Dental Schools
15 Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Arizona | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply
You must enrol in a dental hygiene school with accredited programs if you want to work as a dental hygienist in Arizona, where salaries are high.
According to studies conducted by the Office of Employment and Population Statistics, the number of dental hygienists employed in Arizona between 2020 and 2030 is expected to increase by 11%.
A longer and more sustainable life depend on someone taking care of these age groups’ oral health due to the ageing population and the baby boom.
When all of these elements are considered, Arizona desperately needs more dental hygienists.
But if we didn’t have dental hygienists who are professionally trained, we wouldn’t have as many as the statistics suggest.
You must first enrol in one of the accredited Arizona dental hygiene schools if you want to work as a dental hygienist there.
Remember that the curriculum at these Phoenix, Arizona, schools is intended to prepare future dental hygienists for careers in the field.
As a result, we have provided you with a list of accredited dental hygiene programs in Arizona in this guide.
How much dental hygienists make in Arizona is one of the many career-related questions we’ve addressed to help you decide if becoming one in Arizona is a wise move.
Let’s help you find your ideal dental school in Arizona after that.
Read Also: Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Alabama
Are there Dental Hygiene Schools in Arizona
Yes, many students are searching for applications to dental schools in Arizona for a state in the United States that will need more dental hygienists in 2030.
You can receive training to work as a dental hygienist in Arizona from one of the state’s 8 accredited dental hygiene schools.
Additionally, to produce a well-rounded graduate in dental hygiene, dental hygienist programs in Phoenix, Arizona, are supported by lectures and practical training.
1. Phoenix College Community College
2. Northern Arizona University
3. Fortis College
4. Mesa Community College
5. Carrington College
6. Rio Salado Community College
7. Mohave Community College
8. Pima Community College
9. Phoenix college
10. Glendale Community College
11. Eastern Arizona College
12. Estrella Mountain Community College
13. Paradise Valley Community College
14. Scottsdale Community College
15. Northland Pioneer College
Also Read: Best Dental Hygiene Schools In Missouri
How much does Dental Hygiene Schools cost in Arizona
According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, the average tuition for an associate degree in dental hygiene in Arizona is $22,692.
A dental hygiene bachelor’s degree in Arizona will set you back about $36,382. And the price of a master’s degree is about $30,421.
However, remember that tuition fees vary depending on the Arizona school, program, and location.
Also Read: Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Michigan
What are the Requirements for Dental Hygiene Schools in Arizona
Most schools require you to complete prerequisites in biology, chemistry, physics, and English and take the Dental Admission Test before you can apply.
If you don’t yet have your bachelor’s, you can earn one through a degree-completion program in around 15–18 months.
What are the Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Arizona
It’s now time to encourage you to select a school based on your academic requirements.
Only 15 dental hygiene schools are accredited by the US Department of Education in Arizona.
This means that if you want to apply to study dental hygiene in Arizona, you should prepare yourself because there aren’t many options.
One of these accredited dental schools is a four-year university, while the others are public community colleges and the remaining are private, for-profit schools.
There aren’t really many options left for you.
To have a chance to enroll in one of these dental hygienist programs in Arizona and work as a dental hygienist there, your application needs to be exceptionally strong.
the best accredited dental hygiene schools are listed below.
1. Phoenix College Community College
- Status of the school: Public Program
- Timeframe: Two Years
- Location: Encanto Village in Phoenix, Arizona
- In-state tuition is $3,484; out-of-state tuition is $9,268.
- Dental hygiene associate in applied science (AAS) program.
Phoenix Community College offers an Associate degree in Dental Hygiene that is CODA accredited.
Graduates of dental hygiene programs are qualified to sit for board exams and submit applications for licensure in all 50 states after they graduate.
2. Northern Arizona University
- Status of the school: Public Program
- Timeframe: 4 Years
- Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
- Bachelor’s degrees cost $26,923 in-state, $40,705 out-of-state, and master’s degrees cost $25,865 in-state, $34,483 out-of-state in tuition.
- Dental hygiene bachelor’s degree program
Northern Arizona University offers Arizona’s only dental hygiene bachelor’s degree program.
We can see that many students take advantage of the 80% acceptance rate, given that there are over 5,900 enrolled.
NAU assists students in obtaining an RDH-BSDH degree in addition to a bachelor’s degree through transfer articulation.
Northern Arizona University offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene to students who choose to transfer.
3. Fortis College
- Status of the school: Private Program
- Timeframe: Two Years
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- In-state tuition is $14,004 and out-of-state tuition is $14,004.
- Program: Dental hygiene associate’s in applied science (AAS)
Students who want to earn an associate degree in dental hygiene can do so at Fortis College-Phoenix Campus.
Since it’s a private school, fewer than 1,000 students should be present overall.
The small class sizes and one-on-one teacher-student interaction that results from this, despite being a little awkward, benefit learning.
It is one of the Phoenix, Arizona, schools offering programs for dental hygienists.
4. Mesa Community College
- Status of the school: Public Program
- Timeframe: Two Years
- Location: Mesa
- In-state tuition is $3,484; out-of-state tuition is $9,268.
- Dental hygiene associate in applied science (AAS) program
In addition to being one of the top universities in Arizona for dental hygiene programs, Mesa Community College is also the biggest of the 10 community colleges that make up the Maricopa County Community College District.
It is one of the Arizona dental hygiene schools that is accredited by CODA and offers training to become a dental hygienist.
Students from Mesa Community College are able to complete clinical training at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health at A.T. Still University in Mesa.
5. Carrington College
- Status of the school: Private Program
- Timeframe: Two Years
- Location: Mesa
- Bachelor’s degree costs $14,962 for in-state students and $14,962 for out-of-state students in tuition.
- Dental hygiene associate in applied science (AAS) program.
One of the Arizona schools offering accredited dental hygienist training is Carrington College, which is located in Phoenix.
Students at Carrington College benefit from small class sizes and one-on-one coaching from tutors and professionals because it is a private, for-profit college.
Participating in clinical trials is necessary to graduate.
6. Rio Salado Community College
- Status of the school: Public Program
- Timeframe: Two Years
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
- In-state tuition is $3,484; out-of-state tuition is $9,268.
- Dental hygiene associate in applied science (AAS) program.
Students at Rio Salado Community College can earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene, which CODA accredits.
Graduates can apply to take the written and practical exams for state licensure after graduation.
A high school diploma or GED equivalent, a current CPR certification for healthcare providers, and completion of the Basic Science courses with a GPA of 3.5 or better.
General Education courses with a GPA of 3.25 or better within the last five years, and a grade C or better in the prerequisite courses listed here are all requirements for admission to Rio Salado Community College.
7. Mohave Community College
- Status of the school: Public Program
- Timeframe: Two Years
- Location: Kingman, Arizona
- In-state tuition is $2,922; out-of-state tuition is $7,782.
- Dental hygiene associate in applied science (AAS) program.
With campuses in Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, and Colorado City, Mohave Community College serves Mohave County, Arizona, as well as the neighborhoods nearby.
The only campus that can provide an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene is the Kingman campus.
Mohave Community College gives you the training you need to work as a qualified dental hygienist in Arizona as one of the institutions approved by the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges.
The prerequisites needed to apply to Mohave Community College include finishing all General Education coursework with a grade of “C” or higher in every course and having a GPA of 2.8 or higher overall.
8. Pima Community College
- Status of the school: Public Program
- Timeframe: Two Years
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
- In-state tuition is $4,038; out-of-state tuition is $9,354.
- Dental hygiene associate in applied science (AAS) program.
Tucson has an AAS in Dental Hygiene program.
It is one of the Arizona dental hygiene schools that is accredited by CODA and offers training to become a dental hygienist.
Graduates can apply to take the written and practical exams for state licensure after graduation.
9. Phoenix college
- Status of the school: Public Program
- Timeframe: Two Years
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- In-state tuition is $4,038; out-of-state tuition is $9,354.
- Dental hygiene associate in applied science (AAS) program.
Practicums and internships are two ways that students can gain practical work experience. For instance, dental hygienist certificate offers students real-world training opportunities on dental hygiene work..
The program and a student’s credits from prior learning determine how long their education will last. Learners may be granted credit toward their certificate or degree for military service, work experience, and/or professional certifications and licenses.
10. Glendale Community College
- Status of the school: Public Program
- Timeframe: Two Years
- Location: Glendale, Arizona
- In-state tuition is $2,922; out-of-state tuition is $7,782.
- Dental hygiene associate in applied science (AAS) program.
In its programs, the school places a high priority on experiential learning. For instance, completing on-the-job clinical work with patients is a requirement for the associate degree in dental hygiene.
11. Eastern Arizona College
- Status of the school: Public Program
- Timeframe: Two Years
- Location: Thatcher, Arizona
- In-state tuition is $4,038; out-of-state tuition is $9,354.
- Dental hygiene associate in applied science (AAS) program.
Many career programs also prepare students for national or state certifications. For instance, the dental hygiene program provides Dental Hygiene and dental assistant courses that prepare graduates for the National Registry of Dental hygienist.
12. Estrella Mountain Community College
- Status of the school: Public Program
- Timeframe: Two Years
- Location: Avondale
- In-state tuition is $3,484; out-of-state tuition is $9,268.
- Dental hygiene associate in applied science (AAS) program
The study of subjects like dental hygiene studies, and dental assisting, among others is available to students. Except the associate in the nursing program, many of the school’s associate degrees prepare students for seamless transfer to bachelor’s programs.
13. Paradise Valley Community College
- Status of the school: Private Program
- Timeframe: Two Years
- Location: Phoenix
- Bachelor’s degree costs $14,962 for in-state students and $14,962 for out-of-state students in tuition.
- Dental hygiene associate in applied science (AAS) program.
The college offers associate degrees and certificates in more than 75 disciplines, including dental hygiene, emergency response and operations, and dietetic technology. The majority of programs give students practical field experience by combining classroom and experiential learning.
14. Scottsdale Community College
- Status of the school: Public Program
- Timeframe: Two Years
- Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
- In-state tuition is $3,484; out-of-state tuition is $9,268.
- Dental hygiene associate in applied science (AAS) program.
Experiential learning is frequently used with students. For instance, students can gain experience in the industry through internships in the 39-credit dental hygiene program. Other courses, like the 37-credit certificate in yoga therapy, call for practicals where students interact with actual clients.
15. Northland Pioneer College
- Status of the school: Public Program
- Timeframe: Two Years
- Location: Holbrook, Arizona
- In-state tuition is $4,038; out-of-state tuition is $9,354.
- Dental hygiene associate in applied science (AAS) program.
Students who are already employed in the industry and potential employees looking to launch their careers will benefit from the school’s direct-to-work programs. Students get practical training in their chosen field. For instance, dental hygienist study in a clinical setting..
How much do Dental Hygienist make in Arizona
In Arizona, there are regional variations in the dental hygienist salary structure.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that dental hygienists in Arizona will make $84,930 per year, or $40.83 per hour, in 2020.
Arizona has a diverse geography, so each county has a different statutory salary structure.
The Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale region needs more dental hygienists, which explains why the region has a high pay scale for the occupation.
How do I become a Dental Hygienist in Arizona?
You must be aware of the dental hygienist programs offered in Phoenix and other Arizona cities if you want to work as one in the state.
We will provide you with information on the hygienist programs that are offered throughout the state here.
We have also assisted you in determining which dental hygiene school is accredited and dedicated to providing students with top-notch instruction.
Here are the simple steps to take in order to become a dental hygienist in Arizona:
- Graduate from any of Arizona’s internationally recognized, accredited dental hygiene programs.
- Take Arizona’s dental hygienist regional, state, and national licensing exams.
- To obtain a license, apply to the Arizona Dental Hygienist Board.
Best Paying Dental Hygiene Jobs in Arizona with Salary
Dental hygienists can perform their work in a variety of settings.
A dental hygienist’s job description does not restrict their career to just a hospital or clinic.
Even though the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over 94% of dental hygienists work in dental offices, research indicates that this is not the case.
- Hospital’s dental hygienist earns $70,000-$89,000 per year
- A dental hygienist in Dental offices earns $50,000-$66,000
- Nursing home dental hygienist earns $65,000-$82,000
- Personal facility dental hygienist earns $37,000-$40,000
- Schools and institutions’ dental hygienist earns $63,000-$80,000
- medical facilities dental hygienist earns $36,000
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Arizona (ASU) does not have a dental hygiene program.
However, through its School of Dentistry & Oral Health, they accept transfer articulation from dental hygiene graduates from other qualified colleges to its Bachelor’s programs.
In Arizona, there are regional variations in the dental hygienist salary structure.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that dental hygienists in Arizona will make $84,930 per year, or $40.83 per hour, in 2020.
Although there are many Dental Hygienist Jobs in Arizona, the State has only a small number of schools that provide dental hygiene programs.
There are currently 8 accredited dental hygiene schools with dental hygiene programs in Arizona.
The American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation has granted these Arizona dental hygiene schools accreditation (CODA).
Conclusion
Dental hygiene students in Arizona can pursue an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in the subject.
These programs offer students the chance to participate in clinical experiences or rotations in addition to classroom instruction and dental hygiene lab training.
They also include general education coursework. Associate’s degree programs are typically created to enable graduates to join the workforce immediately after receiving their license.
References
- Prepler.com – Best Universities & Colleges for Dental Hygiene in Arizona
- Dentalassistantedu.org – Arizona dental hygienist training
- Dentalcareersedu.org – Schools and Programs for Dental Hygiene in Arizona
