Top Dental Hygienist Schools in the United States

---

A dental hygienist will perform duties such as removing tartar, stains and plaque from the teeth. They will also apply fluorides and sealants, clean teeth and gums, examine for signs of gum disease such as gingivitis and oral cancers, provide preventative dental care, take X-rays and develop them, keep track of patient care history and records and teach patients how to brush, floss and maintain improved oral health.

They will work in a dental office setting and will be bent over the patients for long periods of time. They will use tools and dental equipment, talk to patients about diet and oral health and place and carve filling materials, temporary fillings and periodontal dressings.

How to Become a Dental Hygienist

A dental hygienist must complete an associate’s degree and be licensed by the state in which they work. If a dental hygienist wants to pursue higher education there are bachelor’s and master’s degrees available that they can utilize for research, teaching and clinical practice in public or school health programs. State requirements can be found by checking with the American Dental Hygienist’s Association.

Basic skills needed for the field of dental hygienist is compassion, detail oriented, impeccable people skills, physical stamina, and dexterity.

The following courses need to be taken:

•Mathematics
•Biology
•Chemistry
•Anatomy
•Nutrition
•Physiology
•Radiography
•Periodontology

There will be written and practical examinations in order to become a licensed dental hygienist.

Top Dental Hygienist Schools in the United States

According to FindtheBest, below is a list of top schools in the United States offering dental hygienist programs:

•University of Michigan School of Dentistry in Ann Arbor, Michigan
•Ohio State University College of Dentistry
•University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
•Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
•Texas A & M Science Center
•Baylor College of Dentistry
•Louisiana State University School of Dentistry
•West Virginia University School of Dentistry
•University of Texas School of Dentistry Houston
•University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry

Study will be in the classroom along with the laboratories. Some schools will offer online schooling, but it is important to make sure the school is recognized and accredited by the American Dental Association.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the field of dental hygienists is projected to grow at 33% from 2012 to 2022, which is said to be truly high. The salary for the lower percentile is said to be around $47,000 per year with the median level at $70,000 per year and the highest percentile making around $96,000 per year.

When talking with enrollment representatives at colleges, be sure to ask about financial assistance programs along with scholarships, grants and school loans. Take a look at the curriculum and interview other students and dental hygienists to get their outlooks. Ask questions that may pertain to personal needs and education.

Most works part-time in dental offices and the hours can be extremely taxing. Bending over patients for long periods of time and working nights and maybe some weekends to meet patient needs can be exhausting. A dental hygienist may also work in emergency dental care facilities that will require all hours of the day and night.