What to Expect from a Dental Hygienist Associate Program
A typical Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Arts (AA) in Dental Hygiene prepares students to become licensed dental hygienists in about two to three years.
Programs combine classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical practice to teach students how to provide preventive oral care.
Graduates are prepared to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a clinical board exam to qualify for licensure.
What You Study in a Dental Hygiene Program
Dental Hygiene associate degree programs focus on oral anatomy, periodontology, dental radiography, community dental health, pharmacology, and patient management.
Students learn how to clean teeth, take x-rays, apply sealants and fluoride, and educate patients about oral hygiene. Core science courses often include microbiology, nutrition, and general biology.
Students also receive instruction in ethics and communication skills, which are essential for working with diverse patient populations.
Clinical Training and Hands-On Experience
Most programs include 600 to 1,000 hours of supervised clinical training. Students practice on real patients in on-campus dental clinics or affiliated community dental sites.
Clinical rotations allow students to gain experience with dental instruments, patient charting, infection control, and working under the supervision of licensed dental professionals.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants typically need a high school diploma or GED and must complete prerequisite courses such as English composition, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry. Some programs require a minimum GPA, entrance exam scores, or completion of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.
Competitive programs may also ask for an interview, recommendation letters, and documentation of healthcare volunteer hours.
Cost of a Dental Hygiene Associate Degree
Tuition for Dental Hygiene associate programs varies between $5,000 to $30,000.
- At public community colleges, in-state tuition ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 total.
- At private colleges, costs may exceed $30,000.
Additional fees include textbooks, lab supplies, clinical uniforms, instrument kits, and licensing exam fees. Financial aid, grants, and scholarships are often available to help cover costs.
Career Outlook and Licensing
After completing the program, graduates must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and a regional or state clinical board exam to become licensed dental hygienists.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for dental hygienists is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032.
Entry-level dental hygienists typically earn between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on location and employer.
Top Schools
Choosing the right Dental Hygiene program is a critical step toward launching a rewarding career in oral healthcare. Across the United States, colleges and universities offer accredited associate degree programs that combine rigorous coursework, hands-on clinical experience, and preparation for national and state licensure exams.
Whether you’re looking for a program with flexible learning formats, state-of-the-art facilities, or strong job placement rates, the following schools represent a diverse selection of respected institutions that prepare students for success as licensed dental hygienists.
| School | Location | Program Length | Estimated Tuition | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA | 2 years / 6 terms | Standard undergrad rates | Requires 15 hours shadowing; clinical work with Pitt Dental Medicine patients |
| Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | 3 years / 88 credits | $10,403.36 | Flexible learning formats; strong urban workforce connections |
| Valencia College | Orlando, FL | 6 semesters post-prereqs | Varies by residency | 90–95% placement rate; on-campus clinic and community health experiences |
| Phoenix College | Phoenix, AZ | 96–111.5 credits | Varies | High salary outcomes in AZ; strong science and outreach focus |
| South College | Nashville, TN | 11 quarters | Refer to fee schedule | Personal interview required; full-service dental clinic on site |
| St. Petersburg College | St. Petersburg, FL | 2 years | Contact for details | Serves 2,500+ patients/year; transfer to B.A.S. or Health Admin. options |
| Lincoln Memorial Univ. | Harrogate, TN | 2 years | Contact LMU admissions | CRET Innovation Center access; small cohort of 30 students |
| Broward College | Davie, FL | 1 year (after assisting) | See website | Unique 1+1 Dental Assisting + Hygiene path; re-entry options available |
| Chabot College | Hayward, CA | 2 years | $5,900 (kit/supplies) | Strong community training; board exam preparation included |
| Monroe Community College | Rochester, NY | 2 years | See tuition schedule | High licensure pass rates; emphasis on ethical, evidence-based care |
University of Pittsburgh
https://www.dental.pitt.edu/education/dental-hygiene-program/associate-program
Pittsburgh, PA
The University of Pittsburgh offers a two-year, six-term Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene program totaling 79 credits. Students receive broad education and clinical experience in the basic and health sciences, working closely with Pitt Dental Medicine patients to perform services such as periodontal scaling, fluoride application, and nutritional counseling under faculty supervision. Students must complete 15 hours of shadowing with a practicing dental hygienist before applying, and admission is on a rolling basis until the class of 30 students fills. Early admission applications are encouraged before November 1st.
Outcomes and Tuition Information
The program emphasizes a team-based approach to comprehensive dental care, preparing graduates for immediate employment or transfer opportunities (pending the discretion of receiving institutions). Tuition rates are determined per the University of Pittsburgh’s standard undergraduate rates, with financial aid and scholarship options available to qualifying students. Successful graduates are prepared to work in diverse professional settings and meet a wide variety of patient needs.
Miami Dade College
https://www.mdc.edu/dentalhygiene/
Miami, FL
Miami Dade College’s Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene program is designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into the dental workforce. The three-year, 88-credit program trains students to perform direct patient care duties such as dental cleanings, x-rays, and preventive services, while also teaching the relationship between lifestyle factors and oral health. Students can choose from online, in-person, and blended learning formats to fit their schedules and learning styles.
Outcomes and Tuition Information
The estimated tuition cost for the program is $10,403.36. Graduates are qualified for roles such as dental hygienists and dental assistants and may find employment in various healthcare environments. Although competition for full-time positions is strong, MDC’s hands-on curriculum and supportive learning environment help improve job prospects for graduates.
Valencia College
https://valenciacollege.edu/academics/programs/health-sciences/dental-hygiene/
Orlando, FL
Valencia College’s Dental Hygiene Associate in Science (A.S.) degree is a six-semester program after prerequisite courses are completed. Students are trained in both classroom and clinical settings to become licensed dental hygienists, performing preventative and therapeutic services, applying fluoride and sealants, administering sedation, and educating patients on oral health practices. The program is supported by a fully operational on-campus clinic and offers additional community health experiences.
Outcomes and Tuition Information
Graduates of Valencia’s program typically experience a placement rate of 90%–95%, with average starting salaries between $40,000 and $45,000. Students also gain eligibility to take the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination and state licensing exams. The program’s robust clinical preparation and accreditation by the American Dental Association position graduates strongly for careers across the United States.
Phoenix College
Phoenix College’s Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene is an intensive, science-driven program that prepares students to become primary oral health professionals. Over 96–111.5 credits, students receive comprehensive education through rigorous coursework and clinical practice, including community outreach experiences. Accreditation is granted through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), and the program is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Outcomes and Tuition Information
Graduates are eligible for licensure in Arizona and prepared for roles in both private and public healthcare settings. With Arizona-based dental hygienists earning an average salary of $83,300, the program sets students up for strong career prospects. Applicants must meet stringent admission requirements, including background checks, immunizations, and a high GPA in prior coursework to ensure readiness for the demands of the profession.
South College
https://www.south.edu/program/associate-of-science-in-dental-hygiene-as/
Nashville, TN
South College offers an on-ground Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene designed to be completed over eleven quarters. Students gain a solid foundation in biomedical and dental sciences, clinical techniques, patient education, and community outreach. Training includes hands-on practice at South College’s full-service Dental Clinic under the guidance of experienced dental professionals, preparing graduates to assess patients and plan and deliver comprehensive dental hygiene care.
Outcomes and Tuition Information
The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Graduates are prepared for entry into the dental hygiene workforce and are encouraged to engage in ongoing education and professional growth. Tuition details can be found through South College’s published fee schedules, and applicants must undergo a personal interview and GPA review as part of the competitive admissions process.
St. Petersburg College
https://www.spcollege.edu/future-students/degrees-training/health-sciences-and-veterinary-technology/dental-hygiene/dental-hygiene-as-degree
St. Petersburg, FL
The Dental Hygiene A.S. Degree at St. Petersburg College (SPC) offers technical expertise and hands-on experience through the Mary R. Grizzle Dental Hygiene Program. This two-year program emphasizes clinical practice, serving over 2,500 patients annually. Tuition details are provided upon inquiry, and the program is accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Graduates are prepared to sit for both the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and the Florida state licensure exam. SPC’s program also allows students to transfer into their Dental Hygiene B.A.S. program or a Health Services Administration bachelor’s degree.
Outcomes and Opportunities
SPC dental hygiene graduates find employment in a variety of settings including private practices, hospitals, public health clinics, and managed care facilities. Students participate in clinical rotations at different off-campus sites to broaden their experience with diverse patient populations. The program also offers pathways for dual enrollment with other A.S. Dental Hygiene programs, and promotes continuing education through the Workforce Institute.
Lincoln Memorial University
https://www.lmunet.edu/academics/programs/undergraduate/associate-of-science-in-dental-hygiene
Harrogate, TN
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) offers an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene (AS-DH) at its Knoxville campus. This competitive program accepts only 30 students per year, ensuring small class sizes and individualized instruction. Students gain experience through coursework in general education, dental sciences, and clinical practice, utilizing facilities like the CRET Innovation Center and mobile health clinics. Tuition and specific program costs are available through LMU’s admissions office. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and completion of 16 observation hours.
Outcomes and Opportunities
Graduates are trained to deliver comprehensive dental hygiene services and are eligible to sit for national and state licensure exams. The program prepares students for careers in private practices, clinics, and community health settings. According to U.S. News and World Report, the median salary for dental hygienists was $77,810 in 2021, highlighting the strong financial prospects for graduates.
Broward College
https://catalog.broward.edu/programs-study/dental-hygiene-as/
Davie, FL
Broward College’s Dental Hygiene Associate of Science program follows a unique 1 + 1 structure, requiring completion of a Dental Assisting program before admission to the Dental Hygiene curriculum. Both programs are accredited by CODA and prepare students for certification exams such as the DANB and CDCA licensure exam. The Dental Hygiene program lasts 12 months following Dental Assisting completion. Tuition information can be found on the college website, and students must maintain a grade of “C” or higher in all dental courses to progress.
Outcomes and Opportunities
Graduates are eligible to become Certified Dental Assistants (CDA) and Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) in Florida. Broward emphasizes strong academic standards and clinical readiness, providing extensive hands-on training and preparation for employment in dental offices, hospitals, and community clinics. A pathway for re-entry is available under specific conditions, promoting student success and retention.
Chabot College
https://www.chabotcollege.edu/academics/health-kinesiology-athletics/dental-hygiene/
Hayward, CA
Chabot College’s Dental Hygiene Associate in Science degree spans two years and is accredited by CODA. Students undertake courses in Dental Radiology, Clinical Dental Hygiene, and Community Dental Health, among others. The program cost includes a required Dental Hygiene Instrument Kit and supplies estimated at $5,900. Students are trained to provide preventive and therapeutic dental services and to prepare for national and regional board exams required for licensure.
Outcomes and Opportunities
Graduates are eligible for the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and state clinical exams to become Registered Dental Hygienists. With a focus on practical, clinical training and community involvement, Chabot College prepares students for employment in a variety of healthcare environments including private practices, clinics, and public health agencies.
Monroe Community College
https://www.monroecc.edu/academics/majors-programs/health-sciences/dental-hygiene-associate-degree/
Rochester, NY
Monroe Community College (MCC) offers an AAS in Dental Hygiene through its Health Professions Department, completing the program in two years. Students engage in clinical practice at MCC’s dental clinic and local community sites. The curriculum includes liberal arts, dental science, and clinical rotations. A minimum “C” grade is required in all dental courses for progression. Tuition rates are provided by the college, and the program is fully accredited by CODA.
Outcomes and Opportunities
Graduates qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and regional licensure exams, allowing them to practice as licensed dental hygienists. MCC graduates consistently achieve high pass rates and secure employment in private practices, community clinics, and hospitals. The program emphasizes ethical practice, evidence-based care, and community health promotion, aligning with the growing demand for skilled dental hygienists.
How Long to Pay Off Your Debt?
When considering an investment in a dental hygiene program, it’s important to look beyond tuition and think about how quickly you can repay your student loans after graduation. Let’s break it down with some realistic averages:
- Average Tuition for an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene: $12,000
- Average Starting Salary for a Dental Hygienist: $65,000 per year
Based on these figures, here’s how long it would take to repay $12,000 in student loans depending on the percentage of your income you dedicate to repayment:
| % of Income Used for Repayment | Annual Payment | Time to Pay Off $12,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | $3,250 | 3.7 years |
| 10% | $6,500 | 1.85 years |
| 15% | $9,750 | 1.2 years |
| 20% | $13,000 | 11 months |
These estimates don’t include interest, but they offer a solid picture of how manageable the debt can be with consistent repayment. With a stable income and strong job outlook in dental hygiene, many graduates find themselves able to pay off their education quickly—making it a smart career investment.