Dental Hygiene Schools in Indiana: If you want to become a dental hygienist and work in Indiana, you must attend colleges with accredited programs in the state.
Students interested in studying dental hygiene in Indiana have a handful of options for schools in the state.
However, most dental hygiene programs in Indiana schools lead you to acquire an associate degree.
Only a few schools of higher learning in Indiana offer bachelor’s degrees in dental hygiene.
Here in this article, we have carefully conducted our research to come up with the best dental hygiene colleges in Indiana with accredited programs that will train you to become a dental hygienist.
In Indiana, dental hygiene programs are entry-level, while others are for existing dental hygienists.
Basically, these schools made it to the list not just because of the level of academic excellence but also based of the level of accreditation, presence of up-to-date state-of-the-art facilities, and expert teachers who will guide you on a journey to become a dental hygienist.Â
To help you make the best choice, we have also included the factors you have to consider before you settle for a school of dental hygiene in Indiana.
If you would like to take your studies further and become a dental hygienist in Indiana, you will find a peek into the career exposition of the profession in the state.
Also Check: Top 10 Best Dental Hygiene Schools in New York City
Let’s get started!!!
Table of Contents
Does Indiana Have Dental Hygiene Schools?
Yes, there are dental hygienist schools in Indiana most of which offer an associate degree in dental hygiene.
Some programs are for entry-level students, while others are for existing dental hygienists who want to take their career up a bit.
These schools of dental hygiene in Indiana equip students to gain practical skills through clinical experiences.
But to be able to enroll in any of the colleges of dental hygiene in Indiana, applicants must complete prerequisite courses and pass a drug and background screening.Â
Upon graduation, students are equipped to take and pass the state, national, and regional Licensure exams and get their license to practice in Indiana or other states in the USA.
What Dental Hygiene Programs are Offered in Indiana?
To become a dental hygienist in Indiana, you must pass through an approved Hygiene school where you earn a degree.
In Indiana, prospective dental hygienists can choose to earn an associate degree or bachelor’s degree at an undergraduate level.
Further studies can lead you to get a master’s degree that will take you into teaching and research but in Indiana, there are no schools that offer dental hygiene at the master’s level.
So, here are the undergraduate programs available in dental hygienist schools in Indiana and the schools of higher learning that offers them;
- Associate Degree: Technical and Community Colleges.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Universities.
- RDH-BSDH Degree: Universities
Kindly note that an RDH-BSDH degree program is for already working hygienists who have an associate degree who want to take their career up a notch.
What Courses Will I Study in Dental Hygienist Schools in Indiana?
Dental hygienists are trained to take care of the oral health of patients.
To know how to carry out such tasks effectively, they will train you in a variety of programs divided in courses spread across semesters through your years of study in theory and clinical practice.
Prerequisite courses for dental hygienist schools in Indiana are courses such as;
- Biology.
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Chemistry.
The knowledge of these courses forms a strong basic science for the courses and skills in your Dental Hygiene Program.
Courses in Dental Hygiene Programs
- Anatomy
- Pathology.
- Oral health.
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology.
- Public speaking
- Periodontology
- Dental materials
- Dental radiography
- General psychology
- Preventive dentistry
- Dental Instrumentation
- Community dental health
- Patient Communication
- Anxiety and Pain Control
- Dental practice management and leadership.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dental Hygiene School in Indiana
Either or all of these factors in our list will help you make a choice of the best school for you.
When choosing a dental hygiene school, you should choose a school based on its ability to fulfill your academic needs.
When choosing a dental school, these factors will help find a dental hygienist program fit for you;
#1. Does the School Have a Good Academic Track Record?
Before enrolling into any dental school, you have to find out the level of academic excellence.
Your choice of school should be based on academic excellence and how well the course is taught.
Quality education is what makes you ready for the dental hygiene jobs out there.
Therefore, to have a fair knowledge of any dental school in your list, check out Alumni reviews on the university’s website.
#2. How Flexible is the Study Program?
Can you study on weekends?
Are there online options for students who don’t want to be on-campus?
Are there night programs for dental hygienists taking an RDH-BSDH degree program?
These are questions that will help access the flexibility of the dental hygiene schools in Indiana in your list.
You have to ensure the dental hygienist program you’re enrolling for in any of the Indiana colleges is flexible for you.
#3. How Long are Dental Hygienist Programs in Indiana?
The Dental Hygiene Programs can take up to 30 Months to complete and some 4 years.
This factor is important when choosing a school for dental hygienist training because you will know how long you will have to spend in school.
Also, it determines how much you get to spend on tuition.
#4. What Kind of Dental Hygiene Programs Do the School Offer?
Like we earlier stated, there are two undergraduate career paths for dental hygienists.
The associate or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene.
Also, there is a master’s degree program option for students who want to further.
On the other hand, there is an RDH-BSDH degree program for Registered Dental Hygienists who want to go further in their career.
So which are you going for and what schools are offering it?
CHECK ALSO: Top 10 Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Tennessee
#5. What’s the Tuition in Dental Hygiene Schools in Indiana?
Another factor to consider when choosing a school from the list of dental hygiene schools in Indiana is the tuition cost.
Are you looking for something affordable?
How much is your budget for dental hygiene school?.
Therefore, you have to find out how much you get to pay for a dental hygiene program in your school of choice.
How Long Does it Take to Complete Dental Hygiene Programs in Indiana?
An associate degree in dental hygiene in Indiana will last between 20 – 30 months or just 2 years.
On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree takes 4 years to complete if it is full-time.
How Much Does it Cost to Attend Dental Hygiene Schools in Indiana?
How much you will get to pay for tuition in dental hygiene schools and colleges in New York City will vary based on factors such as
- School.
- Dental program.
- Location of school.
There is no specific cost because each university has its own price tag.
But here is an average tuition cost of dental hygiene program in Indiana;
- Associate degree: $5,190 – $57,590.
- Bachelor’s degree: $24,030 – $105,340 (Public schools) $105,340 (private schools)
- Master’s level: $31,320 – $96,710
List of Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Indiana.
Here is a list of dental hygiene schools in Indiana the programs they offer, tuition and the requirements to apply to be educated to become a hygienist;
#1. Indiana University – Northwest
- Location: Gary
- Dental Program: Bachelor’s Degree
- Dental Program Duration: Four Years
- Tuition Cost: $8,589 in-state; $20,622 out-of-state
Indiana University – Northwest focuses on complete lecture courses, hands-on training and clinical practices that will train students to become professionals.
This is made easy due to the presence of an on-campus dental clinic and other school-affiliated dentists’ offices.
To be able to enroll for the dental program in Indiana University – Northwest, you must have a CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
#2. Indiana University-Purdue University – Fort Wayne
- Location: Fort Wayne
- Dental Program: Bachelor’s Degree
- Dental Program Duration: Four Years
- Tuition Cost: $9,701 in-state; $30,710 out-of-state
At Indiana University-Purdue University’s Fort Wayne campus students in the dental hygiene program must complete the prerequisite courses above before they’re considered for admission.
Secondly, they must pass successful drug screenings and criminal background checks.
While studying, the students will take additional courses such as courses in local anesthesia, oral pathology, and preventive dentistry to be fully equipped for the job out there.
CHECK THIS ALSO: Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Florida
#3. Indiana University-Purdue University – Indianapolis
- Location: Indianapolis
- Dental Program: Bachelor’s Degree
- Dental Program Duration: Four Years
- Tuition Cost: $7,527 in-state; $19,978 out-of-state
In 4 traditional semesters and one summer session, students who enroll for the bachelor’s degree program in dental hygiene in Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis will be ready for entry level jobs.
In addition to other courses offered during the process, the students also learn the head and neck anatomy, oral pathology, clinical periodontics, etc.
Besides a degree in dental hygiene, the school offers a BSc degree in public health dental hygiene to licensed dental hygienists.
#4. Indiana University – South Bend
- Location: South Bend
- Dental Program: Bachelor’s and Associate Degree
- Dental Program Duration: Four Years and Two Years
- Tuition Cost: $7,527 in-state; $19,978 out-of-state
To be able to enroll for a dental hygienist program in the South Bend campus of Indiana University, you must complete prerequisite courses in areas like biomedical science, communications, and ethics.
If admitted, you have an option to study full-time or part-time as it suits your schedule.
The on-campus dental facility allows each student to gain practical experiences working with patients who suffer from a full range of dental problems.
For those who want to go for an associate degree in dental hygiene, Indiana University – South Bend offers a 31 credit hours of coursework for such
#5. Ivy Tech Community College-South Bend & Anderson
- Location: South Bend and Anderson
- Dental Program: Bachelor’s and Associate Degree
- Dental Program Duration: Four Years and Two Years
- Tuition Cost: $4,500 in-state; $8,661 out-of-state
The Ivy Tech Community College is one of the best dental hygiene schools in Indiana.
Although one of the best, admission is very selective, only 15 to 18 applicants are accepted each year.
Once you’re eligible, you will undergo drug screenings and criminal background checks.
Students who are accepted commit to a full-time degree program that offers ivy tech dental hygiene courses during the daytime.
#6. University of Southern Indiana
- Location: Evansville
- Dental Program: Bachelor’s Degree
- Dental Program Duration: Four Years
- Tuition Cost: $8,546 in-state; $19,856 out-of-state
Through the College of Nursing and Health Professions, the University of Southern Indiana offers one of the best dental hygiene programs.
As a rule of law, applicants must complete all prerequisite courses to be accepted into the program.
ALSO READ: Best Dental Schools in Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Hygiene Schools In Indiana.
Where Dental Hygienists Work in Indiana?
You will find a dental hygienist working inÂ
– Doctors offices
– Nursing Homes.
– Pediatric Homes.
– Offices of Physicians.
– Head Start program
– Community clinics.Â
– Mobile community clinics
– Public and private schools
– Local, state, or federal government agencies.
– Dentists’ offices both private and shared practices.Â
How Much Do Dental Hygienists Earn in Indiana?
The 2019 report by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the median pay per year for a dental hygienist in Indiana was between $43,995 to $96,391.Â
The top-level dental hygienist salary in Indiana is $96,391, and senior-level begins at $80,050.
However, based on the years of experience, annual salaries for dental hygienists will differ.
Also, how much you make as a dental hygienist will depend on your location and the facility where you work.
Are Dental Hygienists High in Demand in Indiana?
Following the report made in 2019 in Indiana, the demand for dental hygienists is expected to grow by 6% between 2019 and 2029.Â
This growth can be traced to the ever-increasing population of residents.
Judging from these statistics, anyone willing to join the oral care profession is assured of job security upon graduation as well as a high-paying salary.
Is Being a Dental Hygienist Hard?
Dental hygiene can be a demanding career physically, and if we do not look after our bodies, all that scaling can begin to take a toll.Â
Remember to do some stretching and muscle strengthening to help with your posture.
Is Ivy Tech Accredited?
Yes. Ivy Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and CODA.Â
Conclusion
We hope you found this article very enlightening
Any of these Dental Hygiene Schools in Indiana, we have listed above have programs accredited to train you to become a dental hygienist.
Upon graduation, you can get your appropriate license and start practice.
Remember your choice of school should be based on your educational needs.
Ensure you visit the school website to find out the requirements for applying.
Good luck!!!
References
- https://bestaccreditedcolleges.org/ – Dental Hygienist School Programs in Indiana
- https://dentalschoolrankings.com/– 7 Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Indiana | Dental hygienist salaries in Indiana
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