Dental care is one of the leading fields for well-rounded professional growth, and it involves roles other than just a dentist. A dental hygienist works alongside a dentist, providing patients with preventative oral health services. The job is necessary for the overall health of the community and a safe bet for a future career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 38% growth in the field from 2010-2020.
40 Best Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene
A dental hygienist may stand alongside a licensed dentist, but the responsibility for maintaining the oral health of their patients is shared, as a hygienist is predominantly concerned with maintaining positive dental health and preventing oral disease. A Degree in Dental Hygiene will prepare students to do far more than "pass the periodontal scaler."
Dental Hygienists will often learn the precarious practice of administering local anesthesia as well as the gentle and supportive ways to talk fearful patients into a sense of zen while they sit in the chair. In fact, all accredited dental programs include Psychology course requirements for this exact reason. As a patient-focused profession, core curriculum for DH students includes communication, ethics, and professionalism. To get to the stage of assessing patient, providing preventative care, or even administering anesthesia, dental hygienists need to take the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE), which includes questions on behavioral science.
There are two standard educational tracks for hopeful hygienists. Some students may enter a program as an incoming freshman and apply to a Dental Hygiene Program, earning a Bachelor over four years or so. The other option affords students who already have an accredited Associate's Degree the opportunity to continue their education through a Degree Completion program, building to a full Bachelor's through advanced courses and clinical practice.
Reputable programs, including those featured here on our list, will have an accreditation from American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which signifies that the program provides appropriate and acknowledged preparation for the NBDE, as well as the opportunity for professional dental licensure on the state level. Through comprehensive and supportive Bachelor programs, students will enter the workforce earning an average base pay of nearly $70,000 according to Glassdoor.
Selection Criteria
Healthcare Administration Degrees uses the best publicly available data from the National Center for Education Statistics, Payscale, and student review sites. Healthcare is a high-earning field with demanding education expectations. Because of that, Healthcare Administration Degrees focuses on the Mid-Career Pay of Graduates, Student Retention Rates, and the Average SAT Scores of accepted students, collectively amounting to 70 percent of a school's final score. Student Reviews and Affordability round out our metrics.
Here are the 40 Best Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene for 2019!
#40. University of Hawaii Maui College – Kahului, HI
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $15,479
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 85.64
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene through the University of Hawaii Maui College is comprised of four full-time semesters and one summer session, during which students will learn the important skill of applying local anesthesia. The program is open to new applicants every other year. Some general education courses, like Biology, Humanities, Sociology, and Psychology, are expected to be already completed before beginning the Dental Hygiene program. Students are also urged to complete at least one hour of Open Lab per week during their first semester, and two hours per week for second-semester students. UH Maui's core mission guides the program, with emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, oral and written communication, information literacy, and quantitative reasoning. UH Maui College invites students to say Aloha to a lifelong career screening and preventing oral diseases across age, gender, and culture.
#39. University of the Pacific – Stockton, CA
Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $32,715
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 73.61
Back on the mainland, the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Similar to the University of Hawaii's program, applicants are expected to complete general education requirements, as well as Biology, Chemistry, and other College Preparatory courses before entering the dental hygiene program. The program has a high degree of focus on teaching students to recognize, treat, and prevent oral diseases. The clinical portion of the program takes place at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, a short drive away in San Francisco. The School of Dentistry goes above and beyond, preparing students for a career as oft-feared healthcare professionals. Faculty member Bruce A. Peltier, Ph.D., provides psychological services, listening skills, and a weekly meditation workshop to help dental students keep their cool throughout clinical coursework and in their career. Pacific's home base is a picturesque campus in California's central valley featured in movies including "All the King's Men" and "Flubber."
#38. University of Alaska Anchorage – Anchorage, AK
Bachelor of Science, Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $12,543
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 76.40
The University of Alaska Anchorage provides a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene which prepares students to become dental hygienists. The program is open to both incoming freshmen as an entry-level program and serves as a continuation of education for all other UA students in the dental program. Credits in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, and Sociology are required to be complete before an application is submitted to the program. Students will also have to submit a current Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) scores as part of the required materials for admission. Students can sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination after the program. Since licensure differs by state, applicants can contact the admissions department before enrolling to ensure the degree meets the requirements for their home or chosen state.
#37. Pennsylvania College of Technology – Williamsport, PA
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $21,006
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 78.43
The Pennsylvania College of Technology has a dental program that accepts both new students and those with a dental certificate and license who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. The program is designed to expand beyond the teachings of dental hygiene, giving students' knowledge of critical thinking, effective communication, and the importance of cultural competence. This well-rounded degree includes all the expected dental courses, like Dental Hygiene, Oral Health & Nutrition, and Community Dental Health, but also leaves room to customize your education through electives. Penn Tech is a highly rated university, coming in at No. 12 on U.S. News' list of Best Regional Colleges, North.
#36. Indiana University at South Bend – South Bend, IN
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $8,331
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 78.84
Indiana University at South Bend offers incoming students a four-year degree program that's split into two halves. The first half of the education track focuses on general education, while the second portion is the professional program. Students who completed the Associate Degree Dental Hygiene program may enter the second phase of the course to complete the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. The hands-on program requires applicants to submit prerequisite requirements with the application, as well as write a personal statement answering, "What does becoming a dental hygienist mean to me?" Students can expect to practice in the Dental Hygiene Clinic and partake in externships, where they'll be able to bring their classroom knowledge to the community to practice preventative dental and oral health services.
#35. University of Louisville – Louisville, KY
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $17,008
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 79.21
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Louisville is a broad, four-year BS program. It teaches students the skills needed to become an integral part of dental and oral health teams through critical thinking and problem-solving learning. The first two years of the program are dedicated to general education under the Cardinal Core Program while the latter half will put students into classes at the School of Dentistry on the Health Sciences Campus. This second stage, known as the Upper Division Plan of Study, covers the necessary work for dental hygienists, including Dental Anatomy, Dental Hygiene Theory, Pharmacology, Clinical Radiology, and Community Dental Health. Admission to the Upper Division courses requires 12 hours of observational dental hygiene shadowing, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Life on campus at U of L affords students the freedom to access an art museum, planetarium, and ponder their studies before Auguste Rodin's original iconic sculpture, "The Thinker."
#34. Eastern Washington University – Cheney, WA
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $11,393
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 79.45
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Eastern Washington University provides the first step to an entry-level position in Dental Hygiene. Applicants are required to attend a dental hygiene information session, submit work or volunteer hours, partake in a formal interview, and a to have achieved a minimum of C+ on all dental prerequisites. EWU details what they expect of their students well before the application process begins. The school emphasizes that successful completion of the program requires visual acuity, speaking ability, motor skills, and behavioral attributes. Success in the program leads to opportunities for a cross-functional career in clinical dental hygiene, dental education, public health, or other related roles and sectors. EWU is well-known for its exemplary scientific programs and has proven its strength in recent years by receiving more than half a dozen National Science Foundation grants.
#33. Dixie State University – St. George, UT
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $13,838
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 79.98
Ethics and Social Responsibility serve as the backbone for students working toward their Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Dixie State University. Completion of necessary general education courses and the full-time two-year Dental Hygiene program readies students to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Dixie State highlights five Learning Outcomes of Dental Hygiene students, which covers customized patient-centered care, application of a professional code of ethics, promotion of public oral health, facilitation of evidence-based research decisions, and effective communication and collaboration with patients, peers, and professionals. Program enrollees will get the chance to work in the Public Dental Hygiene Clinic where they'll learn to optimize oral health and prevent and control oral diseases. Dixie State's Dental Program is accredited through the American Dental Association, and the school ranked No. 7 for Top Public Schools by the U.S. News and World Report.
#32. College of Southern Nevada – Las Vegas, NV
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, Education Specialist
Website
Net Price: $7,488
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 80.59
The College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas offers a Dental Hygiene program to associate degree-holders and licensed dental hygienists who seek to earn their Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene. This program helps expand the scope of public health and education for existing dental hygienists, by pushing them to rise to the challenge of oral health community's growing need for support so they may broad career aspect. Lower Division requirements cover general education courses and call for prior completion of an Associate's in Dental Hygiene from an accredited program. The Upper Division involves Clinical Practice and Advanced Education Concepts, as well as general education courses in Communications, Psychology, and Ethics involved in a career as a Dental Hygienist. CSN is known to be the most ethnically diverse college in Nevada, and the Dental Hygiene degree prepares students to promote oral health in a full range of communities.
#31. University of Maine at Augusta – Augusta, ME
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $11,752
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 80.94
The Dental Hygiene program at the University of Maine at Augusta is comprised of 69 major credit hours and 51 additional elective credits that combine clinical practice with an understanding of humanities. Electives cover a broad scope of learning, calling on students to enroll in at least one course for Communications, Fine Arts, Cultural Diversity, and Computer Information Systems, in addition to the usual Math, Biology, Psychology, and Sociology required of Dental students. Before graduation, all students will partake in a clinical portion of the curriculum, 30 credits of upper residency courses, and an intensive writing course. The campus prominently features a Human Rights and Holocaust Center, and students may opt to take any Holocaust, Human Rights & Genocide course to complete the two necessary Humanities electives necessary to fulfill the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. UMA is the only public institution in Maine that offers an accredited Dental Hygiene program.
#30. West Liberty University – West Liberty, WV
Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $12,293
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 81.33
The path to a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from West Liberty University begins with 58 general education credits and is capped with 62 clinical dental hygiene courses in the second half of the undergraduate curriculum. The clinical program can only begin once students complete the required courses in English, Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Chemistry, and Oral Communications. The fully-updated dental hygiene clinic on campus provides 24 operatories for students to practice their trade and complete the clinic requirements. This top-notch education model yielded a 100% pass rate for students on the 2017 CDCA/ADEX Clinical Exam, which is recognized by all licensing jurisdictions. West Liberty ranked No. 6 for Top Public Schools in 2019 by the U.S. News and World Report.
#29. Lake Washington Institute of Technology – Kirkland, WA
Bachelor's of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $6,544
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 81.63
Oral Health is an essential part of overall well being, and Lake Washington Institute of Technology puts this philosophy at the core of their Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. Students of this program will learn the necessary skills to support communication, collaboration, and critical thinking all intended to promote a welcoming and compassionate dental workplace. Before applying to the program, students will be required to complete specific Biology, Chemistry, and English courses. Other courses in Sociology, Psychology, Humanities, and Nutrition should be in progress when an application is submitted but are also necessary prerequisites for the dental program. The Program is comprised of its specific dental courses and also includes two separate clinical observation requirements. Completion of the full program prepares students to sit for the National Board and licensure in Washington state.
#28. Farmingdale State College – Farmingdale, NY
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $8,364
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 83.90
The Farmingdale State College Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene prepares students to immediately enter the Oral Healthcare field when they complete the program. The framework covers all the necessities of becoming a Dental Hygienist but also allows the flexibility to enter further emerging roles within oral healthcare. The relatively new program draws attention to the true extent of a degree in Dental Hygiene, preparing students to be educators, researchers, administrators, change-makers, and consumer advocates. The clinical practice portion of the program takes place through Farmingdale's Dental Hygiene Care Center, allowing students to practice both processing and interpreting oral x-rays, as well as communicating and counseling patients. Program participants will be eligible to obtain their dental license upon completion. They'll also receive a certification to administer anesthesia. Farmingdale is the largest of SUNY's colleges of technology and was ranked No. 9 on the U.S. News Report for Top Public Schools.
#27. Purdue University Fort Wayne – Fort Wayne, IN
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $10.924
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 85.01
The new Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Purdue University Fort Wayne begins after just one year of mandatory prerequisites. Those prerequisite courses cover Sociology, Psychology, Communication, Anatomy, and Chemistry. Year Two will immediately bring students into the realm of dental healthcare with some additional electives and a course on Transcultural Healthcare. All students are assigned a Faculty Advisor to help successfully guide them through completion of the program. Upon completion, students will be able to take national, regional, and state licensing examinations and begin practicing immediately in the private, public, and research sectors of dental health. The in-school experience is equally as expansive with plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus and the surrounding community. Purdue Fort Wayne is located on a vast culturally-centered campus along the St. Joseph River, and upholds a vibrant air of school spirit through Division I sports.
#26. University of Hawaii Manoa College – Honolulu, HI
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $10,662
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 71.87
The University of Hawaii Manoa College offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene to students who have fulfilled a few minor prerequisites. Admission is contingent on the completion of most general education courses and puts students on track to complete dental studies within three years. The full curriculum is comprised of 120 Dental-focused credits and hands-on, evidence-based clinical practice. Students who complete the program and earn this degree are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and can apply for dental licensure. UH Manoa has offered a dental program to prospective students since 1931, but the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene wasn't officially established until 1983. The school, located just outside of Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, is the alma mater of both Barack Obama's parents.
#25. University of Bridgeport – Bridgeport, CT
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $22,981
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 85.99
Although the practice of teeth-cleaning has been documented since as early as 3000 BC, the Fones School of Dental Hygiene at The University of Bridgeport was established in 1949 as the world's first-ever School of Dental Hygiene. While Bridgeport offers students who've accomplished an Associate's of Dental Hygiene to go forth and complete their Bachelor of Science, it also offers a full Dental Hygiene program coupled with a Liberal Arts education for incoming freshmen. The Liberal Arts portion functions as a way for students to customize their education and career while being firmly rooted in the expertise of Oral Health. Of the full 123 Semester hours necessary to complete the BS, 50 of them are general education requirements, including Fine Arts, Humanities, and Psychology.
#24. Pacific University – Forest Grove, OR
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $29,503
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 86.69
Pacific University (not the be confused with University of the Pacific) offers a two-year Dental program that is part of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, or a chance for Associate Degree holders to build on their education. Students are given a chance to build on general education and learn the technical skills, communication abilities, cultural awareness, and professional leadership necessary in a career in Dental Hygiene. The state-of-the-art facility serves as the backdrop for a clinical experience that prepares students to work with patients in a professional setting. Pacific has a targeted goal to bring dental services to those with limited access, and compassionate care is part of the core goal of the program. Located just 25 miles outside of Portland, the campus has a full range of student life activities, including Greek organizations, sports, and even a Hawaii Club which hosts the school's legendary annual luau.
#23. Weber State University – Ogden, UT
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $11,098
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 86.82
Getting a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Weber State University maintains that incoming students should already have an Associate's Degree in Dental Hygiene, current Dental Hygiene license, and have taken the regional or state National Board under their belt. The Associate Degree can also be obtained at Weber State, allowing for a smooth transition into the Bachelor Degree continuation program. Students will get the chance to dive further into what it means to work in dental hygiene, including technical, biophysical, and psychosocial knowledge, plus leadership and research capabilities. The on-campus Dental Clinic serves the local community, giving students real-world experience as a Dental Hygienist in Ogden, the cultural center of Utah.
#22. University of New England – Biddeford, ME
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $33,204
Accreditation: ADA CODA
Score: 87.06
The University of New England's seaside campus is an attractive place to begin studies for a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Getting the full experience of a UNE student calls for participation in clubs, sports, and seminars that are widely available throughout the semesters at Biddeford. The second half of the program moves to the Portland campus where 12-16 hours a week are spent in clinic. What you learn in the classroom–a combination of both dental-related sciences and liberal arts–can then be directly translated to patients on the Portland campus at the Coleman Clinic. If you plan on receiving licensure in another state, you may need to learn to administer anesthesia, and UNE teaches that skill to all of its students. Ending the program in Portland puts students in the heart of one of America's most livable cities and healthiest urban centers, providing a strong future client base and career opportunities for incoming Dental Hygienists.
#21. University of New Haven – West Haven, CT
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $33,665
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 88.38
The University of New Haven provides aspiring dental hygiene professionals with three separate opportunities for undergraduate studies, including the four-year Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Students may also opt to enroll in the three-year Associate before deciding to move on to complete the BS either on-campus or online. All three programs are strongly focused on educating students necessary to make an impact on the oral health of their local community. The University, as a whole, puts an emphasis on Liberal Arts and Humanistic courses, breeding passionate and career-focused professionals. Clinical experience through the University of New Haven Dental Center provides hands-on practice of Dental Hygiene in a state-of-the-art facility. In addition to this career-focused practice, students can engage in over 100 campus organizations, play recreational sports, or cheer on the Division II Varsity teams.
#20. Utah Valley University – Orem, UT
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $6,690
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 88.75
Utah Valley University offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene to Associate Degree-holders looking to advance their knowledge base and career prospects as a dental hygienist. This program is tailored for active working dental hygienists, as many courses are online, and there is no clinical portion. Students can also start at UVU earning their Associate's and moving into this program to earn their Bachelor Degree. Though the focus is on building a dental hygiene career, Utah Valley also wants to produce well-rounded students with a world-view. To meet this goal, all students are required to complete at least one Global or Intercultural course. The versatility of the program and the tight-knit 4:1 faculty to student ratio has proven to be successful; 99% of graduates pass their board exam.
#19. University of Detroit Mercy – Detroit, MI
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $20,904
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 88.94
The University of Detroit and Mercy College of Detroit merged into University of Detroit Mercy in 1990, keeping community service at the core of its academic mission. The work for the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene begins the junior year for students accepted to the program at the University of Detroit Mercy. Dental Hygiene students will participate by working in community-based service through the Detroit Mercy Dental clinic, allowing critical-thinking skills to be sharpened and refined. The structure of the program does not confine students to dental hygiene alone, as they'll get clinical practice and faculty advisement alongside dental students. Other participatory activities include Seal a Smile mobile program, and special-needs dental health presentations, giving students comprehensive exposure to various aspects of life in the profession. The school also assigns individual students with patients, helping to build their client base and career from inside the classroom.
#18. University of Missouri – Kansas City – Kansas City, MO
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $14,864
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 90.57
The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene with two courses of action. Students can join the Clinical Entry-Level program or complete their BS in Dental Hygiene through the Degree Completion Program. Both programs are offered through the 125-year-old School of Dentistry at UMKC and involve learning proper treatment care planning, community oral health strategies, and dental practice management procedures. UMKC has a university-wide requirement for credits on both the United States and Missouri State Constitutions. President Harry S. Truman briefly attended the school and later received an honorary degree as well as namesake buildings for Governmental Affairs and on the Health Sciences Campus. Outside of the curriculum, UMKC Kangaroos compete in Division I sports. Though it may seem out-of-place to have a kangaroo as the mascot, the decision came during the excitement of the local Kansas City Zoo welcoming two baby kangaroos in the 1930s.
#17. University of New Mexico – Albuquerque, NM
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $11,283
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 91.05
Like most programs, a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of New Mexico doesn't pigeon-hole students to a career in a dental office. The five-semester curriculum will cover Anatomy, Dental Public Health, Clinical Practice, and Current Issues, among other courses, providing a comprehensive approach to Dental Hygiene. Aside from working as a Clinician, students will be prepared to enter the workforce as an Educator, Entrepreneur, or Administrator in both Private and Corporate sectors of dentistry. Outside of the highly-ranked curriculum through UMN, the Albuquerque campus offers year-round sunshine and plenty of natural and cultural opportunities to immerse into the beautiful south-western community. On-campus life is similarly diverse, hosting over 300 clubs and organizations. UNM School of Health, where dental studies are taught, has ranked 10th on Hispanic Business Magazine's list of Top Schools.
#16. Youngstown State University – Youngstown, OH
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $10,637
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 91.11
The Bachelor of Science program in Dental Hygiene from Youngstown State University produces dental hygienists that are well-rounded, confident, and caring. Students will engage in clinical practice, learning how to perform oral examinations, administer local anesthesia and fluoride therapy, and various other aspects necessary to the role of a dental hygienist. The program also recently updated to include restorative aspects of dentistry, providing the knowledge of implementing non-metallic restorative materials for patients, giving a competitive edge when they enter the field as a professional. As a student, service projects play a significant role in the path to program completion. All students will be active members of the YSU Student Chapter of the American Dental Hygienists' Association, participating in presentations, fundraising, and service projects over the course of their 122 credit hours. All students will be eligible for regional and national board exams, with a guarantee to apply for licensure in Ohio.
#15. University of Wyoming – Laramie, WY
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $13,441
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 91.26
Wrangling a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Wyoming involves achieving the Associate-level degree in Dental Hygiene and the 120 credit hours of the University Studies Program. The innovative University Studies Program was implemented for all students university-wide so that they may develop intellectual skills and habits to navigate our technologically-complex modern society. For Dental Hygiene students specifically, coursework will cover topics like Ethics and Law in Dental Hygiene, Pain Management, and Oral Pathology. Curriculum aside, there are plenty of activities and attractions awaiting in and around Laramie. Outdoor activities, the UW Planetarium, Anthropology Museum, and a two-hour road-trip to Denver, Colorado are all activities within reach for everyone in attendance at UW.
#14. Northern Arizona University – Flagstaff, AZ
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $14,901
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 91.41
Flagstaff, Arizona is known for many natural wonders as one of the highest elevated city in America with proximity to the Grand Canyon, Arizona deserts, and ponderosa pine forests. Getting a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Northern Arizona University gives you access to these many attractions in daily life, as well as a top-notch degree rooted in clinical research and professional growth. There are 51 credits required before beginning the program, which includes Biology, Chemistry, Sociology, and Psychology. After these (among other) credits are complete, students can complete the Dental Hygiene Milestone which also functions as admittance into the BSDH program. Completion of the program requires an additional 72 credits that will help students to develop the knowledge and rapport necessary to become a professional dental hygienist. NAU offers the only dental program in the state of Arizona, and students will have plenty of opportunities to work in the local community serving American Indian, military, and underserved populations.
#13. Indiana University-Purdue University – Indianapolis, IN
Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science
Website
Net Price: $9,744
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 91.49
Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis offers a flexible approach to a Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science. Students can choose from one of three tracks: Dental Hygiene Education, Healthcare Administration, or Public Health Dental Hygiene. All three options are offered through the School of Dentistry. Throughout the School of Dentistry's 140-year history, they've been revolutionary contributors to the field. It was here that the first fluoride toothpaste was invented, and the University is credited with educating 80% of Indiana's dental professionals. The full degree can be completed through 65 credits of professional coursework and 20 hours in the chosen focus track. The three tracks will have slightly different requirements, but both will prepare students to use critical thinking and problem solving to formulate and provide specialized treatment to patients based on current scientific evidence.
#12. Ferris State University – Big Rapids, MI
Dental Hygiene Bachelor Completion Program
Website
Net Price: $12,973
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 92.31
The Dental Hygiene Bachelor Completion Program from Ferris State University is completely online, allowing Associate degree holders to be a working professional and a student simultaneously. The program aims to give students the tools to address the changes in dental hygiene through evidence-based research studies and active engagement in leadership roles. Enrollees will be self-directed through the coursework as they advance critical thinking and exhibit values for lifelong learning. The curriculum combines University-wide General Education requirements with Upper Division Courses, including Cultural Enrichment electives and Oral Health courses, leading students to fulfill their Bachelor in Dental Hygiene. An approved scholarly project and practicum fieldwork are required to graduate. Sports also make up a huge part of student life. Ferris State has a Division I hockey team on which Chris Kunitz played before going pro.
#11. Wichita State University – Wichita, KS
Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $13,541
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 93.37
Wichita State University offers its own Bachelor Completion program in Dental Hygiene, as well as an entry-level four-year degree program. The program aims to educate and inspire dental hygienists who will promote oral health and hygiene in the evolving field. Though one of their main goals is to meet the needs of Kansas' local community, students who graduate will be eligible to achieve licensure in any state. The program exposes students to clinical practice through the Delta Dental of Kansas Foundation Dental Hygiene Clinic, the state's largest student education clinic for dental hygiene. The program also enables students to engage in ample networking opportunities for post-graduate employment. Wichita State Shockers–named for the historically common student jobs of shocking wheat–compete in NCAA Division I sports in the Missouri Valley Conference. Pizza lovers will also have a substantial association with fellow alumni Frank and Dan Carney, the founders of Pizza Hut.
#10. University of Southern Indiana – Evansville, IN
Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $13,541
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 94.31
The University of Southern Indiana aims to prepare you for top dental hygiene jobs with a threefold approach to the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Informative courses, like Preventative Oral Health and Oral Pathology, Dental Hygiene Clinic requirements, and community oral health education experiences are part of each of the three tracks to Bachelor Completion. The College of Nursing and Health Professions is open to entry-level students for a four-year plan, an accelerated three-year curriculum, or a continuation program for Associate Degree holders. Clinical practice occurs at the state-of-the-art campus clinic, giving students hands-on experience to participate in their trade ahead of graduation. The program is limited to 24 students each year, chosen based on cumulative GPAs from prerequisite requirements. Admitted students will enjoy the benefits of membership to the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), which serves as strong support and link to the Oral Health field and post-graduate job opportunities.
#9. West Virginia University – Morgantown, WV
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $11,486
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 94.78
A Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene will prepare students to be champions of oral health for their communities. The duties of a dental hygienist are widespread, including removing teeth stains and deposits, applying preventative agents, and oral health education for patients. Students at WVU are tasked with implementing a range of additional knowledge. This additional knowledge–nutritional counseling, oral, head, and neck cancer screenings, and anesthesia and nitrous oxide administration–is taught as part of the full curriculum through the School of Dentistry. WVU is proud to continue this dental education as the first integrated dental hygiene program in the country, and previous students of the program have earned 31 awards from American Dental Hygienists' Association for curriculum-mandated research projects. The world-class education takes place within reach of several enticing cities, including Pittsburgh 75 miles to the north and Cleveland and Washington DC both 3 hours away.
#8. Oregon Institute of Technology – Klamath Falls, OR
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $16,503
Accreditation: NWCCU, CODA
Score: 95.34
The motto of the Oregon Institute of Technology is "hands-on education for real-world achievement," and that's what you'll get in the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program. The four-terms of curriculum requirements cover everything from Human Anatomy and Physiology to Pain Management and Technical Writing. Dental Hygiene Clinical Practice makes up a large portion of the degree coursework and begins the first semester of sophomore year. Community Outreach is also a vital aspect of the curriculum, and students will get the chance to treat the local community and patients abroad. Seniors can take part in the International Externship Program (IEP) and provide patient care to local communities, including Costa Rica, Honduras, Peru, Jamaica, and Romania. This unique cultural opportunity contributes to the Extended Practice Permit, which is enough for graduates to begin working immediately after finishing the program. Graduates are also eligible for national, regional, and state exams that result in licensure.
#7. University of Southern California – Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $32,892
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 96.04
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene for students of the University of Southern California. The program covers classroom courses like Head and Neck Anatomy, Pain and Anxiety Control, and Preventative Dental Therapy, all combined with extensive Clinical Practice. This hands-on approach to thorough coursework prepares students to practice, educate, and consult patients from all walks of life. Some particulars of the program, like nutritional and tobacco cessation counseling, are what makes USC's program superior to many others in the country and around the world. USC is known for its high caliber of education and is recognized by the U.S. News and World Report as No. 22 in National Universities. USC's beautiful Los Angeles campus is also the alma mater of several high profile alumni, including Neil Armstrong, Judd Apatow, George Lucas, and Will Ferrell.
#6. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities – Minneapolis, MN
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $16,808
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 97.17
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a year-round accelerated program that is recognized as one of the country's most outstanding programs. Under general supervision, students will learn the ins-and-outs of the dental hygienist's professional role, covering prophylaxis, initial and periodic patient examination and assessments, braces removal, anesthesia administration, and all other related facets. It is the only Bachelor program in Dental Hygiene that's affiliated with a school of dentistry and academic health center in the state of Minnesota. Students will get real hands-on experience working with patients after practicing on state-of-the-art simulations. UMN is ranked in the top 100 in National University, and Best Value categories by U.S. News and World Report, and Hubert Humphrey and Bob Dylan are some of their more notable alumni.
#5. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor – Ann Arbor, MI
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $16,408
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 97.89
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor will learn to combine education, research, and service to promote oral health and hygiene across the full spectrum of diversities and cultural communities. Four principle goals guide the curriculum: develop ethical and professional behavior, develop knowledge and skills to provide oral health to any patient from any background, create an appreciation for the scientific method, and provide community-based experience in the field. The BSDH recently became a two-year, 6-semester program that ushers students quickly and mindfully through education of Dental Hygienist functions. UM is recognized as a school with some of the best Undergraduate Teaching, and other students who have benefited from this education include Lucy Liu, James Earl Jones, and Michael Phelps.
#4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, NC
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
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Net Price: $11,100
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 98.16
Becoming a University of North Carolina Tar Heels can also mean you know how to treat dental tartar if you achieve the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. This major focuses on the maintenance of oral health and oral disease prevention. Students put their skills into practice through dental-centric courses and hands-on clinical practice during each semester. Students are also urged to participate in undergraduate research projects. There is also the option to participate in elective Service Learning. Overall, life on Chapel Hill's campus is particularly pleasing, as it's regarded as one of America's best college towns with one of the most diverse student populations in the nation. U.S. News ranks UNC-Chapel Hill at No. 30 in National Universities.
#3. New York University – New York, NY
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene & Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $36,256
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 98.60
Students may earn their Bachelor of Science and Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene at New York University's College of Dentistry. Based in the heart of the country's most diverse cities, students will get a first-rate experience providing comprehensive oral healthcare assessments and treatments to the highly diverse patient population. The Associate of Applied Science is designed to help students move through coursework quickly and be prepared to enter the workforce, while the Bachelor of Science is completed over four years unless a student has eligible transfer credits. BS tracks will help hone skills into education, research, public health, or management focuses through the internship experience. Clinical experience helps to round out the curriculum, exposing students to specialty areas in orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant dentistry, and pediatric dentistry. The campus is indistinguishable from the excitement of New York City, and scores of notable stars, from Lady Gaga to Martin Scorsese, have graduated from here.
#2. Texas A&M University-College Station – College Station, TX
Bachelors in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $19,554
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 99.77
They say everything's bigger in Texas, and the Bachelor in Dental Hygiene from Texas A&M offers a large scope of oral health education to its students. Through the Caruth School of Dental Hygiene, students will undergo didactic and clinical training to learn how to promote optimal oral health in patients. There are 35 hours of prerequisite courses and 60 hours college-level coursework that needs to be completed before beginning the two-year Dental Hygiene program. Advisors are available to help guide applicants through the process and identify complete or outstanding coursework for entry. All students are also required to take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) before being admitted, which is a state-specific test that gauges an individual's competency to complete the coursework. Outside of the classroom, students can engage in one of the country's largest intramural sports leagues, join greek life, and cheer on NCAA Division I varsity sports.
#1. Ohio State University – Columbus, OH
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $18,042
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 100
The Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program from Ohio State University aims to produce graduates who have an understanding of current research methods, enhanced knowledge, and clinical skills in periodontology, and are prepared for leadership roles in their profession. Students can enter the program after completing an Associate degree from a CODA-accredited institution and will choose a specialization in Expanded Functions, Dental Hygiene Education, or Individualized Program to complete their Bachelor of Science. OSU's mission, coupled with their approach to oral health and disease prevention education, makes it our top pick for the best Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene. There are over 1,000 additional organizations students can join on campus, and they can join in the excitement of watching the varsity sports compete in Division I Big Ten Conference. Graduates of the program will be ready to apply for licensure and immediately enter the workforce. They'll join a global network of over 500,000 Buckeye alumni around the globe, and always be backed by their hard-earned degree from OSU.