Dental Hygiene is a career option with an impressive success rate. With an Associate's Degree, students can obtain a license to practice Dental Hygiene. With a Bachelor's Degree, however, they can expand their career and earning potential without leaving their job. Online completion programs are a practical and affordable way to progress.
10 Best Online Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene
Dental Hygiene students can get a job fresh off an accredited Associate's Degree or Certificate, but it's becoming increasingly more valuable to obtain the full Bachelor. The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene will open up opportunities to be in education, research, or management roles within the field.
An Associate-level Degree is a great point to begin, and many students get a job after two years of education before moving into the second phase. Participating in an online course allows active and employed Dental Hygienists to hone their skills by practicing in the field while simultaneously taking classes remotely that fit into their own schedule.
It's not just that this career offers educational and work flexibility, but it's proven itself to be fruitful and worthwhile expertise to have. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for Dental Hygienists is about $75,000. In addition to the comfortable living wages, dental hygiene is in-demand and projected to grow. The widespread knowledge of oral health in connection with overall health, as well as an aging population, call for an increase in trained professionals within the field. The industry has plenty of room to welcome newcomers and the field is anticipated to grow 20% by 2026 making it an opportunity with a promise for security and stability.
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 10 Best Online Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene for 2019!
#10. Northern Arizona University – Flagstaff, AZ
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $14,901
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 89.2
Through the Northern Arizona University's Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, students will get the opportunity to improve on the skills they learned from an Associate's in Dental Hygiene. Although this program targeted specifically to dental hygienists with an Associate Degree, Diploma, or Certificate in Dental Hygiene, those who have an interest in transitioning into a career in dental hygiene can also enroll. The curriculum covers liberal studies, diversity, and writing along with required Dental Hygiene units, all while centering on Public Health so that graduates can prepare to work in rural and underserved communities. As a whole, the program promotes a sense of individuality within the industry. Completing a Bachelor's allows you to look at Dental Hygiene from a different vantage point and presents the opportunity for roles in research, education, corporate employment, or administrative positions. The program has been active since 1973, earning NAU the reputation for being Arizona's only institution for Dental Hygiene.
#9. Ferris State University – Big Rapids, MI
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $12,973
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 91.7
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Ferris State University is an opportunity to continue your undergraduate learning by completing a full Bachelor's degree online. Students who enter the school as a freshman can work toward an Associate in Applied Science before moving into the Dental Hygiene Bachelor completion program. Ferris State is consistently ranked as one of the best online programs for their affordability and high-quality training in technological modalities, the latest research, and leadership abilities. Fulfilling the Bachelor's online gives you the opportunity to continue working, or to get a job after the first two years, and the things that are learned in the classroom can immediately be applied to on-the-job procedures. If you're interested in expanding your career further, Ferris State Torchbearer Society is available to you to connect and network with alumni within the field that can lend a hand.
#8. University of Missouri–Kansas City – Kansas City, MO
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $14,864
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 93.03
The online program from the University of Missouri-Kansas City is designed to elevate you from Registered Dental Hygiene (RDH) to Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH). The tailored approach can flex around your unique schedule, including working in a part-time role. The curriculum highlights biomedical, behavioral and clinical sciences that are key to a Dental Hygienists role, through completion of this BS opens up pathways to roles in education, program administration, public health, advanced clinical practice, specialized patient care, and research. As the only public dental school in both Missouri and Kansas, UMKC is an intensive course boosted by their access to researchers, oral health libraries, and advanced laboratories. Students can complete the course from anywhere but are required to come to campus on three occasions to fulfill specific requirements for graduation. Other than that, you can live, work, and study from wherever works best for you!
#7. Minnesota State University – Mankato – Mankato, MN
Dental Hygiene Bachelor Degree
Website
Net Price: $13,704
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 87.46
Learning at your own pace, in your own way, with support when you need it; that's the type of Dental Hygiene Bachelor Degree program you can expect from Minnesota State University–Mankato. Full-time students can earn their Bachelor's in as little as three semesters, though the 11 courses in Dental Hygiene may take others some more time. Depending on your Associate's, you may also need to complete a few extra courses in general education. MSU Mankato wants you to feel wholly comfortable and supported as you learn online. To help familiarize you with this style of learning, there is the option for a demonstration course on the software through which the classes will be taught. There are absolutely no campus visits required of online students. Plenty of happy students share their unique experiences online and note how positive it was to be able to use on-the-job experiences as examples and references in the classwork.
#6. University of Louisiana at Monroe – Monroe, LA
Bachelor of Science Degree Completion in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $10,787
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 89.02
Research linking dental hygiene to general health is growing, and this weight on oral health is requiring more students to enter the field. The University of Louisiana at Monroe awards a Bachelor of Science Degree Completion in Dental Hygiene for students who already have already completed the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam and at least one state license. The curriculum combines biomedical and behavioral sciences to comprise the 63 major requirements for DH. Additionally, students can choose their own electives to complete the remaining general elective requirements including Biology, Math, and Sociology. Online students are encouraged to know and practice "netiquette" and participation in online classes by sharing thoughts, ideas, and knowledge on the coursework with fellow students.
#5. East Tennessee State University – Johnson City, TN
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $13,926
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 94.04
The online, accredited Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from East Tennessee State University can be fulfilled by working professionals who want to expand their career opportunities. If you've already achieved an Associate's Degree, then this Completion Program will offer courses covering Geriatric Dental Hygiene, Issues in Dental Hygiene, Teaching Strategies for Allied Health Professionals, and Community and Rural Dental Health to push you over the finish line to a full Bachelor of Science. All new students will begin with Contemporary Dental Hygiene Theory before moving on to the other Dental Hygiene and General Elective requirements. The entire course is taught online, except for the mandatory orientation which is held on campus. ETSU also requires all students to pass the Using Information Technology On-Line course to prepare for the completely online Completion Program.
#4. Old Dominion University – Norfolk, VA
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $15,213
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 96.2
Old Dominion University offers an accredited online program to complete your Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. If you've completed an Associate's in Dental Hygiene through the Virginia Community College System, you can benefit from guaranteed admission to Old Dominion University. If you're coming from a different institution, Old Dominion is still available as an opportunity to continue your Dental Hygiene education. The only limit is for those learning in Washington State, as their dental licensure requirements may vary from what this course provides. Since the program is online, it focuses more on teaching knowledge, skills, and attitudes for the profession, entrusting your job and prior education to have covered clinical material. One of ODU's biggest strengths is that classes are self-driven. They occur live, promoting a sense of participation and inclusion, but students can also revisit past lectures to refresh or study the material.
#3. University of South Dakota – Vermillion, SD
Online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Program
Website
Net Price: $16,647
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 94.74
Anyone who attended a CODA-accredited Associate's program in Dental Hygiene is eligible to apply for University of South Dakota's Online AAS to BS program. USD notes that most professionals in the field are expected to have a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, and their online course allows students to move through the curriculum as they continue to work. Courses in English, Humanities or Fine Arts, and Social Sciences are required in addition to five Dental Hygiene-centered courses in leadership, inter-professional practice, collaborative dental hygiene practice, inclusive patient care, and current trends in dentistry. There are also a few additional supporting core requirements. USD aims to make their education incredibly affordable and accessible for anyone hoping to become extraordinary at what they do.
#2. Oregon Institute of Technology – Klamath Falls, OR
Bachelor of Science, Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $16,503
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 95.38
If it's accredited by CODA, it's a program that is nationally recognized for meeting the standards of teaching needed to prepare students for the National Board of Dental Hygiene. A CODA-accredited Associates in Dental Hygiene is the first requirement for applying to the online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene completion program through Oregon Institute of Technology. This program is also completely accredited and integrates dental hygiene with public health. The curriculum is contingent on what you've already learned with your specific your Associate's degree, but all incoming students will take the Overview of Advanced Dental Hygiene before any other advanced courses. Elective options are also available to help mold the coursework to fit individual goals and needs. Also, it's good to know that whether you're in-state or out-of-state, tuition is the same.
#1. Ohio State University – Columbus, OH
Bachelor of Science, Dental Hygiene
Website
Net Price: $18,042
Accreditation: CODA
Score: 100
The Ohio State University is what we consider the best place to complete a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. The online completion program has all of the necessary requirements available online, with the opportunity to opt for some on-campus science or education courses. In-person lessons are completely optional, as dental hygienists from every state can apply for this program, including students from Puerto Rico and with the exception of limited authorization in Colorado. Online students enjoy the same benefits as on-campus students of OSU, including Writing Center Services, Financial Coaching Programs, and student discounts on certain technology purchases. They also offer the option to take a course through a test run and take a readiness assessment to see if this particular program and timing is right for you. Dental Hygiene credits including Periodontal Therapy, Practice Management, and Current Concepts in Dental Hygiene can all be taken remotely, but Ohio State makes sure all of its students feel like members of the Buckeye community.