Dental Hygienist Schools in Arizona: Dental Hygiene Schools in AZ have programs designed to train you to become a professional hygienist.
On your journey to becoming a dental hygienist, one of the most important steps is to attend dental hygiene school.
In a dental school, you will be trained by professionals who will introduce you to the theory and practicals of dental hygiene.
Dental hygiene programs in Arizona are designed to cultivate students who want to toddle down the education path and become dental hygienists.
Depending on how far you are willing to go, you can earn as much as a Master’s degree in dental hygiene, which takes about an additional 1 to 2 years.
Basic undergraduate courses in dental hygiene train you on the foundational level for an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree.
Also, to be able to practice as a dental hygienist in Arizona, you will need a license after your undergraduate or graduate degree.
A license will only be possible if the Dental Board of Arizona accredits your choice of dental school in Arizona.
Attending a school that has not been accredited means you wasted your time and efforts.
Therefore, in this guide, we have done our research and come up with a list of the best dental schools in Arizona based on accreditation, tuition cost, and academic excellence.
Also, we have ensured you know the factors to consider before settling on a dental hygiene school.
We have also answered many career questions that will help you if you want to study and become a dental hygienist in Arizona.
Let’s get you started!!!
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Are there Dental Schools in Arizona?
Arizona is a state in the USA with high job opportunities for dental hygienists.
However, the number of dental hygiene schools in AZ is limited.
Currently, only seven dental hygienist schools in Arizona are located in different counties.
These schools for dental hygienists in Arizona afford students one of the best career opportunities to train and promote outstanding oral health in the city.
Hygienists who graduate from Arizona dental schools are ready for entry-level jobs.
They are also equipped to pass the state, national and regional Licensure exams effortlessly.
What are the Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dental School in Arizona?
Because only seven Arizona schools offer dental hygiene programs, you have limited options.
With the few schools available, making a choice may be difficult.
However, remember that all these schools have degree specialties that provide you with the quality education that best prepares you for your career.
So to help you choose, we have put together a few pieces of information to guide you when choosing dental hygiene schools in Arizona.
Here are the factors to consider about schools in Arizona for dental hygienist programs;
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#1. Is the School Academically Sound?
You wouldn’t want to be trained by a school with no track record of academic excellence.
Therefore, you should look out for schools that provide you with the quality education that best prepares you for your career.
Also, look out for Alumni reviews and what people say about the college.
#2. Is the Dental Hygienist Program Flexible?
As much as you are out to pick a school that offers you everything you need to succeed, it would be best to consider how flexible the program is for you.
For a student going for an RDH-BSDH degree program, most schools of dental hygienists offer it online.
Does that suit you?
Find out if the course schedule is flexible.
Is there access to online courses?
Do clinical rotation locations require long commutes?
#3. How Long is the Dental Hygienist Program in the School?
The Dental Hygiene Program in Arizona is a 2-year program in four 16-week semesters, a 5-week summer, and a 2-week externship.
This factor is important when choosing a school for dental hygienist training because it also determines how much you get to spend on tuition.
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#4. What Sought of Dental Hygiene Program does the School Offer?
Dental hygiene schools in Arizona often offer an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree at the undergraduate level.
A master’s degree program is also available for people who want to go into research and tutoring in the dental hygiene field.
On the other hand, there is an option for Registered Dental Hygienists to go for an RDH-BSDH degree program to take their license up a notch.
These are pathways a school with a dental hygiene program may lead you to.
Which do you prefer?
#5. How Much Does it Take to Attend Dental Schools in Arizona?
Another factor to consider when choosing a school from the list of dental schools in Arizona, which we will list below, is the tuition cost.
How much will it take to complete a dental hygiene degree in school?
Ensure you consider this before choosing from the Arizona dental hygiene programs list.
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What are the Programs Offered in Dental Hygiene Schools in Arizona?
Many career paths will train you to become a dental hygienist in Arizona.
To go on that journey, you have to attend one of the best schools with the appropriate programs in theory and practicals of dental hygiene.
Therefore, to know which program to choose, you need to know the programs available in dental hygiene schools in Arizona.
Undergraduate and Graduate programs available in dental hygienist schools in Arizona are;
- Associate Degree: Available in Technical and Community Colleges.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Available in Universities.
- Master’s Degree: Available in Universities.
- RDH-BSDH Degree: Available in Universities
Each of these programs prepares you for a career in dental hygiene.
Note that if you do a bachelor’s degree at an undergraduate level, you don’t have to apply for an RDH-BSDH degree program after you must have started a career using your associate degree.
How Long Does it Take to Complete A Program in Dental Hygiene Schools in Arizona?
Dental schools in Arizona that have dental hygienist programs often have different academic calendars that determine how long a program can take.
An associate degree at technical and community colleges in AZ takes at least 20 months of study to get a degree.
While bachelor’s degree programs in dental hygiene in Arizona last for 4 years in universities.
A master’s degree program in dental schools and colleges takes 1 to 2 years.
Therefore, all these courses offered within this period are spread across semesters to cover this number of years.
What is the Cost of Attending Dental Hygiene Schools in Arizona?
The tuition cost of dental hygiene schools and colleges in Arizona varies due to factors such as
- School.
- Dental program.
- Location of school in Arizona.
A bachelor’s degree program in dental hygiene costs more than the tuition cost for an associate degree.
However, on average, the tuition cost in Arizona dental schools costs between $3450 – $150,000.
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Top Schools in Arizona for Dental Hygienists
Below is a list of dental hygienist schools in Arizona, the programs they offer, tuition, and the requirements to apply;
#1. Northern Arizona University
- School Status: Public
- Accredited By: CODA
- Location: Flagstaff, Arizona.
- Program Type: Bachelor’s Degree
- Dental Program Duration: Two Years.
- Admission Email: Dental.Hygiene@nau.edu
- Tuition Cost: In-state $10,650, Out-of-state $25,396
- Program Application Deadline: January 31st Every Year.
One of the schools with up-to-date dental hygiene programs in Arizona is Northern Arizona University.
Northern Arizona University is the only Dental Hygiene school in Arizona that offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene.
It will take you 2 years to earn a BSC in dental hygiene at NAU.
Due to its efficiency in delivering quality dental hygiene education since 1973, NAU has a nationwide reputation for educating professionals in the field.
Because NAU accepts the best, all prospective applicants must complete 55 credit hours of prerequisite courses before enrolling in the program.
#2. Phoenix College
- School Status: Public
- Accredited By: CODA
- Location: Encanto, Phoenix.
- Program Type: Associate Degree
- Dental Program Duration: Two Years.
- Admission Email: laquera.darrow@phoenixcollege.edu
- Tuition Cost: In-state $2,070, Out-of-state $7,854
- Program Application Deadline: Not Specified.
Phoenix College is one of the dental hygiene schools in Arizona with accredited programs.
Students who apply to study dental hygiene at Phoenix College enroll for an Associate degree in Applied Science.
Interestingly, this program prepares students to become professionals in primary oral healthcare.
Upon graduation, dental hygienists from Phoenix College are ready for Entry-Level jobs.
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#3. Mohave Community College
- School Status: Public
- Accredited By: CODA
- Location: Bullhead City, Arizona
- Program Type: Associate Degree
- Dental Program Duration: Two Years.
- Admission Email: tgift@mohave.edu
- Tuition Cost: In-state $2,112, Out-of-state $6,972
- Program Application Deadline: Not Specified.
Mohave Community College is a highly selective school for dental hygienists.
Although it’s a public college, only 18 students are accepted yearly for dental hygiene programs.
Many people clamor to make it into this low acceptance rate because Mohave Community College prepares students professionally for employment as dental hygienists.
Upon graduation, students obtain an associate degree and the necessary knowledge and skills to write the national and state licensing examinations for Dental Hygiene.
#4. Mesa Community College
- School Status: Public
- Accredited By: CODA
- Location: West Southern Ave Mesa, AZ.
- Program Type: Associate Degree
- Dental Program Duration: Two Years.
- Admission Email: eborah.sparks@mesacc.edu
- Tuition Cost: In-state $2,070, Out-of-state $7,854
- Program Application Deadline: Not Specified.
Mesa Community College is one of the dental hygiene schools in Arizona with CODA-accredited programs that will train you to become a dental hygienist.
Also, graduation from Mesa Community College will confer on you an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene.
Keep in mind that studies at Mesa Community College are rigorous and science-intensive.
Hence, Mesa Community College Dental Hygiene Program graduates are eligible to take the written and clinical exams necessary to obtain licensure in most states.Â
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#5. Carrington College-Mesa
- School Status: Public
- Accredited By: CODA
- Location: West Southern Ave Mesa, AZ
- Program Type: Associate Degree
- Dental Program Duration: Two Years.
- Admission Email: Not Specified.
- Tuition Cost: Not Specified
- Program Application Deadline: Not Specified.
If you’re looking for a dental hygiene school to train you in theory and practice, then Carrington College in Mesa should top your list.
Carrington offers an Associate Science in Dental Hygiene.
In the classes, students will learn the skills they need to succeed as dental hygienists.
#6. Rio Salado College
- School Status: Public
- Accredited By: CODA
- Location: Tempe, Arizona.
- Program Type: Associate Degree
- Dental Program Duration: Two Years.
- Admission Email: holly.harper@riosalado.edu
- Tuition Cost: In-state $2,070, Out-of-state $7,854
- Program Application Deadline: Not Specified.
Rio Salado College offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene degree.
Graduates from Rio Salado College possess the skills and knowledge to become primary oral health care professionals.
Also, remember that Rio Salado College is one of the schools with tough dental hygienist programs.
However, remember that the curriculum is rigorous, intensive, and science-based.
Besides that, only students who are located in Arizona can apply for the Rio Salado College Dental Hygiene program.
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#7. Pima Community College
- School Status: Public
- Accredited By: CODA
- Location: Tucson, Arizona.
- Program Type: Associate Degree
- Dental Program Duration: Two Years.
- Admission Email: Not Specified
- Tuition Cost: In-state $2,142, Out-of-state $7,458
- Program Application Deadline: Not Specified
Pima Community College is one of the exceptional dental schools in Arizona with its spectacular lineup curriculum.
The Dental Hygiene program at Pima Community College covers oral morphology, clinical dental hygiene, radiography, pain control, and periodontology.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Hygiene Schools in Arizona.
Where do Dental Hygienists work in Arizona?
Dental hygienists in Arizona work inÂ
Doctors offices
Local, state, or federal government.Â
Dentists’ offices are both private and shared practices.Â
Does Arizona State Have A Dental Hygiene Program?
Arizona State University (ASU) does not offer a dental hygiene program.
How Much Do Dental Hygienists in Arizona Make?
The average dental hygienist’s salary in Arizona is about $86,613 annually.Â
On a scale, in Arizona, dental hygiene earns between $64,065 and $117,097 in a year.
Arizona’s top-level dental hygienist salary earns $56.30 per hour or $117,097 per year.
Are Dental Hygienists High In Demand in Arizona?
With the increase in the population of Arizona residents, there is more need for health professionals, including dental hygienists.
Dental hygienist jobs will increase in Arizona.
How Much Does an RDH Make in Arizona?
The RDH dental hygienist earns about $117,097 on average in Arizona.
Is Being A Dental Hygienist Hard?
Dental hygiene can be a demanding career physically.
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 posture.
Conclusion
Dental hygienist schools in Arizona are a good fit for students who want or become professionals in oral Healthcare.
Upon graduation, students can get the appropriate license using the right requirements.
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!!!
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