Many Americans, through the Covid-19 pandemic and accompanying quarantines, became aware of the great service done to communities by dentists. Though most people may dread dentist appointments, it only takes one tooth ache to make them grateful for a dentist’s skill and care, especially when they are unable to visit one! Dental hygienists are the individuals who ease these painful visits. The right-hand assistants of dentists, dental hygienists prevent emergency visits by cleaning patients’ teeth regularly, instructing patients on how to best care for their own teeth, examining them for signs of oral diseases and assisting the dentist during other routine dental procedures.
Dental hygienists require at least an associate’s degree in dental hygiene in order to practice. They also must be licensed by the state in which they work. However, in order to conduct research, teaching, or clinical practice in public school health programs, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is also usually required. Dental hygienists make $76,220 a year on average, and the job growth rate for dental hygienists is expected to increase by 6% by 2029, according to the BLS. The salary and job growth rate for dental hygienists are both well above average.
These top online bachelor of dental hygiene degree programs provide dental hygienists with the opportunity to advance their career 100% online. Employment opportunities in the field of dental hygiene are growing much faster than average but competition for jobs will increase as well, which makes now the best time to begin one of these well-established online programs.
QUICK LINKS
- Top Online Bachelor of Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
- UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
- FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE
- UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
- CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY
- MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
- MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
- OREGON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA
- TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY
- FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAVEN
- WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY
- EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- VERMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Dental Hygienist, please check out our Dental Hygienist Career Guide: Salary and Info
If you are interested in finding a suitable online program to fit your needs, check this out: 100 Percent Online Dental Hygienists Degree Programs
Top Online Bachelor of Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY: OnlineSchoolsCenter.com has researched online dental hygiene programs extensively; therefore, rest assured, our Top Online Bachelor of Dental Hygiene Degree Programs are reputable programs according to our various resources, as well as, student reviews.
Due to the complexity of each program and its own unique qualities, we have chosen to list the below twenty programs randomly. It is our hope that you will find an online degree program that will fit your academic needs. As an Associate of Dental Hygiene degree is needed to practice, it’s very common for Dental Hygienist to earn an online Bachelor of Dental Hygiene through a completion or transition program.
The following programs made our list based on:
- Schools offering completion programs – the transition from AAS degree to BS degree in the field of Dental Hygiene,
- Flexible 100% Online or Hybrid degree programs for convenience, full-time or part-time,
- Combines general education requirements with extensive Dental Hygiene programs,
- Offers online programs designed to focus on additional education on the fundamentals of Dental Hygiene, good dental hygiene health, and how to be a team player in dental health practice,
- Financial Aid options, Student Help Centers, and useable Learning Management Systems,
- Instruction by qualified expert educators dedicated to the field of Dental Hygiene,
- Programs offering specializations in all aspects of Dental Hygiene.
For an in-depth view, check out our Methodology page for more information.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Online Bachelor of Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
The Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene at the University of Michigan is available to complete on-campus and online. The E-Learning Program is comprised of 36 credit hours. The program provides the education and training needed to become a dental hygienist. It explores not only the professional responsibilities of a clinician but also roles in research, education, public health, administration, and advocacy.
Campus Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Accreditation: The University of Michigan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604
Retention Rate: 97%
Acceptance Rate: 26.5%
Admission Requirements:
Students entering the online Bachelor completion program must:
- have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program
- hold a current dental hygiene license for practice in the United States
- have consistent grades and an acceptable GPA
- take TOEFL or MELAB if English is one’s second language.
Course Sample:
- Leadership and Professional Development
- Oral Diseases: Prevention and Management
- Special Populations
Degree Outcomes:
The graduating student:
- provides dental hygiene care using professional knowledge and ethics.
- practices within the context of the appropriate state Dental Practice Act.
- advocates for the well-being of the population and forwards the profession of dental hygiene through participation and affiliation with professional and community organizations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN’S ONLINE DENTAL HYGIENE DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
Online BS in Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
The Department of Dental Hygiene at the University of Louisiana Monroe offers a degree completion program in Dental Hygiene. The Department is committed to educating dental health professionals who can successfully work as members of the dental health team and can provide oral health care in today’s ever-changing world. Expectations of students in the program at Louisiana Monroe include intelligent problem solving and accountability. The program provides an interdisciplinary dental hygiene curriculum that combines biomedical and behavioral sciences.
Campus Location: Monroe, Louisiana
Accreditation: The University of Louisiana Monroe is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033
Retention Rate: 72%
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants for this program must:
- have successful completion of the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam and
- licensure in at least one state along with
- graduation from an accredited hygiene program with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA.
Course Sample:
- Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology
- Introductory Micro Laboratory
- Community and Preventative Dentistry
Degree Outcomes:
The AAS to BS degree program at the University of Louisiana Monroe is an opportunity for dental hygienists who hold an associate degree to work closely with professionals in the field of dentistry on obtaining a baccalaureate degree in order to meet the growing demand in the field of dentistry.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE’S ONLINE BS IN DENTAL HYGIENE
FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE
Online BS in Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
Farmingdale State College has a 100% online degree completion program in the field of Dental Hygiene. Farmingdale offers small classes, a dedicated, expert faculty, applied to learn capstone practicum, and a flexible program completed full time or part-time. Farmingdale also offers applied to learn practicum field placements in multiple organizations including Healthplex Insurance and the New York State Department of Health.
Campus Location: Farmingdale, New York
Accreditation: Farmingdale State College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market St., 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Retention Rate: 83%
Acceptance Rate: 59%
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts from all prior colleges/universities attended
- Transfer applicants who have not earned a Bachelor’s degree must also submit an official high school transcript with graduation date
- Applicants who have earned fewer than 24 college credits are required to submit SAT or ACT scores
Course Sample:
- Oral Epidemiology in Public Health
- Gerontology
- Health Science Research: Principles and Methods
Degree Outcomes:
The dental hygiene graduate of Farmingdale will be able to:
- utilize professional judgment and critical thinking skills to determine the treatment needs of geriatric and special needs patients.
- appreciate the role of leadership, management, and technology as it applies to dental hygiene practice.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE’S ONLINE BS IN DENTAL HYGIENE DEGREE PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER
Online Bachelor of Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts: The University of Mississippi Medical Center offers two programs of study which lead to a bachelor of science degree in Dental Hygiene.
- The entry-level, traditional baccalaureate program is a dental hygiene program for students who are looking to earn a dental hygiene license. The program is 5 semesters, 22-months, and prepares students to apply for and obtain a dental hygiene license.
- The dental hygiene advanced standing online program enables licensed dental hygienists the opportunity to earn a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene.
Campus Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Accreditation: The University of Mississippi Medical Center is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033; and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, 206 Grandville Ave., Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Retention Rate: 86%
Acceptance Rate: Unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Students seeking entry into the traditional program of dental hygiene at the University of Mississippi must have:
- Completed a minimum of 60 semester hours of academic credit from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning
- A minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale
- Completed 8 hours observation of a licensed or registered dental hygienist in two separate clinical environments
- An interview and hands-on dexterity test
- ACT scores
- 12 hours of the science prerequisite courses and 24 of the non-science courses prior to the Feb. 15 application deadline
- Successfully completed the following minimum prerequisite number of required courses
Course Sample:
- Dental Hygiene Principles & Practice I
- Dental Hygiene Instrumentation
- Dental Anatomy and Occlusion
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from the baccalaureate degree program at the University of Mississippi are employed as:
- Clinical practitioners
- Educators
- Researchers
- Administrators
- Managers
- Preventative program developers
- Consultants in public health agencies
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER’S ONLINE DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
Online BS in Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
The School of Medicine at the University of New Mexico offers a Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Program in Dental Hygiene online, as a continuation of a certificate or associate degree in Dental Hygiene. A unique aspect of the program at the University of New Mexico is its flexibility in allowing students to complete the program part-time or full time. The Bachelor of Science at the University of New Mexico offers students an opportunity to expand basic dental hygiene knowledge and skills into areas such as:
- Education
- Management
- Research
- Public health and
- Advanced clinical training
Campus Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Accreditation: The University of New Mexico is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604
Retention Rate: 78
%
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Admission Requirements:
- Current dental hygienist license
- Completion of a certificate or associate degree program in dental hygiene accredited by CODA and a regionally accredited agency
- GPA of at least 2.5
Course Sample:
- Current Issues in Dental Hygiene
- Dental Hygiene Research Methodology
- Extramural Experience
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from this degree program will learn to improve the health of patients through training that is both academic and clinical, provide high-quality oral health care assistance to their community, and move the art and science of dental hygiene along via research and other scholarly enterprises.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO ONLINE DENTAL HYGIENE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY
Online RDH-Completion Track of BS Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
The RDH-Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene track at Clayton State University is for registered dental hygienists who are graduates of associate degree dental hygiene programs. The degree program prepares its students to practice, supervise, administrate, manage, and market positions in the dental field. Graduates may also work as educators and researchers. The program is 100% online and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
Campus Location: Morrow, Georgia
Accreditation: Clayton State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033; and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, 206 Grandville Ave., Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Retention Rate: 71%
Acceptance Rate: 41.8%
Admission Requirements:
The Dental Hygiene application at Clayton State is separate from University application and admission. The minimum requirements for admission are:
- Unrestricted current dental hygiene licensure in the U.S. or eligibility for licensure
- College GPA of 2.50 on 4.00 scale
- Completion of 45 semester hours of BSDH core curriculum with grades of C (or K or S) or better in all-natural and behavioral science, math, and Area F courses at the time of application and 60 semester hours at the time of enrollment in a dental hygiene program.
- Successful completion of the legislative and overlay requirements
- Successful completion of transition course DHYG3101-Professional Issues in Dental Hygiene
- Eligible for clearance on a criminal background check and drug screening
Program Options:
Clayton State University offers a dual degree option combining a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management with the Bachelors of Dental Hygiene. It is available to students in the basic licensure and RDH completion tracks of the BSDH program.
Degree Outcomes:
“The graduate is expected to be well prepared to continue learning independently, and to act as a missionary to attract other highly motivated and qualified persons into the profession.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE RDH-COMPLETION TRACK OF THE BSDH PROGRAM
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Online BS in Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
The 100% online program at Minnesota State University is for current dental hygienists who have a 2-year degree in dental hygiene and would like to acquire a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. The program at Minnesota State allows the student to decide how man classes to take in each semester. An advisor will help each student to develop an individual plan of study for each student based on the number of needed general education courses to complete the Bachelor of Science degree. The plan will vary according to the previous credits obtained. The average student with an AS or AAS degree in dental hygiene needs 2-4 general education courses to complete the degree.
Campus Location: Mankato, Minnesota
Accreditation: Minnesota State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604
Retention Rate: 75%
Acceptance Rate: 61%
Admission Requirements:
- Successful completion of a program in Dental Hygiene accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation or current enrollment in a program
- License to practice dental hygiene or eligible for licensure
- Minimum grade point average of 2.0
Course Sample:
- Technology in Oral Health
- Dental Hygiene Care Planning
- Decision Making in Periodontology
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Minnesota State University are prepared to work in a variety of settings such as:
- Private dental practices
- Community clinics
- Hospitals
- University dental clinics
- Prison facilities
- Nursing homes
- Schools
LEARN MORE ABOUT MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
Online BS of Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
The online degree completion program – Registered Dental Hygiene to Bachelor of Science Dental Hygiene – at the University of Missouri-Kansas City was created with working professionals in mind. Students can attend full time or part-time. The program is tailored for each student based on their existing dental hygiene degree, career expectations, and personal and professional educational needs. The intensive program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City gives students a competitive edge in the job market.
Campus Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Accreditation: The University of Missouri-Kansas City is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604
Retention Rate: 75%
Acceptance Rate: 64.1%
Admission Requirements:
- National Dental Hygiene Board Examination results
- GPA scores
- Current dental hygiene state license
- Letters of recommendation including one from the director of your dental hygiene degree program
Course Sample:
- Infection/Exposure Control in the Oral Healthcare Setting
- Local Anesthesia for Dental Hygienists
Degree Outcomes:
The courses in the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at the University of Missouri-Kansas City were created to ensure that graduates step into leadership roles, find diverse jobs, and work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY’S ONLINE REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENE TO BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE
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MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH SCIENCES
Online BS in Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers a part-time program entirely online for working hygienists who wish to advance their education. Students will build on their previous associate’s degree and be well prepared to advance as a dental hygienist. Graduates will obtain a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene which is the preferred degree in the field. Attendance at an in-person orientation on the Boston campus is required for all new students prior to Fall enrollment.
Campus Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Accreditation: The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 1oo, Burlington, MA 01803
Retention Rate: 68%
Acceptance Rate: 83.9%
Admission Requirements:
- Graduation from a dental hygiene program accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- One year of work experience in healthcare
- Completed National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
- A license to practice dental hygiene or eligibility for licensure
- A minimum TOEFL score of 79 or a score of 6.5 on the IELTS is required of all candidates for whom English is not the native language
- Current employment in dental hygiene is recommended but not required
Course Sample:
- Statistics
- Healthcare Ethics
- Oral Health Research Methods
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates will be in an optimal career position in their field and be well prepared to advance to attaining a master’s degree in Dental Hygiene.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH SCIENCES’ ONLINE DENTAL HYGIENE BS COMPLETION
NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
Online Bachelor of Dental Hygiene Completion Program
Program Standouts:
Taught by expert faculty, the online bachelor’s degree completion program in Dental Hygiene at Northern Arizona University is available entirely online. The program is designed to enhance the students’ theoretical and clinical knowledge as well as advance their dental hygienist careers. The bachelor’s degree completion program builds upon a current associate degree or certificate in dental hygiene.
Accreditation: Northern Arizona University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604
Retention Rate: 76%
Acceptance Rate: 80.8%
Admission Requirements:
Specific requirements for the dental hygiene bachelor’s degree program are:
- Statistics (3 units)
- Required Dental Hygiene courses (15 units)
- Dental Hygiene Major Electives
- Additional upper-division courses
Program Options:
- Professional Development for Dental Hygiene
- Affiliated Practice Dental Hygiene
- Business Management Fundamentals
Degree Outcomes:
An accredited online college degree in Dental Hygiene from Northern Arizona University advances one’s education for a profitable career as a dental hygienist and also gives the skills necessary for research and teaching.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DENTAL HYGIENE COMPLETION PROGRAM
OREGON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Online BS in Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene online degree completion program at the Oregon Institute of Technology allows professional dental hygienists to complete a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. A special aspect of the program at the Oregon Institute of Technology is the integration of a general education core with dental hygiene, public health, and also education management courses. Staff from the Institute conduct transfer evaluations of prior courses to see which classes are applicable to the bachelor degree program.
Accreditation: The Oregon Institute of Technology is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, 8060 165th Avenue NE, Ste. 100, Redmond, WA 98052
Retention Rate: 79%
Acceptance Rate: 61.4%
Admission Requirements:
- Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program or departmental approval prior to enrolling
- Successful completion of the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination
- Licensure or eligibility for licensure in the state where one lives
- Oregon Tech admissions criteria
Course Sample:
- Oral Radiology
- Introduction to Periodontology
- Emergency Procedures
Degree Outcomes:
The degree completion program at the Oregon Institute of Technology offers additional education in a profession, advancement, or new options in one’s career. The students of this program go on to advanced degrees in business, education, and more.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OREGON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY’S ONLINE DENTAL HYGIENE
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
Online BS in Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
Designed for licensed dental hygienists, Old Dominion University’s dental hygiene program gives them the opportunity to expand their careers and build on their training and experience. There are no “clinical” in the traditional sense. Rather, students will be prepared with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for a wide range of employment opportunities and build a foundation for graduate study. The dental hygiene program at Old Dominion is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Campus Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Accreditation: Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033
Retention Rate: 79%
Acceptance Rate: 85.7%
Course Sample:
- Perspectives on Dental Hygiene
- Educational Concepts for Health
- Research Methods in Health Sciences
Program Options:
Undergraduates can choose to “accelerate” through the baccalaureate to the master’s program by using a common 12-hour graduate credit core toward each degree.
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of the dental hygiene degree program are equipped to pursue jobs in:
- Global Health
- Public and Community Health
- Higher Education and Research
- Modeling and Simulation
- Marketing
- Administration and Management
LEARN MORE ABOUT OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BS IN DENTAL HYGIENE DEGREE PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA
Online BS in Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
The online Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene offered by the University of South Dakota is designed for persons who have graduated with an associate’s degree in dental hygiene or are currently enrolled in any program in the United States that is accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation. Students will have the opportunity to become equipped as an entry-level position in the dental hygiene profession. Through obtaining a degree in this program graduates will be trained in topics of leadership, inter-professional practice, collaborative dental hygiene practice, inclusive patient care, and current trends in dentistry.
Campus Location: Vermillion, South Dakota
Accreditation: The University of South Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604
Retention Rate: 72%
Acceptance Rate: 86.9%
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts indicating graduation from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program with an associate’s degree OR
- If currently enrolled in a CODA program must submit an official transcript and letter from the Chairperson or program director indicating good standing within the program
- A clean criminal background check
- Complete application through the USD Dental Hygiene Department
Sample Courses:
- Dental Hygiene Leadership
- Current Trends in Dentistry
- Inclusive Patient Care
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from this online degree program will be prepared to provide clinical services in a variety of settings, many of which require a bachelor’s degree. This include:
- Private and corporate dental practice
- Community health settings
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Prisons
- Schools
- Faculty practice settings
- State and federal facilities
- Native American reservations
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE
TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY
Online Bachelor Completion Program in Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
This online degree program is designed to provide a pathway for registered dental hygienists to earn a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. Texas Woman’s University’s degree program is non-clinical and can be earned in one to two years. The flexibility of its online format makes this program an outstanding choice, and in this program, graduate courses can be substituted for undergraduate courses.
Campus Location: Denton, Texas
Accreditation: Texas Woman’s University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033
Retention Rate: 78%
Acceptance Rate: 85.7%
Admission Requirements:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 minimum for transferable college work
- Licensure as a dental hygienist or department approval prior to enrollment
- Possess an associate’s degree or be a graduate of a dental hygiene program accredited by CODA
Sample Courses:
- Dental Hygiene Clinical Case Study Development
- Alternative Dental Hygiene Practice
- Oral Health Worldview
Degree Outcomes:
This degree prepares those already in the field as practicing dental hygienists to earn a needed bachelor’s degree or to advance towards a master’s degree in health studies at Texas Woman’s University. Graduates from this degree program will be able to work in many settings and contexts where qualified dental hygiene care is needed.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE RDH TO BSDH DEGREE PROGRAMS
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
Online BS of Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
Ferris State University offers a baccalaureate program designed for dental hygienists with an associate degree in dental hygiene. This program provides students with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene in a fully online learning environment. Students engage in self-directed learning activities, advance their critical thinking abilities, and synthesize evidence-based information and develop leadership skills.
Campus Location: Big Rapids, Michigan
Accreditation: Ferris State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604
Retention Rate: 79%
Acceptance Rate: 74.2%
Admission Requirements:
- Apply and be accepted to Ferris State University
- Previously earn or be in the final academic year of an associate degree in an accredited dental hygiene program from an accredited college or university
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Health Promotion and Wellness
- Dental Hygiene Informatics
- Instructional Role of the Dental Hygienist
- Gerontology in Dental Hygiene
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Ferris State will be “prepared with enhanced technological modalities of practice, research, communication, educational leadership, management, and dental hygiene knowledge.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BS OF DENTAL HYGIENE
UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAVEN
Online BS of Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
The University of New Haven in Connecticut emphasizes hands-on expertise in the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. According to their website, the program is one of the finest dental hygiene programs in the U.S. and qualifies for this top 20 list. Students in this program will learn how important dental hygienist for assisting and educating patients on the subject of their overall health which affects the health of the entire body.
Campus Location: West Haven, Connecticut
Accreditation: The University of New Haven is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 1oo, Burlington, MA 01803
Retention Rate: 79%
Acceptance Rate: 87.8%
Admission Requirements:
In order to attend the dental hygiene completion program which is available completely online students must already have obtained an associate’s degree in dental hygiene.
Program Options:
- Three-year associate program: This is one of the few programs in the nation that offers a three-year associate degree in dental hygiene.
- Four-year bachelor’s program: Students can enroll in the bachelor’s degree program from the start, or first earn their associate degree and finish the bachelor’s degree after one additional year of study
- Dental hygiene degree completion program (online only): This is designed for practicing dental hygienists who are graduates of associate degree programs.
Degree Outcomes:
In each track of the dental hygiene programs at the University of New Haven, graduates will have gained important prevention and detection skills as knowledgeable practitioners and guardians of their patients’ health.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAVEN’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE
WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY
Online Bachelor of Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
Wichita State University offers an online bachelor’s degree completion program in Dental Hygiene. The program prepares and inspires registered dental hygienists to provide oral health care and education in a variety of settings. In the program students also gain professional skills and the confidence to consider alternative roles in dental hygiene. In WSU’s online RDH to BSDH program, licensed dental hygienists are able to take all courses anytime, anywhere, full or part-time, and can complete the degree in as little as 15 months.
Campus Location: Wichita, Kansas
Accreditation: Wichita State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604
Retention Rate: 73%
Acceptance Rate: 93.8%
Admission Requirements:
- Current Dental Hygiene License
- Associates degree in dental hygiene from a regionally accredited school
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5
Course Sample:
- Fundamentals of Advanced Professional Roles
- Educational Methodology in Dental Hygiene
- Curriculum Design, Evaluation and Management in Dental Hygiene
- Population Health Management in Dental Hygiene
Degree Outcomes:
The RDH to BSDH Online Program focuses on leadership skills and knowledge in preparation for:
- Leadership in clinical practice or an alternative setting
- Evidence-based practice
- Community health settings
- Educational settings
LEARN MORE ABOUT WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM IN DENTAL HYGIENE
EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Online BS in Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
Eastern Washington University provides a dental hygiene degree completion program for licensed dental hygienists who have graduated from a two-year community college program. The program provides a liberal art and broad-based general education component, including critical thinking, analysis, writing, researching, and reporting.
Campus Location: Cheney, Washington
Accreditation: Eastern Washington University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, 8060 165th Avenue NE, Ste. 100, Redmond, WA 98052
Retention Rate: 76%
Acceptance Rate: 96.2%
Admission Requirements:
- Associate degree from an accredited dental hygiene program in the U.S. or Canada
- Successful completion of the Dental Hygiene National Board examination or its Canadian equivalent
- A current dental hygiene license in the U.S. or Canada
Course Sample:
- Career Strategies
- Leadership and Professional Development
- Oral Health Promotion
- Contemporary Issues in Clinical Dental Hygiene
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree are fully prepared to interact effectively with other health professionals in a competent collaborative and ethical manner. They will be equipped with practical experience which is vital to the various roles and scopes of practice within the profession.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BS IN DENTAL HYGIENE COMPLETION PROGRAM
VERMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Online BS of Dental Hygiene
Program Standouts:
Vermont Technical College offers a Bachelor of Science completion program for hygienists who already hold an associate degree. This two-year program at Vermont Tech is designed to assist students who want to further their careers and advance their knowledge toward research while still working in their current employment situations. To assist students in completing this degree Vermont Tech has articulation agreements with ten local colleges in order to maximize the number of credits that students can transfer in.
Campus Location: Randolph Center, Vermont
Accreditation: Vermont Technical College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 1oo, Burlington, MA 01803
Retention Rate: 73%
Acceptance Rate: 63.3%
Admission Requirements:
In addition to having an associate degree, bachelor’s students must complete a minimum of two Arts and Humanities or Social Sciences courses including one at the 3000 levels.
Course Sample:
- Evidence-Based Decision Making in Dental Hygiene
- Contemporary Issues in Dental Hygiene
- Human Growth and Development
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science degree-completion program in Dental Hygiene at Vermont Tech have acquired access to more educational as well as career opportunities than students with an associate degree in the field. Career areas for graduates from this program include:
- Dental Hygiene Research
- Sales
- Public Health
- Education
LEARN MORE ABOUT VERMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S ONLINE DENTAL HYGIENE DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I’m already a practicing Dental Hygienist. Should I complete a transition program in Dental Hygiene?
To become a clinical dental hygienist, you must earn your Associate of Dental Hygiene degree. Your next step, of course, is to obtain your license and some experience. However, if you would like to further your education, without a doubt, online Bachelor of Dental Hygiene degree programs are readily available. Most bachelor’s degrees in this field are called “completion programs.”
A bachelor’s completion program is designed for working dental hygienist professionals who would like to further their career. They offer full-time and part-time participation classes, and most often, can be completed 100% online, while regular undergraduate programs may require some on-campus attendance.
Why would I want to earn an online completion (or transitional) bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene?
As a practicing dental hygienist, you already realize the importance of good dental care. A recent concept in dental hygiene is securing a prominent position as an advanced dental hygienist practitioner (ADHP). You may decide to strive for a place as an ADHP; however, you will need a master’s degree in the field. Your bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene will be a required stepping stone to your master’s degree program.
With your master’s degree as an oral healthcare practitioner, you can become qualified for more complex dental care procedures, such as restorative dentistry, emergency dental care, advanced oral healthcare, and assessment, as well as, the ability to prescribe limited antibiotics and pain medicine. In addition, you may also consider earning an advanced degree to become a researcher or educator.
How do I earn a Bachelor of Dental Hygiene degree?
Keep in mind that earning an online bachelor’s degree in the field of dental hygiene is purely optional to clean teeth and perform other essential dental hygiene duties. However, if you decide to advance your education, your bachelor’s degree program will provide you with training in microbiology, nutrition, radiology, pain control, as well as, how to handle dental emergencies. Furthermore, you will learn about pharmacology, pathology, periodontics, and the proper use of the latest innovations in dental materials.
The online bachelor completion degree program makes it easy to convert your associate degree into a bachelor’s degree through the online format. Your additional skills and knowledge in the field will qualify you for promotions, salary increases, and value within your dental office.
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“Blessed are they who hold lively conversations with the helplessly mute, for they shall be called dentists.”
-Ann Landers