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Dental Hygienist Schools
Learn about Online Dental Hygienist Schools, the jobs you can expect and the corresponding earning potential.
Dental Hygienist School Programs
Salary
Dental Hygienist Salary
Find state-by-state information regarding expected salaries for Dental Hygienists, as well as information regarding potential job growth.
Education
Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Learn what it takes to become a Dental Hygienist. Explore detailed listings of online Dental Hygiene schools to find the one that best meets your needs.
Job Description
Dental Hygienist Job Description
Educate yourself about what a Dental Hygienist actually does. Learn about the day to day life of a Dental Hygienist and the skills, knowledge and abilities necessary to succeed in the field of Dental Hygiene.
All Top Schools
Resources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Dental Hygienist
The BLS has complete information about the dental hygienist profession, including data compiled from the latest government statistics about job settings, employment projections, and salary.
- O-Net Online: Summary Report for Dental Hygienists
O-Net provides detailed, job-specific information about the dental hygiene profession. Common duties, everyday tasks, and requirements of the occupation are described in detail.
- American Dental Hygienists’ Association
For both dental hygienists and hygiene students, the American Central Hygienists’ Association website is a useful resource, even offering an exam review for the certification exam given by the National Dental Hygiene Board.
- National Dental Hygiene Certification Board
This website is especially useful for students who are pursuing certification. Students visiting this site can look at sample exam questions and register online for the certification test.
News
Dental hygienists are honouring the spirit of Valentine's Day with their program Gift from the Heart once again this year. For the third consecutive year, the Gift from the Heart campaign offers ways for dental hygienists to reach out in their ...
Polus was a dental hygienist in William Craig Stout's dental office. Ignjatic, 34, is charged with six counts of obtaining Lorcet, hydrocodone and diazepam through fraud. His trial is also set for April 9. Raugust, who was Stout's office manager, ...
By Julia Spitz/Daily News staff This morning, I was once again dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century, thanks to my dental hygienist and my daughter (who is also a dental hygienist). Both agreed I need some newfangled electric toothbrush ...
She continued to work as a hygienist with Redding dentist Gary Howland - a job she's had since 2001 - until her treatment took its toll. I couldn't even move for a month and a half, Hughes said. I was very, very sick. There was a lot of chemo and a ...
David Crigger/Bristol Herald Courier - ETSU dental hygienist Ashleigh finishes a cleaning on Eugene Runion during the first day of the Remote Area Medical clinic being held at the Bristol Motor Speedway in 2011. Earl Neikirk/ Bristol Herald Courier ...
Tweets
From the Blog
Pediatric dentistry is a relatively new segment in the field of dental care, and at first thought, it may seem to be an unnecessary segmentation of the field. After all, most family dental practitioners have experience dealing with children’s teeth right? So, what’s the difference? In practical terms, the difference is an additional two years [...]
Online Dental Hygienist Schools
What is dental hygiene?
Dental hygiene is concerned with oral health, including prevention and treatment of gum diseases and tooth decay.
What should I look for in an online dental hygiene school?
The best online dental hygienist schools should either possess regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
In addition, you can often recognize top online dental hygienist schools based on:
- The school’s name and status
- The school’s history
- Teacher credentials
- Alumni network
- Admission requirements
- Residency requirements
- Class and teaching style
- Testing methods used
- Course content and presentation
- Program length
- Class size
- Student-teacher interaction
- Technology use
- Tuition and financial aid
- Transferability of credits
- Availability of a dedicated administration team and resources
What levels of online dental hygiene programs are available?
The following levels of dental hygienist degree online programs are available:
- Online Dental Hygienist Certificate Programs
- Online Associates in Dental Hygienist
- Online Bachelor in Dental Hygienist
- Online Masters in Dental Hygienist
- Online PhD in Dental Hygienist
How long does it take to get an online dental hygiene degree?
The amount of time it takes a student to earn an accredited online dental hygienist degree depends on the level of dental hygienist degree being pursued and the pace of the student.
Typically, the breakdown is as follows:
- Online Dental Hygienist Certification Programs – 6 months to 1 year
- Online Dental Hygienist Associates Degree – 2 years
- Online Dental Hygienist Bachelor Degree – 4 years
- Online Dental Hygienist Masters – 2 years
- Online Dental Hygienist PhD – 2 to 5 years
What are some examples of online dental hygiene courses?
The best online dental hygiene degrees cover coursework in subjects pertaining to general human anatomy, oral issues, and radiology. They combine total body function with oral function and the use of X-rays and other diagnostic methods. Some common courses a student would take include the following:
- Dental Hygiene
Students are introduced to the fundamental concepts and techniques of oral treatment. Students are also introduced to the use and care of dental equipment. - Preventive Dentistry
This course introduces students to the concepts and techniques currently used in preventive oral hygiene practice. - Orofacial Anatomy
Postnatal development of the structure of teeth is explored, with emphasis on oral and facial anatomy and function. - Human Anatomy and Physiology
The human body is studied, including the skeletal, muscular, endocrine, integumentary, and reproductive systems. - Dental Radiology
This course introduces students to the physics of radiation and radiation biology. Students explore intra and radiographs, and discuss exposing and processing x-rays.
What areas of dental hygiene specialization are available?
Dental hygiene specializations depend upon the workplace an individual wishes to work in and can include the following:
- Dental Hygiene
- Child Dental Hygiene
- Dental Health Education
- Periodontics
- Oral Pathology
What can I do with a dental hygiene degree?
Dental hygienists who graduate from an accredited online dental hygiene school look forward to job flexibility and stability. Some dental hygienist jobs include the following:
- Dental Hygienist
- Dental Health Educator
- Dental Radiologist
- Registered Dental Hygienist
- Dental Health Practitioner
What is a dental hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a health practitioner who specializes in oral treatment and prevention measures. Individuals who graduate with a top online dental hygiene degree act as licensed professionals in the dental field under the supervision of a dentist.
What does a dental hygienist do?
Dental hygienists who graduate with accredited online dental hygiene degrees, and who obtain licensure, are called upon to work with dental patients to provide health services. Dental hygienists examine a patient’s teeth and gums, take and develop dental X-rays, clean and make impressions of teeth, and instruct patients in oral health care and maintenance.
How much does a dental hygienist earn?
A dental hygienist with the best online dental hygiene degree can expect good pay and higher than average job growth. Dental hygienists can make an average hourly salary of about $23 per hour, with increases with higher degrees and years in the field. Job growth is higher than average at 28.5% through the year 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics for dental hygienists.
How do I become a dental hygienist?
Information on how to become a dental hygienist after completing an accredited online dental hygiene degree program includes studying and sitting for licensure. The best online dental hygiene degree program prepares students to enter into the field through hands on courses and preparation for licensure exams. Dental hygienists can expect employment with an associate’s degree, and can look for increases in salary and job responsibilities with higher degrees.
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