According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2019 to 2029, the growth rate of employment for dental hygienists is expected to grow 6%! In order to be hired as a dental hygienist, you are generally required to hold a certificate or an associate degree and have passed the national written exam and be licensed.
Achieving a bachelor’s degree allows you to become qualified to teach, research, and practice in public or school health programs. The median annual pay for this position in 2019 was $76,220 or 36.65 per hour and can be achieved with only an associate degree. An interesting statistic as stated by bls.gov is that more than half of dental hygienists work part-time.
Recommended Schools
Below, you will find a list of highly qualified colleges and universities that offer 100 percent online dental hygiene bachelor’s degree completion programs.
QUICK LINKS
- Online Dental Hygienists Degree Programs
- ASHWORTH COLLEGE
- PENN FOSTER COLLEGE
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
- UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT
- FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE
- NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
- WEST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
- UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT AUGUSTA
- EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY
- COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF DENVER
- WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
- MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MANKATO
- OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Additional info: Dental Hygienist Career Guide: Salary and Info
Other programs to consider: Top Online Bachelor of Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
********************
Online Dental Hygienists Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY: The following schools offer 100% online Bachelor of Dental Hygiene degree programs to the working professional. If you already have an associate degree from an accredited school, an online bachelor’s degree program is right for you. You can expand your horizons in the field of dentistry and advance in your career.
OnlineSchoolsCenter.com has compiled the following list to include schools that offer a quality dental program, each with various characteristics and attributes. We have chosen to list them randomly due to the difficulty of comparing them fairly; however, the following points were considered as program highlights:
- Designed to assist the working licensed Dental Hygienist in furthering their education,
- Can be completed in as little as 15 months to 2 years or at your own pace,
- Offered 100% Online; although some may require occasional attendance,
- Prepares students for research, teaching, leadership or management within the field of Dentistry,
- Offering a comprehensive curriculum in Dental Hygiene, such as the latest technology, total oral healthcare, and how to meet the needs of the patient,
- Proper Accreditation,
- Student’s satisfaction according to retention rates no lower than 50%.
To learn more, see our Methodology page.
********************
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS
MEDICAL AND DENTAL RECEPTION – ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a hidden gem among online schools that provides outstanding distance degree and certificate programs, such as the Medical and Dental Reception Certificate. This one-year curriculum prepares students for entry-level office and clinical positions in the field. Students living in the Fairbanks area can take advantage of opportunities to work in local health care facilities that drastically enhance their skills. Graduates from UAF develop a broad foundation in dental hygiene and are prepared to utilize newfound skills in the workforce or continue their education in a bachelor’s degree program. Alumni now work as receptionists, secretaries, and clerks at hospitals, dental offices, and clinics.
Coursework Sample:
- Medical Terminology
- Professional Skills for the Workplace
Campus Location: Fairbanks, AK
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604
www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440
Acceptance Rate: 76% Retention Rate: 73% Graduation Rate: 29%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS’ ONLINE MEDICAL AND DENTAL RECEPTION CERTIFICATE
______________________________
ASHWORTH COLLEGE
dental office ASSISTANT career diploma
Ashworth College provides an online Dental Office Assistant Career Diploma that gives students an incredible amount of flexibility to complete the coursework at their own personal learning pace. The entire curriculum can be completed in as little as four months and supplies enough training and information for students to land positions of employment immediately after graduation. There is particular emphasis on the enhancement of interpersonal and transferrable skills such as communication and writing. The tuition rate is highly affordable, and Ashworth supplies numerous ways in which students can easily pay for the program.
Coursework Sample:
- Dental Terminology and Anatomy
- Cavity Classification and Charting
- Preventative Dentistry and Nutrition
Campus Location: Norcross, GA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604
www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440
Acceptance Rate: 100% Retention Rate: –% Graduation Rate: –%
LEARN MORE ABOUT ASHWORTH COLLEGE’S ONLINE DENTRAL FRONT OFFICE TRAINING PROGRAM
______________________________
PENN FOSTER COLLEGE
DENTAL ASSISTANT CAREER DIPLOMA
Penn Foster College is a highly revered trade school that has been offering programs longer than any other educational institution of its kind in America. The nine-course online Dental Assistant Career Diploma provides outstanding coursework with fascinating topics of study. It is incredibly flexible and can be completed at individual learning rates through a fully customizable experience. Penn Foster encourages local hands-on training and helps students establish real-world dentistry-focused opportunities in their surrounding communities. Past and current students have the most fantastic things to say about their alma mater, much of which can be found on the program website.
Coursework Sample:
- Dental Terminology, Anatomy, and Charting
- Preventative Dentistry and ethics
- Infection Control and Dental Emergencies
Campus Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Accreditation:
- Distance Education Accrediting Commission
1101 17th Street NW, Suite 808
Washington, D.C. 20036
www.deac.org, (202) 234-5100
Acceptance Rate: 100% Retention Rate: –% Graduation Rate: –%
LEARN MORE ABOUT PENN FOSTER COLLEGE’S ONLINE DENTAL ASSISTANT CAREER DIPLOMA
______________________________
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
DENTAL HYGIENE (RDH-BSDH) pOST-LICENSURE PROGRAM
At the University of New Mexico, online students in dental hygiene participate in an accelerated Bachelor of Science degree that is both fast and affordable. Classes take place over eight-week terms, and the tuition rate for distance courses is $369.22 per credit hour, which is incredibly low. It is a bachelor’s degree completion program that requires students to transfer previously earned credits from a certificate program or associate’s degree. The curriculum is designed to expand upon the knowledge and skills of individuals who already hold a valid dental hygienist license from the American Dental Association. Graduates leave the University of New Mexico and enter into positions in education, small business, medical clinics, corporations, and more!
Coursework Sample:
- Dental Public Health
- Dental Hygiene Research Methodology
- Current Issues in Dental Hygiene
Campus Location: Albuquerque
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604
www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440 - Commission on Dental Accreditation
Acceptance Rate: 94% Retention Rate: 74% Graduation Rate: 44%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO’S ONLINE DENTAL HYGIENE POST-LICENSURE PROGRAM
______________________________
UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT
DENTAL HYGIENE ONLINE BS
The Dental Hygiene Online BS is an incredibly in-depth program that can be taken as either a full bachelor’s or a degree completion program because the University of Bridgeport allows distance students to transfer 60-90 credits out of 121 from another accredited institution of higher education. In so doing, many students can finish the program in as little as two years. This online curriculum is one of the only programs with a required internship course, wherein students gain an enormous amount of invaluable real-world experience. Coursework is fully customizable and can align with any individual career or academic pursuits.
Coursework Sample:
- Dental Hygiene Internship
- Instructional Strategies for the Health Professional
- Dental Hygiene Practice Management
Campus Location: Bridgeport, CT
Accreditation:
- New England Association of School and Colleges
- 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
- Burlington, Massachusetts 01803
- www.neasc.org, (782) 425-7700
Acceptance Rate: 55% Retention Rate: 67% Graduation Rate: 29%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT’S DENTAL HYGIENE ONLINE BS
______________________________
FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE DEGREE COMPLETION
This dental hygiene undergraduate distance program is a degree completion program, which requires students to transfer previously earned credits from another accredited institution of higher education. It is an excellent choice for students who have already completed an associate’s curriculum in the same or a similar field seeking further credentialing. The coursework puts particular emphasis on helping students expand their hiring potential in various positions in dentistry. Farmingdale State College is an excellent online school, which is clearly reflected in its exemplary retention and graduation rates listed below.
Coursework Sample:
- Oral Epidemiology
- Teaching Strategies for Health Care Educators
- Proposals and Grant Management for Health Programs
Campus Location: Farmingdale, NY
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
3624 Market Street, Suite 2 West
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
www.msche.org, (267) 284-5000 - American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation
Acceptance Rate: 55% Retention Rate: 84% Graduation Rate: 50%
LEARN MORE ABOUT FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM IN DENTAL HYGIENE
______________________________
NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM
Northern Arizona University is well-known for its excellent online opportunities, and individuals who already have an academic background in dental hygiene can take full advantage of the distance degree completion program. This curriculum is perfect for students with an Associate’s Degree, a Certificate, or a Diploma in Dental Hygiene. It includes extensive instruction in clinical and theoretical knowledge and promotes substantial advancement in public health, management, marketing, sales, research, and academia. It is also a great choice for anyone interested in pursuing career fields related to dental hygiene or into a master’s degree.
Coursework Sample:
- Oral Health and Disease Prevention
- Healthcare Policy and Management
- Global Oral Health
Campus Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604
www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440 - Commission on Dental Accreditation
Acceptance Rate: 85% Retention Rate: 73% Graduation Rate: 53%
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DENTAL HYGIENE BACHELOR’S DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM
______________________________
WEST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
dENTAL HYGIENE BACHELOR DEGREE COMPLETION PATHWAY PROGRAM
As a bachelor’s degree completion program, the West Los Angeles College online dental hygiene undergraduate requires students to transfer a certain amount of credits from another accredited institution of higher education. It can be completed in a fraction of the time compared to other programs on this very ranking and maintains an incredibly high level of quality. At $130 per unit, courses at WLAC are exceedingly affordable and 100% online. Students engage in a wide array of different dental, health care, and science topics, all of which are vastly beneficial to future positions in dental hygiene. There is an overall emphasis placed on the development of effective critical thinking and communication skills.
Coursework Sample:
- Pharmacology
- Community Dental Health
- Advanced Periodontal Seminar
Campus Location: Culver City, CA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604
www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440 - Commission on Dental Accreditation
Acceptance Rate: 100% Retention Rate: –% Graduation Rate: 17%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WEST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE’S ONLINE DENTAL HYGIENE BACHELOR DEGREE COMPLETION PATHWAY PROGRAM
______________________________
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT AUGUSTA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM
The University of Maine at Augusta supplies a hybrid format bachelor’s degree completion program in dental hygiene to students who have taken at least 12 credits at a previous accredited college or university. The coursework is dense with industry-rich information and offers topics not found at many other schools, such as those listed in the Coursework Sample. It is a clinically-focused program that requires students to complete the clinical portion of the curriculum in a local or campus-based dental facility. Students exit the program with advanced dental health care knowledge and can transfer into employment positions in clinics, public health agencies, and schools or are well-prepared for graduate programs.
Coursework Sample:
- Professionalism for Oral Health Provider
- Nutrition in Oral Health
- Dental Anxiety and Pain Management
Campus Location: Augusta, ME
Accreditation:
- New England Association of School and Colleges
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803
www.neasc.org, (782) 425-7700 - Commission on Dental Accreditation
Acceptance Rate: 98% Retention Rate: 59% Graduation Rate: 30%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT AUGUSTA’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM
______________________________
EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
degree completion bachelor of science in dental hygiene
One of the major pulls of the undergraduate dental hygiene degree completion at Eastern Washington University is its fabulous array of fascinating coursework. At this excellent school, the curriculum delves more deeply into topics and issues of critical importance to the dental industry as a whole. Students work closely with instructors and one another in the enhancement strong leadership and teamwork skills, and develop in-depth portfolio that illustrate their levels of expertise. The EWU program is also highly affordable with a tuition rate of $369 per credit hour and there are generous financial aid options available for all online students.
Coursework Sample:
- Applied Statistics and Evidence-based Decision Making for Health Sciences
- Contemporary Issues in Clinical Dental Hygiene
- Principles and Policies of Oral Healthcare Management
Campus Location: Cheney, WA
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue, Suite 200
Redmond, Washington 98502
www.nwccu.org, (425) 558-4224 - Commission on Dental Accreditation
Acceptance Rate: 96% Retention Rate: 74% Graduation Rate: 45%
LEARN MORE ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY’S DEGREE COMPLETION BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DNEATL HYGIENE ONLINE
______________________________
IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE
Idaho State University is a superbly unique school that provides one of the only fully online graduate degrees in dental hygiene in the entire nation. The coursework is designed to drastically enhance students’ understanding of administrative practices such as leadership, management, maximizing interprofessional opportunities, and patient advocacy. Graduates are steeped in both research and practical skills and are capable of working in any dentistry environment, such as academia, private practices, hospitals, and research facilities. IDU supplies both part-time and full-time schedules for maximum flexibility and offers in-state tuition to all online students.
Coursework Sample:
- Program Development and Evaluation
- Special Care Populations
- Administration and Management of Healthcare Organizations
Campus Location: Pocatello, ID
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- 8060 165th Avenue, Suite 200
- Redmond, Washington 98502
- www.nwccu.org, (425) 558-4224
- Commission on Dental Education
Acceptance Rate: 100% Retention Rate: 63% Graduation Rate: 56%
LEARN MORE ABOUT IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY’S FULLY ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE
______________________________
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF DENVER
online bachelor of applied science in dental hygiene program
The Community College of Denver supplies one of the only full bachelor’s degree programs in dental hygiene online. The curriculum is well-celebrated and includes a special focus on public health and elective courses in education. Students gain in-depth training in both practice and teaching, making them excellent candidates for positions in dental facilities and schools upon graduation. Many individuals who exit CCD go on to work in basic science and clinical research laboratories, state and federal practices, dental hygiene education, and other fascinating areas of employment. Graduates are also prepared to start personal entrepreneurial ventures in dentistry.
Coursework Sample:
- Preclinical Dental Hygiene Care
- Dental Anatomy and Histology
- Dental Radiology
Campus Location: Denver, CO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604
www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440 - Commission on Dental Accreditation
Acceptance Rate: 100% Retention Rate: 55% Graduation Rate: 7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF DENVER’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE
______________________________
WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE DEGREE COMPLETION PRGORAM ONLINE
Western Kentucky University maintains an active Dental Hygiene Department that supplies numerous educational pathways for its students. The online bachelor’s degree completion program is the only online option, but there are other on-campus opportunities available, as well. It is an accelerated degree with coursework that can be fully completed in as little as 15 months but can also accommodate any student’s learning pace. The program gives students the skills to take on positions as certified practitioners or qualified full-time educators. WKU maintains a respected regional learning center with international connections across the globe, of which all online students can take advantage.
Coursework Sample:
- Dental Materials and Expanded Functions in Restorative Dentistry
- Preventative Dental Hygiene Care
- Pre-Clinical Dental Hygiene
Campus Location: Bowling Green, KY
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604
www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440 - Commission on Dental Education
Acceptance Rate: 97% Retention Rate: 71% Graduation Rate: 44%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY’S BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM ONLINE
______________________________
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MANKATO
DENTAL HYGIENE ONLINE DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM
Students who choose Minnesota State University Mankato undergo an exceedingly flexible, 100% online dental hygiene undergraduate completion program in which they can complete credits entirely at their own pace. There are both standard and accelerated tracks available, and the degree can be finished in one to two years. The array of coursework is quite broad and geared toward preparing students who have previous training in dental hygiene for multiple areas in the fields of public health, dentistry, and education. OnlineSchoolsCenter.com is pleased to include MSU Mankato’s online dental hygiene degree on this catalog for four consecutive years, which is indication of its superlative quality.
Coursework Sample:
- Current Issues in Dental Hygiene
- Technology in Oral Health
- Decision Making in Periodontology
Campus Location: Mankato, MN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604
www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440 - Commission on Dental Accreditation
Acceptance Rate: 63% Retention Rate: 74% Graduation Rate: 52%
LEARN MORE ABOUT MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY DENTAL HYGIENE ONLINE DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM
______________________________
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
DENTAL HYGIENE BACCALAURTEATE DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM
One of, if not the most, impressive school on this catalog, Ohio State University’s excellence is easily measured by its absolutely phenomenal retention and graduation rates, both of which can be found below. The Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program Online is intended for licensed dental hygienists who hold either an associate’s degree or a certificate. The curriculum builds upon previous knowledge and experience to refine students’ abilities in both research and practice. Students learn from seasoned faculty members who bring worlds of information to the virtual classroom, and the program maintains a high ranking from U.S. News and World Report.
Coursework Sample:
- Periodontal Therapy
- Research Methods and Interpretation
- Practice Management
Campus Location: Columbus, OH
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604
www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440 - Commission on Dental Accreditation
Acceptance Rate: 54% Retention Rate: 95% Graduation Rate: 83%
LEARN MORE ABOUT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY’S DENTAL HYGIENE BACCALAUREATE DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM ONLINE
______________________________
Do I need experience before starting a dental hygiene program online?
In general, you do not need experience to gain acceptance into most of these distance education programs. However, many of these schools offer bachelor’s degree completion programs, and these, in particular, require applicants to have an associate’s or a certificate in dental hygiene. Students entering degree completion programs must transfer a certain number of credits (usually 60-90) in order to qualify and often have professional experience alongside their educational background. Any master’s degrees on this catalog will also require applicants to submit both a resume representing applicable positions in dental hygiene and transcripts from an undergraduate institution. As for the certificates, diplomas, associate’s, and full bachelor’s programs, there is no need for any prior experience!
Will I be able to become a dentist with my dental hygiene degree?
Becoming a dentist requires a much different educational pathway that ends in attending either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree program, both of which are equivalent to one another and provide the same level of education. Some dentists have a four-year degree in dentistry or dental hygiene, but it is uncommon. Most hold undergraduate degrees with majors like biochemistry, biomedical engineering, chemistry, and other such disciplines in science and health care. A dental hygienist, on the other hand, still plays a pivotal role in dentistry environments. Similar to registered nurses, they provide high-quality bedside manners and patient education, yet most cannot prescribe medications or diagnose diseases. They often identify issues before the doctor has a chance to examine the patient and will inform them of potential treatments.
Do dental hygienists practice on patients?
Absolutely! Dental hygienists are essential assets in any dental office or hospital who conduct critical exams and identify possible oral diseases. They have the ability and license to perform cleanings, therapies, and treatments, as well as x-rays, the removal of plaque and stains, and the administration of antimicrobial agents, but are required to follow a treatment plan assigned by the doctor. Dental hygienists cannot create their own plans or go against the doctor’s orders. They do, however, provide an enormous amount of education to the patient and typically have more flexibility and time than the dentist to answer questions and provide comforts and reassurance. You can certainly look forward to performing important dental practices on future patients.