A career in dental hygiene can be a rewarding path for people with a passion for oral health and patient care. Dental hygienists play a crucial role in preventing oral diseases and maintaining dental wellness, and pursuing a dental hygiene major equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this rapidly growing field.
If you’re interested in pursuing a dental hygiene major, but you don’t know where to start, this article has all the information you need. We will give you a comprehensive overview of what a dental hygiene major entails, the top U.S. schools for dental hygiene, and some important factors to consider for this career path.
What is a Dental Hygiene Major?
A dental hygiene major is an academic program within the medical field designed to prepare students for careers as dental hygienists. Dental hygienists work alongside dentists to provide oral healthcare services, including teeth cleaning, dental exams, and patient education. These professionals play a pivotal role in promoting dental health and preventing oral diseases.
Dental hygiene majors typically cover a range of subjects, including dental anatomy, oral health sciences, radiography, periodontology, and pharmacology. Students also gain practical experience through hands-on clinical training, where they learn to perform dental procedures under the supervision of licensed professionals.
The Best Schools for Dental Hygienists
In order to become a dental hygienist, you will need a degree from an accredited program, so we’ve prepared a list of the top dental hygiene programs in the U.S.:
Harvard University – Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM)
HSDM has a strong reputation for groundbreaking research in various areas of dental medicine and oral health. The school’s faculty members and researchers are involved in cutting-edge studies that contribute to advancements in dental science and patient care.
University of California, Los Angeles – School of Dentistry
The UCLA School of Dentistry offers a comprehensive dental education that prepares students for a wide range of dental specialties and practice settings. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practices and integrating the latest technology into dental care.
University of Michigan – School of Dentistry
U of M’s School of Dentistry is renowned for its contributions to dental research and innovation. Faculty members and researchers at the college conduct groundbreaking studies in various areas of dental and oral health sciences, advancing the field and improving patient care.
University of Pennsylvania – School of Dental Medicine
Penn Dental Medicine is renowned for its cutting-edge dental research initiatives. The school’s faculty and researchers have made significant contributions to dental science and oral health care, ranking it as one of the top schools for dental hygienists in the U.S.
Columbia University – College of Dental Medicine
Columbia’s College of Dental Medicine is known for its pioneering research initiatives. Faculty members, students, and researchers contribute to groundbreaking advancements in dental science, technology, and oral health care.
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio – School of Dentistry
UT San Antonio’s School of Dentistry gives students valuable hands-on experience in dental health alongside top dental care professionals. The school emphasizes clinical training and patient-centered care.
New York University – College of Dentistry
NYU’s College of Dentistry is one of most famous dental schools in the U.S., equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and dental laboratories. Students have the opportunity to work directly with patients and use the latest dental technologies and equipment to enhance their learning.
University of Illinois at Chicago – College of Dentistry
The University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Dentistry is dedicated to promoting oral health and advancing public health initiatives. If you’re looking for a dental school that balances clinical care with advocacy, UIC is a strong choice.
University of Southern California – Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
At USC’s Hermon Ostrow School of Dentistry, dental students have the opportunity to collaborate with students from other health professions, including medicine, pharmacy, and occupational therapy. This interprofessional approach promotes teamwork and prepares students for comprehensive patient care in a collaborative healthcare environment.
Ohio State University – College of Dentistry
Ohio State’s dental program encourages interdisciplinary learning, connecting students and faculty across different health science disciplines. This approach fosters a holistic understanding of patient care from a community-focused lens.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Adams School of Dentistry
UNC’s Adams School of Dentistry is recognized for its research contributions and comprehensive clinical training programs. Their dental hygiene program emphasizes hands-on experience and cutting-edge research, preparing students to provide top-notch dental hygiene care.
Boston University – Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
BU’s dental school is known for its forward-thinking approach to oral health education, incorporating the latest technological advances in dental hygiene. The program provides students with access to state-of-the-art dental technologies and an interdisciplinary learning environment.
University of Minnesota – School of Dentistry
The University of Minnesota’s School of Dentistry is a leader in dental hygiene education and public health initiatives, offering students hands-on experience in clinical settings. The school is also known for its innovative research and strong community outreach programs.
University of Pittsburgh – School of Dental Medicine
Pitt’s School of Dental Medicine combines rigorous coursework with clinical practice, preparing students for careers in dental hygiene and beyond. The school’s curriculum places a strong emphasis on clinical training and patient-centered care.
Texas A&M University – College of Dentistry
Texas A&M’s dental school offers a comprehensive dental hygiene program that emphasizes community health, clinical practice, and dental science. Students also benefit from the school’s focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership development.
Marquette University – School of Dentistry
Marquette’s School of Dentistry provides a well-rounded dental hygiene program with opportunities for clinical training in diverse patient care settings. Marquette prioritizes social justice with a deep commitment to expanding dental health access within underserved communities.
Virginia Commonwealth University – School of Dentistry
VCU’s School of Dentistry is known for its focus on research, clinical education, and community service, making it a top choice for aspiring dental hygienists. Students receive ample clinical experience within an innovative learning environment.
University of Washington – School of Dentistry
The UW School of Dentistry is recognized for its strong focus on research, innovation, and clinical excellence in dental hygiene and oral health care. Their dental hygiene program is highly regarded for its integration of technology into dental practices.
Indiana University – School of Dentistry
Indiana University offers an extensive dental hygiene program, where students gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art clinical facilities. The program’s focus on preventive care and patient education prepares students to make meaningful contributions in the field.
University of Missouri-Kansas City – School of Dentistry
UMKC’s School of Dentistry offers a highly regarded dental hygiene program that focuses on patient care, public health, and clinical expertise. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
If none of those schools seem like the right fit, here are some more U.S. colleges with a dental hygiene major:
| # | College/University | Location | Degree(s) Offered | Notable Programs/Specialties |
| 1 | Augusta University | Augusta, GA | BS in Dental Hygiene | Focus on geriatric care and public health outreach. |
| 2 | St. Petersburg College | St. Petersburg, FL | Associate’s and BS in Dental Hygiene | Notable for its flexible online BS completion program for working hygienists. |
| 3 | West Virginia University | Morgantown, WV | BS in Dental Hygiene | Focus on clinical research and community oral health initiatives. |
| 4 | Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | Associate’s and BS in Dental Hygiene | Emphasis on technical proficiency and patient education. |
| 5 | Texas Woman’s University | Denton, TX | BS in Dental Hygiene | Notable for clinical practice and public health dentistry. |
| 6 | University of Nebraska Medical Center | Omaha, NE | BS in Dental Hygiene | Emphasis on leadership in healthcare and advanced clinical techniques. |
| 7 | Idaho State University | Pocatello, ID | Associate’s and BS in Dental Hygiene | Focus on rural health care and preventive dentistry. |
| 8 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney, WA | BS in Dental Hygiene | Specializes in community oral health and preventive practices. |
| 9 | University of Maine at Augusta | Augusta, ME | Associate’s and BS in Dental Hygiene | Notable for its clinical care and public health outreach. |
| 10 | University of Mississippi Medical Center | Jackson, MS | BS in Dental Hygiene | Focus on patient management and clinical care in underserved communities. |
| 11 | Rutgers University | Newark, NJ | BS in Dental Hygiene | Specializes in urban oral health care and preventive dentistry. |
| 12 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe, LA | BS in Dental Hygiene | Focus on community outreach and preventive care in underserved areas. |
| 13 | University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu, HI | BS in Dental Hygiene | Notable for cultural competence in dental care and patient education. |
| 14 | Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | BS in Dental Hygiene | Specialization in public health dentistry and patient management. |
| 15 | University of Maryland – Baltimore | Baltimore, MD | BS in Dental Hygiene | Strong focus on clinical research and public health care. |
| 16 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology | Kirkland, WA | BS in Dental Hygiene | Specialized in hands-on clinical training and community care. |
| 17 | Cypress College | Cypress, CA | Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene | Focus on preventive care and clinical dental practices. |
| 18 | Century College | White Bear Lake, MN | Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene | Emphasis on patient-centered care and clinical experience. |
| 19 | University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center | Oklahoma City, OK | BS in Dental Hygiene | Known for strong clinical training and public health dentistry. |
| 20 | West Coast University – Orange County | Anaheim, CA | BS in Dental Hygiene | Specializes in community oral health and dental hygiene technologies. |
| 21 | University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | Houston, TX | BS in Dental Hygiene | Specialization in preventive dentistry and community health. |
| 22 | University of New Mexico | Albuquerque, NM | BS in Dental Hygiene | Focus on community health and preventive dental care in underserved populations. |
| 23 | University of South Dakota | Vermillion, SD | BS in Dental Hygiene | Specialization in rural health care and advanced preventive dentistry. |
| 24 | University of Southern Indiana | Evansville, IN | BS in Dental Hygiene | Emphasis on preventive oral care and community outreach programs. |
| 25 | University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | BS in Dental Hygiene | Known for accelerated programs and interdisciplinary education. |
| 26 | Wichita State University | Wichita, KS | BS in Dental Hygiene | Notable for public health outreach and dental hygiene technology. |
| 27 | Youngstown State University | Youngstown, OH | BS in Dental Hygiene | Specializes in clinical practice and interdisciplinary health education. |
| 28 | University of Louisville | Louisville, KY | BS in Dental Hygiene | Strong focus on clinical practice and public health initiatives. |
| 29 | West Liberty University | West Liberty, WV | BS in Dental Hygiene | Focus on comprehensive clinical training and community outreach. |
The Benefits of Pursuing a Dental Hygiene Degree
Pursuing a dental hygiene degree can offer a wide range of benefits, from competitive salaries to strong personal fulfillment. Here are some of the key advantages of becoming a dental hygienist:
Job Stability and Demand
Dental hygiene is an in-demand profession. As the population becomes more aware of the importance of oral health, the need for dental hygienists continues to rise. This high demand translates to excellent job stability for those entering the field.
Competitive Salaries
Dental hygienists enjoy competitive salaries with an average hourly pay of $52/hour, making it an attractive career option. This compensation reflects the level of education and experience necessary to become a dental hygienist, and it allows professionals to achieve a comfortable income.
Flexible Work Settings
Dental hygienists have the flexibility to work in various settings. They can be employed in private dental offices, public health clinics, hospitals, schools, and even research institutions. With such a diverse array of work environments, dental hygienists will find it easy to get a job that aligns with their personal preferences.
Shorter Educational Path
Compared to some healthcare professions, becoming a dental hygienist typically requires less time and financial investment. Most dental hygiene programs take around two to four years to complete, allowing dental hygienists to enter the workforce more quickly.
Positive Job Satisfaction
Dental hygienists often report a high level of job satisfaction. Working closely with patients to improve their oral health and witnessing the positive impact of their efforts can be gratifying.
Ability to Promote Oral Health
Dental hygienists play a vital role in preventive care, educating patients about proper oral hygiene practices and the importance of regular dental check-ups. By helping individuals maintain healthy teeth and gums, dental hygienists contribute to their patients’ overall wellbeing.
Opportunities for Advancement
While dental hygiene can be a rewarding career on its own, it offers multiple opportunities for advancement. Some dental hygienists may pursue further education or certifications to become educators, researchers, or administrators within the dental field.
Fulfilling Patient Interaction
Dental hygienists often build strong relationships with their patients over time. This interaction allows them to develop rapport and trust with patients, creating a more comfortable and positive dental experience.
Contribution to Community Health
Dental hygienists play a major role in public health, contributing to community outreach and promoting oral hygiene in underserved populations. This aspect of the profession can be deeply fulfilling for individuals passionate about making a difference in their communities.
Work-Life Balance
Many dental hygienists enjoy a healthy work-life balance. They may have the option to choose part-time or flexible work schedules, allowing them to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.
If you have a passion for oral health and helping others, pursuing a dental hygiene major could be the first step in a rewarding career.
Factors to Consider When Comparing Dental Hygiene Schools
Which dental hygiene program is right for you? Here are a few factors to consider:
Accreditation
When choosing a college for dental hygiene, ensure that the program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). CODA accreditation is necessary to qualify for licensure after graduation.
Faculty and Facilities
Research the faculty in the school’s dental hygiene department to see if they have the clinical experience and topical expertise that you are looking for. Additionally, consider the availability and quality of the dental facilities and equipment, as practical training is crucial to becoming a dental hygienist.
Clinical Training Opportunities
Look for programs that offer ample clinical training opportunities. Hands-on experience in real dental settings helps students develop the skills and confidence to excel in their future careers.
Job Placement and Alumni Success
Explore the college’s track record of job placement and the success of their dental hygiene program alumni. A strong network of successful graduates can indicate a college’s commitment to student success.
Financial Considerations
Evaluate the cost of tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with the dental hygiene program. Research scholarship opportunities or financial aid options that can alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a degree.
So, which dental hygiene school is best for you?
Choosing the right college and dental hygiene program is a crucial step towards building a successful career in oral health. All of the top U.S. dental hygienist colleges mentioned in this blog post offer exceptional dental hygiene programs that equip students with the knowledge and skills to excel in this rapidly growing field.
With dedication and the right educational foundation, aspiring dental hygienists can look forward to a fulfilling and impactful career promoting oral health and wellbeing
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