Best Schools for Dental Hygienist in Missouri 2024

Best schools for dental hygienists in Missouri 2024: If you want to become a dental hygienist, good training at an accredited school is a necessity.

Students who want to enter this profession must be trained in an approved dental hygiene school in Missouri.

The time you spend at a dental hygienist program in Missouri will equip you for the career demands.

In the end, you must be able to pass the license exams to start practicing.

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

Just like the number of Best Schools in Colorado For Dental Hygienists, the number of dental hygiene schools in Missouri is quite few.

However, some of these programs are for entry-level students who want to learn the course from scratch, while others are designed for existing dental hygienists who want to upgrade their certificates.

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

We’ve made sure to only include schools with accredited programs in dental hygiene in Missouri.

Basically, we made our choice based on academic excellence, state of accreditation, the presence of up-to-date state-of-the-art facilities, and expert tutors who will guide you on this journey. 

Also in this piece, you will find out the important factors to consider before you settle for a school of dental hygiene in Missouri.

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

Let’s get started!!!

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How Many Schools of Dental Hygiene Are There in Missouri?

In Missouri, there are just 8 schools equipped with the facilities and tutors that offer dental hygiene programs.  

Although few, students are taught practical skills in clinical experiences and theory as it would be in reality.

As a rule of law, students who are to enroll in dental hygienist programs in Missouri must complete all the required prerequisite courses, and pass the drug and background screening test before they’re considered.

Upon graduation, they can take the state, national, and regional Licensure exams and get their license.

What Dental Hygiene Programs are Offered in Missouri Schools?

Schools of dental hygiene in Missouri offer either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree at an undergraduate level.

Some schools also offer a master’s degree for students who want to specialize in teaching and research.

Also, there is an RDH-BSDH degree program for hygienists who have an associate degree but want to take their career up a notch.

What Courses are there in Dental Hygienist Schools in Missouri?

Dental hygienists go through a lot of courses to be able to be fully equipped for the profession.

As a rule of law, all intending students must take the prerequisite courses for dental hygienist schools in Missouri.

Such courses include;

• Biology.
• Anatomy 
• Physiology
• Chemistry.

Once you’re accepted into college, you will take a variety of dental courses of which some of them are;

• 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.

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5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dental Hygiene School in Missouri

When choosing a dental school, these factors will help find a hygienist program fit for you and your budget; 

#1. Schools Academic Track Record

Before enrolling in any dental school, you have to find out the level of academic excellence.

Does the school have a track record of knowing the graduate employability rate, graduation rate etc.

Your choice of school should be based on academic excellence and how well the course is taught.

With much emphasis, quality education is what makes you ready for the dental hygiene jobs out there.

Find out what the school is like in terms of academic excellence.

You can do so by reading the Alumni reviews on the university’s website.

#2. Study Program Flexibility

Are there weekend programs? Does the school have online options for students who don’t want to be on campus?

Are there night programs? Do you have to study full-time or part-time?

These are questions that will help access the flexibility of the dental hygiene schools in Missouri in your list.

#3. Duration of Dental Hygienist Programs in Missouri

Ideally, dental hygiene programs can take between 30 months to 4 years. 

When choosing a school for dental hygienist training, you should know what the duration is.

How long you get to spend determines how much you get to spend on tuition.

#4. Type of Dental Hygiene Programs Offered.

As 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?

#5. Tuition of Dental Hygiene Schools In Missouri

Another factor to consider when choosing a school from the list of dental hygiene schools in Missouri 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 are Dental Hygiene Programs in Missouri?

An associate degree in dental hygiene takes between 20 – 30 months to complete. 

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

However, students going for a master’s program will have an additional one or two years.

What’s the Tuition Cost of Dental Hygiene Schools in Missouri?

The tuition of dental hygiene schools and colleges in Missouri varies due to factors such as;

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

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Best Schools for Dental Hygienists in Missouri 2024

Here is a list of dental hygiene schools in Missouri the programs they offer, tuition, and the requirements to apply to be educated to become a hygienist;

#1. University of Missouri – Kansas City

• School Status: Public
• Location: Kansas City, MO.
• Dental Program Duration: 2 Years
• Dental Hygiene Programs:  Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City is one of the best colleges to pursue a degree in dental hygiene.

Due to its level of academic excellence, the University of Missouri-Kansas City ranks #779 out of 2,576 schools nationwide.

Every year, the University of Missouri-Kansas City graduates 32 students from the dental hygiene program.

#2. Ozarks Technical Community College

• School Status: Public
• Location: Springfield, MO.
• Dental Program Duration: 2 Years
• Dental Hygiene Programs:  Associate Degree

Ozarks Technical Community College ranks 37th out of 55 schools for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

What this suggests is that based on records, Ozarks Technical Community College has a track record of academic excellence.

When it comes to dental hygiene programs, every year, Ozarks Technical Community College graduates about 17 dental hygiene/hygienist students.

#3. Missouri Southern State University

• School Status: Public
• Location: Joplin, MO.
• Dental Program Duration: 2 Years
• Dental Hygiene Programs:  Associate Degree 

Next on our list of schools with the best dental hygiene programs is Missouri Southern State University.

Missouri Southern State University, unlike most other schools, offers an associate degree in dental hygiene.

Based on track records, Missouri Southern State University ranks #1816 out of 2,576 schools nationwide.

And every year, Missouri Southern State University graduates 20 students from the dental hygiene program.

#4. State Fair Community College

• School Status: Public
• Location: Sedalia, MO.
• Dental Program Duration: 2 Years
• Dental Hygiene Programs:  Associate Degree 

Any student who is interested in studying in small class sizes but can’t afford a private school should consider State Fair Community College. 

Although State Fair Community College is a public school, it has a small student population making class sizes small and interactive.

Also, State Fair Community College ranks 39th out of 55 colleges for overall quality in Missouri.

Every year, the school graduates 9 dental hygiene students.

#5. North Central Missouri College

• School Status: Public
• Location: Trenton, MO.
• Dental Program Duration: 2 Years
• Dental Hygiene Programs:  Associate Degree

Just like State Fair Community College, North Central Missouri College (NCMC) is a small public college.

Currently, North Central Missouri College ranks 46th out of 55 schools for overall quality in Missouri.

Each year, North Central Missouri College graduates eight students from the dental hygiene program.

#6. Concorde Career Colleges

• School Status: Private
• Location: Kansas City, MO.
• Dental Program Duration: 2 Years
• Dental Hygiene Programs:  Associate Degree 

Concorde Career College is a private college with small class sizes due to the student population.

Although small, Concorde Career College has a large number of dental hygiene students compared to other schools in Missouri. 

Each year, Concorde Career Colleges graduates 46 dental hygiene/hygienist students.

#7. Hillyard Technical Center   

• School Status: Public
• Location: Saint Joseph, MO.
• Dental Program Duration: 2 Years
• Dental Hygiene Programs:  Associate Degree 

Hillyard Technical Center has over 21 bachelor’s degree candidates within its facility. 

Students are equipped as professionals ready for entry-level jobs. 

However, the admission criteria are competitive with an acceptance rate of 47%

#8. Saint Louis Community College

• School Status: Public
• Location: Forest Park, MO.
• Dental Program Duration: 2 Years
• Dental Hygiene Programs:  Associate Degree 

Saint Louis Community College is also one of the best dental hygienist schools for people who want to study dental hygiene.

Equipped with the best facilities to train students in theory and practicals.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Hygiene Schools In Missouri.

Where Dental Hygienists Work in Missouri?

You will find a dental hygienist working in 

• Doctors offices
• Nursing Homes.
• Pediatric Homes.
• Offices of Physicians.
• Head Start program
• Community clinics. 
• Mobile community clinics
• Public and private schools
• Local, state, or federal government agencies.
• Dentists’ offices are both private and shared practices. 

What is the Salary of Dental Hygienists in Missouri?

In 2020, Missouri dental hygienists earned a mean salary of $33.80 per hour or $70,310 annually. 

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 in Demand in Missouri?

In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that 4,040 dental hygienists were employed in the state of Missouri.

Also, a projection was made that the dental hygiene profession will experience an 11% increase by 2028.

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. 

Remember to do some stretching and muscle strengthening to help with your posture.

How Do I Get a Dental Hygienist License in Missouri?

In order to become a licensed dental hygienist in Missouri, applicants must demonstrate to the Missouri Dental Board that they have completed the following steps:

• Completed a CODA accredited training program
• Gotten certified by the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider.
• Passed the National Board of Health Dental Hygiene Examination with a score not less than 80%.
• Passed the state-approved clinical regional exams administered by either the CDCA, CITA, SRTA or WREB.
• Passed a written jurisprudence exam covering Missouri dental laws and rules with a score of at least 80%.

Conclusion

We hope you found this article very enlightening

Any of these Dental Hygiene Schools in Missouri, 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://www.healthcaregraduate.com/
• https://www.collegefactual.com/ 
• https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/