The Best Online Dental Hygiene Schools
Explore top schools, review online courses, curriculum, financing options, and the licensing you’ll need to get your career started. Take your first steps toward a degree in dental hygiene today.
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.
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Public
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Public
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Public
St Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, Florida
Public
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota
Public
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Public
Vermont Technical College
Randolph, Vermont
Public
Utah Valley University
Orem, Utah
Public
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Public
MCPHS University
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
Texas Woman’s University
Denton, Texas
Public
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee
Public
Augusta University
Augusta, Georgia
Public
Wichita State University
Wichita, Kansas
Public
Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale, New York
Public
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois
Public
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
Public
Siena Heights University
Adrian, Michigan
Private
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri
Public
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
Public
Idaho State University
Pocatello, Idaho
Public
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, Washington
Public
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, Michigan
Public
Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Public
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
Public
Central Community College
Grand Island, Nebraska
Public
James A. Rhodes State College
Lima, Ohio
Public
Mesa Community College
Mesa, Arizona
Public
Roane State Community College
Harriman, Tennessee
Public
Lamar Institute of Technology
Beaumont, Texas
Public
Mt Hood Community College
Gresham, Oregon
Public
What Dental Hygiene Programs Are Fully Online?
Those who have completed entry-level education in dental hygiene have the option to enroll in a fully online degree program. This is a convenient alternative for those who may be working full-time jobs or raising families, and they get the same quality education that their on-campus counterparts receive. The following are examples of some of these fully online dental hygiene programs.
Degree completion programs are for licensed dental hygienists who have already completed a certificate or associate degree program and want to get further training that opens more doors for them in their career. In order to be admitted into these programs, students are generally required to have an active license in the state, a minimum grade point average of 2.5, and relevant work experience.
These programs, which can take about two years to complete, build on dental hygienists’ prior knowledge and skills by offering coursework in advanced industry science and practices. Through this combination of evidence-based theories and advanced techniques, students leave the program with stronger decision-making, communication, and leadership skills that can help them qualify for higher-level jobs and command larger salaries. As a result, students can get employment in a variety of settings including dentists’ offices, hospitals, public health agencies, or private companies after graduation.
Many professionals who grow into their role as dental hygienists eventually desire to take on more responsibilities—even beyond the one’s they learned on the bachelor’s degree level. For these people, a master’s degree program can prepare them for leadership roles in the field—whether they want to teach the next generation of dental hygienists, perform research that improves clinical practices, or take a managerial role in a health care facility. In order to be admitted into a graduate-level program, prospective students are required to have a dental hygiene bachelor’s degree, a 3.0 minimum grade point average, a current license, and a certain minimum score on the GRE or TOEFL. Also, schools may require applicants to have a certain amount of clinical experience.
Students in master’s degree programs learn advanced concepts related to oral microbiology and pathology, periodontics, immunology, and histology. In addition, they will obtain skills that allow them to move up in their careers, such as research, leadership, teaching, and written and verbal communication skills. After taking two years of coursework, students may be required to complete a thesis based on their own independent research.
Resources:
- Dental Hygiene Program Types, American Dental Education Association
- Degree Completion Programs in Dental Hygiene, American Dental Education Association
- Distance Programs in Dental Hygiene, American Dental Education Association
- Dental Hygiene AS to BS Online Completion Program, East Tennessee State University
- Online Dental Hygiene Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program, Oregon Tech Online
- Dental Hygiene Bachelor’s Completion Program, UT Health San Antonio
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.
Certificate
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.
Associate
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.
Bachelor’s
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.
Resources:
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 education funding 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
- Hispanic Dental Association Foundation Scholarship Program
- A.B. Noel Endowed Scholarship
- Purdue University Fort Wayne Scholarships
- Augusta University Dental Hygiene Scholarships
- ADEA/Crest Oral-B Scholarships for Dental Hygiene Students Pursuing Academic Careers
- ADHA Institute for Oral Health Research Grants
- University of South Dakota Dental Hygiene Scholarships
For more information on funding options, check out our full guide on financial aid for medical and healthcare students.
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
So, you've explored some of the top dental hygiene programs across the country, and you've familiarized yourself with the steps to gaining licensure, but what can you expect in terms of career outlook and salary potential?
Well, according to the data, national demand for dental hygienists is expected to grow a healthy 7.4% over the next ten years. It’s projected to grow over 9% in several states, including North Dakota, Delaware, and Maryland, so new dental hygienists should find ample opportunities. Nationally, dental hygienists in the 10th percentile earn $65,110 per year, while those in the 90th percentile earn $118,400. However, location significantly affects earning potential. For example, the 90th percentile of dental hygienists in California and Washington earn annual salaries of $137,870 and $133,280, respectively. Conversely, the top-earning hygienists in Alabama make only $61,910 a year. Look at the tables below to see what else the data reveals.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $65,110 | $87,530 | $118,400 |
| Alabama | $45,640 | $57,400 | $61,910 |
| Alaska | $88,220 | $122,340 | $128,340 |
| Arizona | $82,830 | $93,840 | $100,580 |
| Arkansas | $50,370 | $78,500 | $94,330 |
| California | $103,150 | $120,640 | $137,870 |
| Colorado | $86,370 | $103,610 | $120,400 |
| Connecticut | $82,150 | $94,500 | $105,070 |
| Delaware | $82,850 | $96,880 | $121,660 |
| Florida | $68,540 | $80,530 | $93,090 |
| Georgia | $64,590 | $80,250 | $99,210 |
| Hawaii | $78,930 | $94,800 | $100,340 |
| Idaho | $77,130 | $82,740 | $94,740 |
| Illinois | $61,080 | $81,920 | $99,870 |
| Indiana | $62,830 | $82,340 | $101,460 |
| Iowa | $76,330 | $81,060 | $94,220 |
| Kansas | $61,050 | $78,670 | $90,210 |
| Kentucky | $57,500 | $75,180 | $93,120 |
| Louisiana | $48,620 | $82,330 | $96,220 |
| Maine | $72,440 | $79,570 | $92,340 |
| Maryland | $82,630 | $102,010 | $118,930 |
| Massachusetts | $79,530 | $100,750 | $104,840 |
| Michigan | $66,220 | $77,800 | $82,490 |
| Minnesota | $79,350 | $93,140 | $99,020 |
| Mississippi | $45,260 | $63,230 | $73,870 |
| Missouri | $63,420 | $80,020 | $92,660 |
| Montana | $80,530 | $90,210 | $98,520 |
| Nebraska | $76,700 | $82,020 | $93,140 |
| Nevada | $48,850 | $97,620 | $107,220 |
| New Hampshire | $83,140 | $93,220 | $101,600 |
| New Jersey | $84,610 | $99,330 | $104,260 |
| New Mexico | $81,370 | $95,120 | $100,050 |
| New York | $65,040 | $93,600 | $103,260 |
| North Carolina | $68,460 | $81,230 | $96,230 |
| North Dakota | $64,930 | $81,740 | $90,660 |
| Ohio | $65,050 | $79,680 | $93,500 |
| Oklahoma | $65,920 | $97,280 | $104,510 |
| Oregon | $89,250 | $105,700 | $118,560 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,500 | $77,560 | $99,470 |
| Rhode Island | $76,380 | $83,960 | $85,250 |
| South Carolina | $62,600 | $78,170 | $92,920 |
| South Dakota | $77,510 | $80,770 | $89,020 |
| Tennessee | $57,870 | $75,500 | $92,480 |
| Texas | $74,900 | $89,160 | $101,340 |
| Utah | $75,920 | $79,390 | $86,260 |
| Vermont | $82,440 | $94,880 | $98,260 |
| Virginia | $76,720 | $91,060 | $113,140 |
| Washington | $101,540 | $127,180 | $133,280 |
| West Virginia | $52,700 | $66,970 | $82,790 |
| Wisconsin | $74,410 | $79,320 | $90,930 |
| Wyoming | $61,720 | $79,040 | $95,130 |
Source: Dental Hygienists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, 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.
How Much Can You Make as a Dental Hygienist?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, the median annual salary for dental hygienists is $87,530. In addition, the top 10 percent of earners made $118,400, while the bottom 10 percent earn $65,110.
