical Functions course, a practicum, and an independent study in the field prior to graduation.

Youngstown State University's Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is open to students who have completed all pre-dental hygiene courses at the university. Transfer students may apply as well. Upon completion of the prerequisites and 12 observation hours, students who are accepted to the professional-track dental hygiene program will take upper-division courses in Radiology, Pathology, Periodontology, and even Local Anesthetic Procedures. Students will typically begin the advanced DH courses the spring of their sophomore year after being accepted to program. YSU designed their program while keeping in mind that graduates may already have careers in dental sales, research, teaching, public health, and other healthcare systems.

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Health from Wichita State University is offered to those who already have an AAS degree as well as those who are traditional entry-level students. The curriculum is focused on preventative oral healthcare, evidence-based practice, and teaching students to value continuous improvement in their dedication to the field. Applicants to the degree are required to have completed all prerequisites with a 2.75 GPA and observed a DH clinical practice for at least four hours. Once admitted to the upper-division DH program, students will take a full-time schedule of daytime courses and eventually receive clinical experience through the on-campus dental hygiene clinic. Students may also work at other local medical clinics and begin building relationships with potential employers.

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program from the University of Hawaii at Manoa admits students who have completed the necessary prerequisites and a majority of general education courses. The program provides students the knowledge to provide comprehensive and individualized patient care, with a strong understanding of theoretical dental knowledge and its best application. Application for direct entry into the DH program at UHM is offered to high school graduates. Those who are not eligible for direct-entry will apply for the pre-dental hygiene program and at the end of their freshmen year may apply to the professional program. Upper-division courses include Pain Control and Anesthesia, Periodontology, as well as hands-on clinical experiences.

The University of Wyoming's Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree is designed for pursuit after completing prerequisites and dental courses equal to an AAS degree in Dental Hygiene. Because of this, the BS in Dental Hygiene is referred to as an optional program after earning one's two-year AAS in Dental Hygiene at UW. Those who earn the AAS degree and then go onto their BS in Dental Hygiene will graduate with sought-after skills and experience for competitive employment opportunities. Courses in the optional BS program build upon the courses taken to receive the AAS including topics such as Pathology, Community Dental Health, Dental Hygiene, Office Practice, Periodontology, and more.

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at Purdue University's Fort Wayne campus requires one year of prerequisites and then three years dedicated to intense dental hygiene study, consisting of didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses. Admission to the BS in Dental Hygiene degree is open to both traditional students and those with an AAS, looking for a degree completion program. Prior to admission to the DH program, there are prerequisites that must be completed whether that be at Purdue or another accredited university. Applicants must also have observed a dental hygienist providing service for a minimum of four hours. The professional DH courses include topics in traditional dental fields, as well as ethics, management, and public health.

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at the University of Bridgeport is open to traditional entry-level students and those with an AAS in Dental Hygiene. Students who don't already have their AAS in DH and are applying as freshmen will be considered for admission to the Pre-Dental Hygiene program. The Pre-DH program refers to all prerequisites to be completed prior to the upper-division courses in Dental Hygiene. Those in the Pre-DH program will be encouraged to observe a registered hygienist prior to applying to the DH program. Once in the formal Dental Hygiene program, students will take courses covering Anesthesia, Periodontology, Pathology, Public Health, and Pharmacology.

Farmingdale State College offers both an entry-level Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree and an online degree completion program for those who already have an AAS in Dental Hygiene. The traditional four-year program at FSC not only trains students in the foundations of the field, but provides emphasis on the importance of related topics like teaching, research, and public health. Students will be prepared for their professional careers, further educational pursuits, or research opportunities with a curriculum that focuses on all technical and clinical aspects of the field and its theoretical framework. Course topics include Health Science Research, Oral Epidemiology, Gerontology, and more.

The Oregon Institute of Technology's Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program is for students who have completed at least one year of academic coursework to fulfill all prerequisites. These courses are often taken at Oregon Tech, nearby community colleges, or any other accredited institution. There are specific application requirements for transfer students. Students have the option of studying at the main campus in southern Oregon, or the campus in Salem, 45 miles from Portland. Upon graduation not only will students be prepared for licensure, but they will also have completed enough clinical hours during their time in the program to qualify for the Expanded Practice Permit in Oregon. Students will also benefit from four terms of community health outreach and even options for international experiences.

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree from Lake Washington Institute of Technology is a two-year program that students will typically begin in their junior year after completing all the prerequisites with a 2.5 GPA or higher. Admission is competitive, once students are enrolled they must take daytime courses only at a full-time schedule. TEAS scores and recommendation letters are required for admission, as are a total of 20 hours observing two different clinical settings. Only 30 applicants are accepted each year. The program's curriculum focuses on teaching DH skills that support graduates in communication, collaboration, and critical thinking necessary in the field. Students will graduate with clinical experience both at the LWIT dental clinic and other clinics in the greater Seattle area.

The College of Southern Nevada's Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree is offered to students who have already earned an associate's degree in DH, or have other forms of licensure in the field. Graduates of the BS program will be further qualified for competitive jobs both in their current field and in areas like public health and education. The program is offered online and part-time, designed with working students in mind. Courses may also be taken full-time. As students will be entering with certain prerequisites already completed, the bulk of the courses taken at CSN include topics in ethics, communication, research methodology, teaching methodologies, and more.

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at Utah Valley University is only open to students who already have a two-year degree in dental hygiene. Students will take courses to amount to 120 credits, built off the credits already earned in the AAS degree. The program is designed to increase credentials and knowledge in the field for professional practice or to go onto advanced degrees and research. It is also designed specifically for students who are working as all courses are offered online. There is no clinical component in the Dental Hygiene curriculum offered by UVU. As applicants to the program may have a variety of courses completed via their AAS, the curriculum may change based on the student.

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at Dixie State University is considered a two-year upperclassman program, which is started only once students have completed prerequisites and general education requirements. Students are trained in both the theoretical knowledge behind dental hygiene as well as the clinical skills that applies to these foundations including anesthetic procedures. Only 20 students are accepted to the competitive program each year. Applicants must have recommendation letters, pass an admissions exam, and provide a Dental Observation/Employment Form proving they have either formally assisted in the field or participated in unpaid observation. The curriculum will train students in conducting field research, navigating healthcare systems, and more.

Pennsylvania's College of Technology offers its Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree to students who have already graduated from accredited DH programs as well as entering freshmen. The program covers all aspects of the field to prepare students for careers in a variety of settings. Course topics accompanying a focus in Dental Hygiene include Psychology, Pharmacology, Pathology, and Microbiology. The curriculum also requires a concentration in Health Policy and Administration, made up of courses in general education and in dental hygiene. This will provide students the knowledge necessary to pursue career opportunities as public health hygienists, special populations providers, insurance review specialists, and more.

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at the University of New England provides students with a liberal arts foundation that is then used in the application and practice of dental hygiene theory. The curriculum focuses not only on critical thinking but also ethical-decision making and leadership. This foundation is perfect for preparing students for both professional and educational opportunities post-graduation. The program is open to those who already have an associate's degree in Dental Hygiene or traditional entry-level students. Those who begin at UNE will finish their first two years at the Biddeford campus. The latter two years consist of intensive dental hygiene courses, including 12-16 hours a week providing care to patients at the Portland, ME campus.

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at the University of New Haven prepares students for hygienist certification and licensing as well as graduate school opportunities, including their own Master of Science in the field. The traditional four-year program can be entered directly at the beginning of the student's undergraduate study. In addition, there is also an online degree completion program for those who already have associate's degrees. The curriculum prepares students with experience in modern digital radiology and dental labs, as well as using cutting-edge virtual instruction programs. Students will benefit from the knowledge and field experience of faculty members who are registered DH's and have earned advanced degrees in the field.

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at Eastern Washington University is an entry-level program with an online BS degree completion for those already working as licensed dental hygienists. Courses for the Dental Hygiene major begin in the fall term of a student's junior year, after the completion of all prerequisites and the final acceptance into the program. Prerequisites in chemistry, nutrition, anatomy, and physiology prepare students for the advanced courses in radiology, periodontology, pharmacology, and restorative dentistry. The upper-level part of the program is taught over five consecutive semesters, including one in the summer that lasts eight weeks. Upon graduation, students will be thoroughly trained in the application of theoretical, experiential, and empirical knowledge of the discipline.

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at Indiana University's South Bend campus is available in two tracks: a Degree Completion program for those who are already licensed hygienists with only an associate's degree and a traditional track program for entry-level students. Students must apply to the dental hygiene program separate from application to IU South Bend, but only after completing all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better. Required upper-division courses marking the start of the major include Evidence-Based Decision Making, Local Anesthesia and Pain Control, Radiology Lecture, Preventative Dentistry, and many more. The program is learner-centered, emphasizing the importance of a hands-on and activity-based curriculum. All students will complete a capstone course.

West Liberty University's Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program consists of 62 upper-division courses focused on anatomy, radiography, nutrition, evidence-based dentistry, pharmacology, and more. Those admitted to West Liberty must further apply to the Dental Hygiene program, and admission will grant them access to prerequisite courses. Prerequisites include courses in Psychology, Sociology, English, and the sciences. Once these courses are completed, the bulk of the professional-track program will begin. All students will complete a research project in their senior year and participate in clinical labs. Students will have access to current educational and dental technology with the on-campus clinic which has 24 dental operatories and nine patient treatment rooms.

The University of Detroit Mercy's Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree is a professional program that students will begin in their junior year after completing the required prerequisites. It is a full-time and two-year program with an anticipated Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM schedule. This also includes a summer semester. As the program is housed in the university's School of Dentistry, students will benefit from participating in courses taught by Hygiene Experts and Dental faculty. The program incorporates training in all aspects of the field, gaining hands-on experience through Service Learning opportunities to provide care to patients. Through these opportunities, many have participated in Elementary, Middle, and High School oral health education, given dental health education presentations to special-needs populations, and more.