Bachelors In

Dental Hygiene Degrees

The complete guide on what you’ll learn, job prospects, university programs, and saving time and money.
Table of Contents

Why We Love It

  • $72,720
    Potential Avg. Salary*
  • Growing Demand
    Job Outlook

* Salary & growth data is based on the recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics data published at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292021.htm for 29-2021 Dental hygienists 11/2021. Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

With a bachelor of science in dental hygiene, you’ll be a competitive candidate for dental hygienist positions in private dental practices, for university dental clinics, and for hospital and military dentists.

Additionally, earning a bachelor’s degree in the field is the perfect starting point for individuals who want to earn money and experience in the field while attending professional dentistry school.

What is a Degree in Dental Hygiene?

Having a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene isn’t an absolute requirement for finding work as a dental hygienist. In many cases, an associate’s degree is sufficient to enter this career.

However, there are many advantages to pursuing a bachelor’s degree. First, you’ll be qualified to perform more tasks than associate’s degree holders, which will make you more competitive when applying for open roles in private dentistry practices. You’ll also qualify for entry into dental school if you aspire to be a dentist.

In a bachelor of science in dental hygiene program, you’ll learn how to clean teeth, remove plaque, treat gum disease, take x-rays, and identify cavities and other problems.

With the knowledge you gain in this program, you’ll be qualified to earn your professional license in dental hygiene and will be able to find work in the field as a dental hygienist for private dentistry practices, for universities that maintain dental clinics, and for hospitals, militaries, and other organizations that provide dental care.

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What Courses Would I Take For a Major in Dental Hygiene?

  • Dental Anatomy
  • Dental Hygiene Theory
  • Biology of Head and Neck
  • Preclinical Radiography
  • General and Oral Pathology
  • Periodontology
  • Dental Hygiene Principles of Practice
  • Pain and Anxiety Control

What Jobs Can You Get with a Degree in Dental Hygiene?

In recent years, health and dental insurance have become more affordable and accessible, creating an increased demand for individuals in the dental care profession.

Because more people have begun to seek dental care, demand for qualified and licensed dental hygienists is expected to increase in the coming decade. Dental hygienists who continue their education will also be well-prepared to work as dentists, and the career outlook for dentists is also very much in demand.

How Long does it take?

A bachelors in Dental Hygiene will have a typical length of 4 years in a full time schedule. That said, there are many ways to speed up the timeframe by either taking more units via online coursework, community college, or taking free classes at OnlineDegree.com that could transfer to universities in the US.

Recommended Schools

Best Jobs for Dental Hygiene Degrees

With a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, you’ll be qualified to take positions as a dental hygienist in private dental practices, in university dental clinics, and for hospitals and military organizations.

Additionally, a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene is a good starting point for aspiring dentists. After earning your bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, you can apply to enter dental school.

How to save time and money

Our mission is to help you to avoid paying full price for college. We want your Dental Hygiene degree to be affordable and accessible. Here’s how you could save:

Create Your Free SmartPlan

There are many ways to make college affordable and accessible.

That’s why we created a helpful tool called SmartPlan.

It’s free, and helps you find potential ways to save and tons of information about each school you’re considering

Think of it as your “college blueprint”, to help you instantly craft a path to your degree:

  • Which Colleges Match Your Needs
  • Ways You Could Save Time & Money
  • Free Courses You Could Take for Credit
  • Valuable Data and Insights on Each College
  • Detailed Steps You Should Take!

See what’s possible for you and generate a free plan within just a few minutes

Create My SmartPlan

Get an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene First

Dental hygienists can find work in the field with only an associate’s degree. By pursuing an associate’s degree in dental hygiene first, you’ll be qualified for open positions in private dental practices and can begin working and earning professional experience sooner.

The credits you earn may be able to be applied to reduce the number of courses you have to take to complete a bachelor’s degree, and you’ll graduate with the bachelor’s degree and experience needed to be more competitive for open roles.

You Might also be Interested in

Many visitors who look for a degree in Dental Hygiene are also interested in the following degrees.

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