Best Online Dental Hygiene Programs of 2024
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An online dental hygiene program can open doors to opportunities in the clinical field, education, sales, and public health. If you have college credits, you can use them to earn an online degree, and within two years, you could be starting a new career.
Let's discover what you can do with an online dental hygiene degree, the requirements for admission, and our ranking for the best programs in 2024.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Online Dental Hygiene Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,079
Out-of-State | $2,782
Credits to Graduate: 36
Students in the online bachelor's degree-completion program in dental hygiene at the University of Michigan study part time and take just one class at a time. The e-learning curriculum allows licensed dental hygienists to continue working while preparing for leadership roles and increased career opportunities.
Skill-based coursework focuses on applying best practices to patient care, public health programming, teaching, and research. Students learn to make evidence-based decisions, identify community resources to increase access to care; and work in alternative settings on multidisciplinary teams.
MCPHS University
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation
Cost per Credit: $850
Credits to Graduate: 36 (for the required professional component)
Hygienists with associate degrees can complete their bachelor's in dental hygiene at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The online program allows enrollees to continue working while studying part time and requires one on-campus orientation in Boston before fall enrollment.
The program puts graduates on track to pursue career advancement or master's programs in dental hygiene. The curriculum covers dental hygiene practice, general healthcare, and oral health. Students can transfer up to 44 credits of arts and sciences coursework.
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation
Cost per Credit: $515
Credits to Graduate: 55
The Ohio State University's dental hygiene baccalaureate degree-completion program offers 100% asynchronous online learning. This program, ideal for working licensed hygienists with associate degrees or certificates, focuses on expanded roles for dental hygienists. Graduates branch into dental hygiene administration, business, management, and research.
Students complete four semesters within 1-5 years, depending on their pace. Courses include current concepts in dental hygiene, periodontal therapy, practice management, and research methods and interpretation. The curriculum meets the distance education standards in most states.
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $465 (Missouri and Kansas)
Out-of-State | $625-$1,050 (depending on state of residence)
Credits to Graduate: 36
The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers an online dental hygiene bachelor's degree-completion program with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses. Registered dental hygienists can study part time while working or attending to other responsibilities. Graduates advance their careers into such areas as advanced clinical practice, program administration, public health, and research.
The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice in the behavioral, biomedical, and clinical sciences. Students can connect with the school's advanced laboratories, employer networks, and oral health libraries.
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation
Cost per Year: $11,352
Credits to Graduate: 30 minimum, depending on transfer credits
Northern Arizona University's dental hygiene bachelor's degree-completion program accepts applications from current or wait-listed School of Dental Hygiene students and registered dental hygienists. The 100% online curriculum takes about two years to complete with no set schedules, clinical requirements, or campus visits.
Northern Arizona accepts up to 90 transfer credits or 26 non-traditional credits for graduation from a Commission on Dental Accreditation program. A Northern Arizona/Maricopa College partnership allows students to complete their dental hygiene associate and bachelor's degrees concurrently.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
What Can I Do With an Online Dental Hygiene Degree?
When you earn a bachelor's degree from an online dental hygiene program, you become qualified to work in a variety of subfields, including administration, research, management, and business. You may also choose to pursue a role as an instructor in dental hygiene programs.
Additional non-clinical career options include dental treatment coordinator, dental supply sales manager, and dental office manager. Specialty certification is available for graduates who wish to pursue careers in oral systemic education, implant maintenance, public health, laser technology, and oncology. With an online dental hygiene degree, you can also specialize in cosmetic dentistry, periodontics, and pediatrics.
How Much Can I Make With an Online Dental Hygiene Degree?
Earning potential varies based on your experience, your certifications or specializations, your employer, and the cost of living in your area.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the salary for a dental hygienist ranges from $65,110-$118,400. The median salary for all dental hygienists was $87,530 as of May 2023. Hygienists are paid the most at dental offices, followed by physician offices and outpatient care centers.
Entry-level positions generally only require an associate degree, but earning a bachelor's degree increases your earning potential and career options. The BLS projects jobs for dental hygienists to increase by 7% from 2022-2032, much faster than the job growth rate across all occupations.
What to Look for in an Online Dental Hygiene Program
There are several important metrics to consider when you are choosing an online dental hygiene program. The data points below factor into our top program ranking. Each of these is an indicator of the quality of the program and should be included in your considerations.
Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation ensures that you will receive an education that meets national standards. Online dental hygiene programs should be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). All programs on our ranked list are accredited.
Program Length
Students must complete roughly 120-128 credits to earn a bachelor's degree, but in a degree completion program, the number could be as low as 32. Your number of transfer credits and program scheduling will impact how long it takes to complete a program.
School Graduation Rate
A program's graduation rate is an indicator of quality, support services, student satisfaction, and potential career success. The graduation rate is a piece of valuable information you can use to assess your likelihood of success in the program.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
You should carefully consider a program's online learning format, technology requirements, and IT support services. Make sure they meet your needs and won't cause more stress during your program.
What Can I Expect From an Online Dental Hygiene Program?
After applying to an online dental hygiene completion program, the school determines how many transfer credits you can carry over and identifies the coursework you need to graduate. A program's length depends on the number of credits you need to complete to finish the program. Many schools require you to have completed an accredited associate degree program in dental hygiene and hold a current license.
Online coursework commonly covers topics like advanced clinical practice and patient care, teaching, research, dental hygiene administration, and public health programming. Many programs are designed for working adults and may indicate the number of hours per week you must commit to completing the program.
Some schools allow concurrent enrollment in a dental hygiene associate degree program and a bachelor's degree completion program, which can significantly shorten your time to graduation.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Online Dental Hygiene Programs?
Each online dental hygiene program has traditional admission requirements and may have others that are unique to the school. For example, while many programs ask applicants to complete an in-person or virtual interview, some also require an online computer skill test to ensure students have the computer skills necessary for online learning.
Admission Materials
Nearly all programs require an application and application fee, official transcripts from an accredited program, letters of recommendation, an essay, or a statement of purpose. These materials help the program learn more about you.
Education
Dental hygiene completion programs usually require students to possess an associate degree from an accredited program and a current license. Some allow concurrent enrollment in an associate degree and bachelor's degree completion program. Applicants may need to have completed certain prerequisite courses, such as college math and statistics. Some programs require chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology.
GPA
The minimum GPA needed to apply for an online dental hygiene program depends on the program. The minimum can range from 2.5-3.0 in college courses or an unweighted high school GPA of 3.2 or higher for those applying directly to a dental hygiene bachelor's program.
Licensure
Some programs consider students who have not earned an associate degree and thus are not eligible for licensure. Many programs require applicants to be licensed or eligible for licensure to be admitted.
How Much Does an Online Dental Hygiene Program Cost?
According to the American Dental Education Association, the average estimated total cost of tuition and fees for an associate degree is $22,692. The average cost of a bachelor's degree was $38,140 and a master's degree was $36,382.
Prospective students should also consider the cost of books and supplies, personal expenses, medical insurance, and dental hygiene instruments. Students have the option of applying for grants and scholarships to help assist in paying for their program costs. Additionally, online education can be less expensive than an in-person program.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree, 2022-2023
Public Institution
$9,750
Private Institution
$35,248
Everything Else You Need to Know About Online Dental Hygiene Programs
Can I become a dental hygienist online?
While it is possible to take some of the coursework online, becoming a dental hygienist also requires in-person clinical training. Whether your program is online or traditional, it must meet accreditation standards set by CODA.
Is a bachelor's in dental hygiene worth it?
Your career goals and personal circumstances determine whether a bachelor's in dental hygiene is worth the effort. Advanced education can increase your earning potential and opportunities for career advancement. You may also have access to job opportunities in public health, management, research, and education after graduation.
What degree do most dental hygienists have?
Most dental hygienists start their careers with an associate degree and pursue higher education to advance their careers or move out of the clinical field into management, research, or education.
Are online dental hygiene programs easy?
How difficult you find an online dental hygiene program can depend on personal motivation, student support services, faculty expertise, and the program curriculum. Degree completion requires commitment, self-discipline, and hard work.
How long do online dental hygiene programs take?
The length of an online dental hygiene program depends on the number of credits you must complete. Students often complete an online dental hygiene program within two years, but most programs give you up to four years to complete the coursework and fieldwork when you are working full time.
