Online Dental Hygiene Programs: Top Schools
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Dental HygieneDental CareDental hygienists play a crucial role in preventive oral care, helping patients maintain healthy smiles while building strong careers in healthcare. If you’re considering an online program, this page will guide you through coursework, licensing requirements, career opportunities, and salary potential.
For licensed dental hygienists looking to advance their careers, fully online degree programs offer a flexible and high-quality education. Degree completion programs help those with an associate degree or certificate build on their existing skills, qualifying them for higher-paying roles in various healthcare settings.
Meanwhile, master’s degree programs prepare experienced hygienists for leadership, research, or teaching positions. These advanced programs, typically completed in two years, cover topics like periodontics, immunology, and healthcare management, equipping graduates with the expertise to take on greater responsibilities. Use this guide to explore the top online dental hygiene programs designed to help professionals grow in their careers.
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Entry-level Dental Hygiene Courses with Online Components
In order to prepare to take the licensing exam and find employment, future dental hygienists should enroll in entry-level programs that gives them clinical experience and teach them the basic theories of the field. These programs are often attractive to those who want to start a new career, so they are offered in the online and hybrid formats that allow them to conveniently fit their classwork into their work schedules.
Those who enroll in programs that are conducted completely online can take all of their classes through their school’s learning management system. As a result, they can watch lectures, collaborate with professors and peers, access course material, hand in assignments, and take tests online. However, in order to get the clinical experience they need to put the ideas they learned into practice, they will be required to participate in laboratory work on campus, as well as internships in a dental office. On the other hand, students who enroll in partially online dental hygiene programs complete most of their work on campus, but they do have the opportunity to complete some of their classwork online.
The following are examples of the different degree levels that train dental hygienists.
Through a combination of clinical experiences and academic instruction, students who enroll in certificate programs can prepare for a dental hygiene career in about two to three years. These programs can be competitive, so schools expect students to demonstrate high academic performance, as well as a strong desire to work in a dental office to help the community, in order to be admitted. Some of the admissions requirements may include earning a CPR certification, completing a high school diploma or its equivalent, and participating in a criminal background check. In addition, students may be expected to complete prerequisite classes in microbiology, chemistry, and anatomy before they can be officially admitted into the program.
Although these programs are not as common as associate degrees, dental hygiene certificates are a good choice for those who want intensive training. After they complete their certificate, graduates can go on to work in general dental practices, nursing homes, hospitals, and public health clinics.
Like certificate programs, associate degree programs are designed to train students to earn their license and land entry-level jobs by teaching basic patient care skills. In order to be admitted, students should also have a high school diploma and CPR certification, as well as a background check.
Although the dental hygiene curriculum is similar to certificates, associate’s degree programs also have additional general education requirements in areas like sociology, mathematics, and psychology. Students in these programs are also expected to complete a certain number of clinical hours that include in-class simulations and real-world experiences in a doctor’s office.
Dental hygiene bachelor’s degrees are generally for those who want to train for career advancement, although in some cases, programs accept students who don’t have previous experience. These programs, which take four years to complete, allow people with an active dental hygiene license to get more advanced skills than they learned in their associate’s degree program, as well as help those who have never studied this discipline develop the capabilities they need to enter the field.
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Core Dental Hygiene Classes
The exact curriculum of a dental hygiene program can vary from school to school, however, they are all designed to teach students the skills they need to pass their licensing examination and have a successful career. In addition, students on different levels will find different types of classes available. The following are examples of some of the coursework that can be found in these programs.
Oral Anatomy: This course is designed to lay the foundational knowledge of all the services students will provide to their patients. The curriculum covers parts of the oral cavity, as well as the neck and head, and instructs students on how to navigate tools in these areas. In some cases, this course may have classroom and laboratory components.
Pharmacology: Pharmacology classes focus on the medications used to treat dental problems. Students learn the different types of medications found in a dental practice, how medications are administered, and the positive and negative effects of these drugs. The course may also discuss controlled substances and addiction in order for students to get a full understanding of the ramifications of using certain types of drugs.
Periodontology: Students who take this class learn about periodontal anatomy and physiology, and how to identify diseases that are in this area of the body. They also get experience performing assessments, treating periodontal problems, and educating patients about disease management.
Research Principles: This class covers the principles and methods of conducting evidence-based research. The curriculum addresses how to craft a hypothesis, plan and design a study, execute the research, and analyze and present data. Students may also learn about the ethics associated with conducting original research, as well as the technology tools researchers use during the course of a study.
Restorative Dentistry: The principles, procedures, and tools of restorative dentistry are covered in this course. Students get hands-on experience of restorative dentistry practices, including how to select and prepare materials that are used on patients.
Community Dentistry: Students who want to work in a public health setting can take this class to learn about the role that community dentistry can play in a specific location. The course covers how public health programs are developed and implemented from start to finish. In addition, the class may cover how to perform a statistical analysis of community dental health data.
Other courses include:
- Dental Ethics
- Oral Radiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Dental Materials
- Dental Office Practice
- Patients With Special Needs
- Biochemistry
- Patient Records
- Dental Specialties
- Clinical Practice
How to Finance an Online Dental Hygiene Program
Like students in other types of academic programs, those enrolled in dental hygiene schools have the opportunity to obtain financial aid for their education—such as loans, grants, and scholarships. In some cases, funding may be available directly from a student’s school: For example, the University of Hawaii, the University of South Dakota, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City are among the schools that offer scholarships to its dental hygiene students. In addition, professional organizations for members of the field may also offer funding to support the next generation of dental hygienists. For example, the American Dental Hygienists Association Institute for Oral Health has scholarships, fellowships, and grants available. Students who need additional funding may be able to receive federal subsidized or unsubsidized loans.
Dental Hygiene Scholarships & Grants
There are several sources of financial aid available to those studying dental hygiene. The following are some examples of scholarships and grants students may be eligible to receive.
- ADHA Institute for Oral Health Scholarship
- Vermont Dental Hygiene Scholarship
- Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists’ Association Scholarships
- Purdue University Fort Wayne Scholarships
- Augusta University Dental Hygiene Scholarships
- ADEA/Crest Oral-B Scholarships for Dental Hygiene Students Pursuing Academic Careers
- University of South Dakota Dental Hygiene Scholarships
Getting Your Dental Hygienist License
Dental hygiene professionals are required to obtain a license before they can legally hold down a job in the field. In order to do this, people are required to complete a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Individual states may also have additional requirements, such as passing a state examination.
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program
The Commission on Dental Accreditation, or CODA, is the only agency that accredits dental hygiene programs. Accreditation is important because it certifies the quality of a degree program, so in order to do this, the organization evaluates schools based on their curriculum, academic policies, and facilities for hands-on training.
Step 2: Pass the NBDHE Exam
The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination is a two-part multiple choice test, which is made up of 350 questions, designed to gauge students’ understanding of the concepts and techniques they learned in their degree program. The first section of the test includes 200 questions that cover community health and research, dental hygiene science, and clinical services. In the second part of the test, students are presented with case studies that describe challenges dental hygienists face and are asked how to handle these scenarios.
Step 3: Pass Regional or State Clinical Exam
In addition to the NBDHE, prospective dental hygienists are required to pass a clinical examination in order to demonstrate their understanding of the hands-on training they received. Some states have their own test, while others use tests that are provided by the Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA), the North East Regional Board (NERB) of Dental Examiners, the Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA), the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB), or the Central Regional Dental Testing Services (CRDTS).
Step 4 (Varies): Fulfill Additional State Requirements
Individual states may have additional dental hygienist licensure requirements, such as obtaining a Basic Life Support certification, passing a jurisprudence exam, or completing infection control training. Professionals may also be expected to undergo criminal background checks and child abuse clearance.
Dental Hygienist Career Outlook & Salary Potential
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $66,470 | $94,260 | $120,060 |
| Alabama | $47,280 | $59,840 | $68,640 |
| Alaska | $58,340 | $129,760 | $135,400 |
| Arizona | $84,190 | $97,530 | $102,170 |
| Arkansas | $56,430 | $83,760 | $101,250 |
| California | $56,330 | $121,080 | $137,460 |
| Connecticut | $84,390 | $96,270 | $106,140 |
| Delaware | $85,630 | $99,720 | $123,980 |
| District of Columbia | $125,640 | $127,900 | $151,010 |
| Florida | $73,210 | $81,090 | $97,080 |
| Georgia | $66,170 | $83,500 | $103,750 |
| Hawaii | $81,790 | $96,770 | $101,560 |
| Idaho | $81,310 | $84,990 | $98,910 |
| Illinois | $64,010 | $96,490 | $99,660 |
| Indiana | $63,200 | $90,290 | $101,470 |
| Iowa | $78,270 | $82,770 | $94,140 |
| Kansas | $64,900 | $82,060 | $97,000 |
| Kentucky | $60,120 | $77,440 | $95,680 |
| Louisiana | $43,230 | $80,900 | $99,230 |
| Maine | $79,120 | $88,700 | $100,580 |
| Maryland | $97,110 | $105,140 | $119,110 |
| Massachusetts | $95,400 | $100,790 | $107,560 |
| Michigan | $73,720 | $80,990 | $91,400 |
| Minnesota | $78,720 | $98,970 | $105,490 |
| Mississippi | $48,290 | $66,290 | $79,320 |
| Missouri | $78,070 | $83,270 | $102,390 |
| Montana | $80,440 | $94,740 | $101,410 |
| Nebraska | $63,280 | $84,400 | $94,820 |
| Nevada | $93,030 | $103,160 | $123,090 |
| New Hampshire | $82,450 | $96,740 | $102,190 |
| New Jersey | $84,050 | $102,600 | $105,480 |
| New Mexico | $80,020 | $96,410 | $103,000 |
| New York | $66,450 | $95,560 | $122,130 |
| North Carolina | $76,860 | $89,720 | $99,570 |
| North Dakota | $75,180 | $83,010 | $94,910 |
| Ohio | $71,520 | $81,620 | $99,490 |
| Oklahoma | $81,140 | $95,860 | $101,490 |
| Oregon | $101,570 | $118,280 | $127,770 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,230 | $81,510 | $102,030 |
| Rhode Island | $81,680 | $82,870 | $86,380 |
| South Carolina | $63,950 | $81,710 | $94,810 |
| South Dakota | $67,410 | $84,300 | $93,980 |
| Tennessee | $65,460 | $81,810 | $97,460 |
| Texas | $48,390 | $94,490 | $110,560 |
| Utah | $76,650 | $82,610 | $97,370 |
| Vermont | $78,390 | $99,490 | $114,680 |
| Virginia | $79,980 | $98,880 | $121,950 |
| Washington | $100,800 | $125,370 | $159,470 |
| West Virginia | $54,080 | $72,670 | $83,830 |
| Wisconsin | $69,880 | $83,850 | $102,150 |
| Wyoming | $58,240 | $82,220 | $94,750 |
Source: Dental Hygienists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 219,400 | 235,700 | 16,300 | 7.40% | 16,400 |
| Alabama | 3,750 | 4,200 | 450 | 12.00% | 300 |
| Alaska | 560 | 610 | 50 | 8.90% | 40 |
| Arizona | 4,870 | 6,130 | 1,260 | 25.90% | 480 |
| Arkansas | 1,620 | 1,950 | 330 | 20.40% | 150 |
| California | 25,000 | 28,800 | 3,800 | 15.20% | 2,120 |
| Colorado | 5,180 | 5,840 | 660 | 12.70% | 420 |
| Connecticut | 3,030 | 3,790 | 760 | 25.10% | 300 |
| Delaware | 730 | 800 | 70 | 9.60% | 60 |
| District of Columbia | 230 | 250 | 20 | 8.70% | 20 |
| Florida | 13,410 | 15,600 | 2,190 | 16.30% | 1,160 |
| Georgia | 5,990 | 6,650 | 660 | 11.00% | 480 |
| Idaho | 2,250 | 2,720 | 470 | 20.90% | 210 |
| Illinois | 8,430 | 9,030 | 600 | 7.10% | 620 |
| Indiana | 5,310 | 5,700 | 390 | 7.30% | 400 |
| Iowa | 2,420 | 2,810 | 390 | 16.10% | 210 |
| Kansas | 1,810 | 1,930 | 120 | 6.60% | 130 |
| Kentucky | 2,490 | 2,670 | 180 | 7.20% | 190 |
| Louisiana | 1,820 | 1,900 | 80 | 4.40% | 130 |
| Maine | 1,140 | 1,130 | -10 | -0.90% | 70 |
| Maryland | 3,610 | 3,940 | 330 | 9.10% | 280 |
| Massachusetts | 1,670 | 1,800 | 130 | 7.80% | 130 |
| Michigan | 7,360 | 7,890 | 530 | 7.20% | 550 |
| Minnesota | 4,970 | 5,290 | 320 | 6.40% | 370 |
| Mississippi | 1,590 | 1,650 | 60 | 3.80% | 110 |
| Missouri | 3,490 | 3,630 | 140 | 4.00% | 250 |
| Montana | 1,040 | 1,220 | 180 | 17.30% | 90 |
| Nebraska | 1,310 | 1,450 | 140 | 10.70% | 100 |
| Nevada | 1,300 | 1,400 | 100 | 7.70% | 100 |
| New Hampshire | 1,210 | 1,320 | 110 | 9.10% | 90 |
| New Jersey | 6,320 | 7,050 | 730 | 11.60% | 510 |
| New Mexico | 1,120 | 1,470 | 350 | 31.30% | 120 |
| New York | 11,480 | 14,010 | 2,530 | 22.00% | 250 |
| North Carolina | 6,740 | 7,710 | 970 | 14.40% | 570 |
| North Dakota | 910 | 1,000 | 90 | 9.90% | 70 |
| Ohio | 8,480 | 8,850 | 370 | 4.40% | 600 |
| Oklahoma | 2,550 | 2,680 | 130 | 5.10% | 180 |
| Oregon | 3,890 | 4,380 | 490 | 12.60% | 320 |
| Pennsylvania | 8,480 | 8,780 | 300 | 3.50% | 590 |
| Rhode Island | 890 | 920 | 30 | 3.40% | 60 |
| South Carolina | 3,240 | 3,910 | 670 | 20.70% | 300 |
| South Dakota | 590 | 670 | 80 | 13.60% | 50 |
| Tennessee | 4,600 | 5,550 | 950 | 20.70% | 420 |
| Texas | 11,370 | 13,720 | 2,350 | 20.70% | 1,050 |
| Utah | 3,220 | 4,030 | 810 | 25.20% | 320 |
| Vermont | 630 | 630 | – | 0.00% | 40 |
| Virginia | 5,380 | 6,400 | 1,020 | 19.00% | 480 |
| Washington | 7,810 | 8,830 | 1,020 | 13.10% | 750 |
| West Virginia | 1,210 | 1,220 | 10 | 0.80% | 80 |
| Wisconsin | 4,870 | 5,250 | 380 | 7.80% | 370 |
| Wyoming | 570 | 620 | 50 | 8.80% | 40 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top-Rated Online Dental Hygiene Programs
When you enroll in an online dental hygiene program, you need to be confident you’re going to receive the training necessary to land a job after graduation. Because it can be difficult to know which school to choose, EduMed has put together the best and most affordable online dental hygiene schools around the country for students to review. With data and information that’s updated frequently, future dental hygienists get the most up-to-date info on schools that we have vetted for cost, quality, and flexibility. See who’s making a difference.
