5 Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Colorado 2024

If you want to become a dental hygienist, you must be trained in any accredited school with well-defined programs. Colorado is no different.

Students who want to study and become dental hygienists in Colorado will have to study at accredited colleges in the state to be equipped, educated, and able to pass their license exams.

In Colorado, programs in dental hygiene schools will lead you to acquire either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree at an undergraduate level.

But the not-so-good news about studying dental hygiene in Colorado is that only a few schools offer such.

Some of these programs are for entry-level students, while others are designed for existing dental hygienists who want to upgrade their certificates.

In this piece, you will get to find the top-rated schools that will train you to become a dental hygienist.

Also, we have ensured to only include schools with accredited programs in dental hygiene in Colorado.

These schools were also listed based on the level of academic excellence, the state of accreditation, the presence of up-to-date, state-of-the-art facilities, and the presence of expert teachers who will guide you on a journey to becoming a dental hygienist. 

To help you make the best choice, we have also included the factors you must consider before settling for a dental hygiene school in Colorado.

For students who want to stay and work as dental hygienists in Colorado, you will find relevant career information about the profession.

Let’s get started!!!

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Are there Schools of Dental Hygiene in Colorado?

Yes, there are dental hygienist schools in Colorado equipped with the facilities and tutors that train students in dental hygiene.

By design, these colleges help students gain practical skills through clinical experiences and theory for the profession.

As per the rule of law, students enrolling in Colorado’s dental hygienist programs must complete prerequisite courses and pass a drug and background screening before being considered.

When the students graduate, they’re ready for entry-level jobs after passing the state, national, and regional Licensure exams.

What Programs are Offered in Colorado Dental Hygiene Schools?

Colorado colleges offer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree at an undergraduate level like any other dental hygiene school in different cities.

Here are the undergraduate programs available in dental hygienist schools in Colorado and the schools of higher learning that offer them;

• Associate Degree: Technical and Community Colleges.
• Bachelor’s Degree: Universities.
• RDH-BSDH Degree: Universities

The RDH-BSDH degree program is for hygienists who have an associate degree and want to take their careers further.

Related Also: Best Dental Schools in North Carolin– All You Need To Know

What Courses Will I Study in Dental Hygienist Schools in Colorado?

To be able to carry out your task as a dental hygienist, students will undertake courses in different semesters in the number of years they will spend in school.

These courses  cover both theory and clinical practice; they include;

• 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.

However, before you’re enrolled in such, you must complete prerequisite 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. 

Read Also: 10 Best Dental Schools in Missouri| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

What factors to consider when choosing a Dental Hygiene School in Colorado?

Here are the factors to consider when choosing the best dental hygiene school. There are important factors you must consider before enrolling.

For instance, your school choice should be based on the school’s ability to fulfill your academic needs.

These factors will help you checkmate that:

#1. Is the School Academically Sound?

You don’t want to enroll in a college without proof of academic achievements, progress, or results.

Before enrolling in any dental school, you must determine your academic excellence level.

Well, Seasoned education is what makes you ready for the dental hygiene jobs out there.

To decipher this, you should check out Alumni reviews on the university’s website or ask one yourself.

#2. Is the Study Program Flexible?

How busy is your schedule? 

Does the school calendar accommodate your plans?

Can you study on weekends? 

Are there online options?

Are there night programs?

Now, these questions are a must-ask if you’re going to study in that school. 

Also, it will help you access the flexibility of the dental hygiene schools in Colorado on your list.

Therefore, you have to ensure that the dental hygienist programs you’re enrolling in at any of the Colorado colleges are flexible. 

Read Also: Best Dental Schools in Indiana| All You Need to Know

#3. What is the Duration of Dental Hygienist Programs in Your School of Choice?

Ideally, dental hygiene programs take between 30 Months to 4 years to complete.

Considering this factor makes you know how long you will spend in school. 

Also, this factor helps you determine how much you get to spend on tuition through the years.

#4. What Kind of Dental Hygiene Program does the School Offer?

Does the school offer just an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene?

Do they have a master’s program? 

Is there an RDH-BSDH degree program?

If yes, what are you going for, and what schools offer it?

#5. What’s the Tuition Cost in the Dental Hygiene Schools In Colorado, You’re Opting For?

Another factor to consider when choosing a school from the list of dental hygienist schools in Colorado 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. 

ALSO READ: Best Dental Schools in Colorado| All You Need To Know

What is the Duration of Dental Hygiene Programs in Colorado?

Opting for an associate degree in dental hygiene in Colorado will take 20–30 months to complete. 

On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree takes 4 years to complete if it is full-time. 

A Master’s degree will take 2 additional years to complete.

How Much are Tuition Fees in Dental Hygiene Schools In Colorado?

How much you will get to pay for tuition in dental hygiene schools and colleges will vary based on factors such as

• School. 
• Dental program.
• Location of school.

Although there is no exact tuition cost of dental hygiene programs in Colorado due to the factors stated above, here are the estimated average;

• 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
• Read More: Best Dental Schools in Tennessee| All You Need to Know

List of Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Colorado 

After thorough research, reviews, rankings, and value offers, we have curated a list of Colorado’s best dental hygiene schools.

In Colorado, there are just four schools of dental hygiene.

Below is a list of the programs they offer, tuition, and the requirements to apply;

• Colorado Northwestern Community College
• Community College of Denver
• Concorde Career College-Aurora
• Pueblo Community College

#1. Colorado Northwestern Community College

• School Status: Public
• Location: Rangely, CO.
• Dental Program Duration: 2 Years
• Dental Hygiene Programs:  Associate Degree
• Tuition Cost: $4,018 in-state,$6,401 out-of-state

Colorado Northwestern Community College offers one of the best associate degrees in dental hygiene, but it is highly selective.

Due to its highly selective admission process, getting into Colorado Northwestern Community College is very difficult.

To improve your chances of getting accepted, you should enroll in the college’s pre-dental hygiene program.

Once accepted for the dental hygienist program, your coursework will cut across the scourses and clinical studies for dental hygienists.

Students also participate in dental clinical practice sessions.

See Also: The Best Dental Schools in New York City

#2. Community College of Denver

• School Status: Public
• Location: Denver, CO.
• Dental Program Duration: 2 Years
• Dental Hygiene Programs:  Associate Degree
• Tuition Cost: $4,750 in-state, $15,830 out-of-state

The Community College of Denver requires students to complete 28 units worth of prerequisite courses before getting accepted.

On entrance, they are expected to complete 67 units of coursework in dental courses, clinical studies, and other additional courses.

Another peculiar characteristic of the Community College of Denver is the opportunity for students to take national board review classes to prepare for licensing exams.

Also Read: Best Dental Schools in Alabama– All You Need To Know

#3. Concorde Career College-Aurora

• School Status: Private 
• Location: Aurora, CO.
• Dental Program Duration: 17 Months
• Dental Hygiene Programs:  Associate Degree
• Tuition Cost: $68,676 for a total program

Concorde Career College-Aurora is a private school that offers an associate degree program in dental hygiene.

In a short duration, students can complete courses that will train them to take a patient’s dental history, perform dental examinations, take X-rays and perform additional dental office duties.

Also, students can take a national board review course and participate in clinical experiences.

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#4. Pueblo Community College

• School Status: Public
• Location: Rangely, CO.
• Dental Program Duration: 2 Years
• Dental Hygiene Programs:  Associate Degree
• Tuition Cost: $5,179 in-state, $16,262 out-of-state 

As per the rule of law, students must complete the general education courses and prerequisites before enrollment.

Once admitted, students will take up courses in dental hygiene that will equip them for the profession.

ALSO READ: Best Dental Schools in Arizona| All You Need To Know

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Hygiene Schools In Colorado.

Conclusion

We hope you found this article very enlightening

Any of these dental hygiene schools in Colorado that 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 practicing. 

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
• https://dentalschoolrankings.com
• https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com