Dental Schools
Best Dental Hygiene Schools In Georgia | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
People in Georgia have a wide selection of Dental Hygiene Schools where they can earn an associate degree in dental hygiene. The top nine institutions are all publicly funded and offer programs that can be completed in about two years.
Such degree programs include general education requirements in addition to classroom and laboratory training in dental hygiene.
Admission to the best Dental Hygiene Schools In Georgia is highly selective and competitive; admission requirements may include background and drug screening, placement tests, and CPR certification.
Are There Dental Hygiene Schools In Georgia?
There are 27 institutions of higher education in the state of Georgia. Of these, 16 dental hygiene programs are accredited by the ADA’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Some of these Dental Hygiene Schools In Georgia naturally provide training for both hygienists and assistants.
You can expect classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction. Your education will include physiology and anatomy, pathology, periodontology (the study of gum disease), radiography, nutrition, medical ethics, and patient care.
Georgia’s nine largest public institutions of higher education offer two-year associate of applied science (AAS) health programs as well as a four-year Bachelor of Science degree.
The facility you graduated from must be accredited by both CODA and the Georgia Board of Dentistry. In addition, dental hygienists in the state of Georgia require CPR certification, criminal background and drug screening, and placement tests.
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How Much Do Dental Hygiene Schools Cost In Georgia?
Earning an associate degree takes 20 to 30 months and will cost you between $3,540 and $39,370, depending on whether you attend a community or technical college.
A bachelor’s degree will take you four years, and you’ll likely take general education courses during the first two years; tuition ranges from $16,420 for Georgia residents at a state-subsidized school to $72,010 at a private college or university.
Master’s programs involve one to two years of additional education and cost between $21,410 and $66,110.
There are three paths to becoming a dental hygienist in the Peach State: an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree.
An associate’s degree is generally considered sufficient training for entry-level positions; hygienists who complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees often pursue careers in management, health care, research, or education.
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What Are The Requirements For Dental Hygiene Schools In Georgia?
Hygienists in the Peach State need a strong foundation in basic sciences such as chemistry, biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology. In addition to this coursework, they must also attend classes relevant to their specialty, such as dental anatomy, oral pathology, and community dental health.
In the skills labs, you will learn about specific procedures that hygienists perform, such as removing plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth. One of your functions will be to educate clients, so dental hygiene schools in Georgia offer consultations and patient care classes.
At the end of the didactic component of your dental hygiene education, you will be assigned a clinical rotation where you will go out into the field and work with real patients under the supervision of a practicing dentist.
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What Are The Best Dental Hygiene Schools In Georgia?
There are many dental hygiene schools in Georgia that offer a two-year dental hygienist degree. Your choice of dental hygiene school/hygienist matters, so we’ve compiled these rankings to help you make your decision.
Before applying to any program, we recommend that you confirm your current accreditation status and eligibility for federal aid directly with the college. Also, you should compare reviews online to read the opinions of alumni.
#1 West Georgia Technical College
Students enrolled in West Georgia Tech’s dental hygienist program can expect to receive a diverse education.
The program is designed to help students learn about therapeutic, educational and preventive dental health services. You’ll also learn everything you need to know about oral disease control and overall health.
Thanks to the school’s comprehensive curriculum, you will be more than ready to take part in National Commissions and Central Regional Dental Testing Services.
You can then find work in educational institutions, dental offices, government health care facilities, and insurance companies. There is no doubt that this program is ideal for students looking for hands-on experience to develop their employability skills.
After completing your studies, you will receive the degree of assistant of applied science in dental hygiene.
West Georgia Technical College also has a vibrant campus community for students to enjoy. Smaller class sizes allow you to easily interact with your peers and teachers.
In addition, students will receive more individualized instruction, contributing to a more positive learning environment.
#2 Atlanta Technical College
Dental hygiene is a profession that is in high demand and requires qualified and trained professionals to play a significant role in the dental team.
Atlanta Technical College meets this need by preparing qualified dental hygienists to join the workforce. Additionally, the on-campus clinic serves as an effective training ground where students hone skills while serving the local community.
This dental hygiene program at GA is an associate degree that can be completed in two years. It is full-time with daytime classes and requires the completion of a total of 84 credits.
Some of the professional courses you will take include oral anatomy, dental materials, dental radiology, oral pathology, fundamentals of nutrition, periodontics and dental health.
Upon completion of this program, you will learn to perform the functions required of a registered dental hygienist in a variety of clinical settings. Admission to this program is very competitive, so make sure you have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in your previous courses.
#3 Savannah Technical College
At Savannah Technical College, students will work toward an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene. This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, ensuring that students will have a well-rounded experience for their future careers.
Along with your core classes, you will also work towards passing the National Board Dental Hygiene exam. You will need to complete many courses to complete your degree before moving on to national exams.
This diploma program is exciting because it explores several fundamental principles of dental hygiene.
Students will learn to work with the public to offer educational and preventive services that promote oral hygiene. In addition, you will develop practical skills in applying sealants, working with fluoride, developing radiographs, etc.
#4 Lanier Technical College, Gainesville
Lanier Technical College offers a dental hygiene education that prepares you for the academic, technical, and clinical knowledge and skills required for entry-level positions. Upon completion of this program, you will be able to sit for both national and state licensing exams.
To become a dental hygienist in GA, you may want to consider this associate degree offered by the college that can be completed in 21 months.
The program is intensive and requires a full-time commitment; therefore, any work tasks during this period are not recommended.
Since only 15 students are accepted each year, to increase your chances of admission, make sure you complete the required 38 core coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
To fulfill this requirement, the College suggests that you first enroll in an interdisciplinary studies program so that you can meet the core requirements. However, this does not guarantee admission to the dental hygiene program.
#5 Columbus Technical College
Columbus Technical College’s Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene program is very in-depth. Students will study an interdisciplinary approach to oral health and hygiene.
Courses revolve around dental science, biomedical science and general education. You will also gain specialist knowledge in the science of dental hygiene and practice clinical assessments.
After completing the training, you can proceed to take the national dental hygiene exam. Also, students will receive help in preparing for the exam of the Central Regional Dental Service.
Columbus Technical College has everything you would expect from a dental hygiene program Students are expected to earn 83 credit hours to complete the degree.
Along with dental and oral hygiene courses, you can count on taking humanities and other basic core courses. This is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of being a professional dental hygienist.
#6 Clayton State University, Morrow
Clayton State University is Georgia’s top dental hygiene school, offering flexible options for a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene.
The college offers the RDH-BSDH course for registered dental hygienists who have completed an associate degree in dental hygiene. All courses in this program are offered online, and you can even complete them full-time or part-time.
This curriculum improves your communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills, which are required to competently treat a diverse patient population.
For those who want to expand their career prospects significantly and have an inclination towards business and management, you can take an additional ten courses.
By doing so, you will earn a double Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Management + Dental Hygiene. Graduates of the dual degree can explore management positions in dentistry.
#7 Athens Technical College
The dental hygiene program offered by Athens Technical College is structured similar to what the top dental hygiene schools in Georgia offer.
This is a highly competitive program that allows students to work toward the licensing exam. However, it also provides basic fundamental skills that will help you develop the skill set expected of a dental hygienist.
Students will work independently, in teams, and with their instructors in simulation labs. You’ll also gain traditional classroom experience, providing the general education required for this major.
Dental hygienist students are expected to achieve several learning outcomes during their studies at Athens Technical College. In general, you will need to demonstrate that you can provide services using clinically competent skills.
In addition, you will need to demonstrate critical thinking skills in managing the assessment, planning and treatment of oral health problems.
During their studies, students will develop a deep understanding of community participation in general health. In addition, you are expected to pass regional clinical dental hygiene boards and written national dental hygiene boards. From there, you can pursue your dream career.
#8 Georgia Highlands College
There is no doubt that a dental hygienist career is a growing field that students should consider. At Georgia Highlands College, you can get the theoretical and real-world experience you need to get into practice.
Many students who complete the program work in educational institutions, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, dental offices, and more.
Georgia Highlands College offers a two-year program in dental hygiene. Upon graduation, you will receive an associate degree in dental hygiene. You can expect to spend five consecutive semesters in school to complete your degree.
It is important to note that this program is highly competitive and they accept applicants once a year in March. If you are accepted into the program, your classes will begin in the fall.
#9 Central Georgia Technical College, Warner Robins & Macon Campus
The Department of Dental Hygiene at Central Georgia Technical College continually updates its curriculum and teaching methods in consultation with renowned local dentists. This ensures that the education you receive is relevant and in line with the latest industry trends.
The College Dental Hygiene Associate requires you to complete a total of 83 credits in a curriculum that consists of general education, anatomy and physiology, and dental hygiene courses.
You will complete didactic and laboratory sessions along with clinical training to complete this coursework in approximately two years.
Well, this course requires time and effort on your part, but with the recent growth in this career, it will all be worth it. Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared to take state and national licensing exams and then work in entry-level dental hygienist positions.
#10 Augusta University, Augusta
Augusta University offers two types of bachelor’s degrees to choose from to greatly enhance your career prospects in oral care, education, research and sales, and management.
Bachelor of Science with the specialty “Dental Hygiene”. This four-year program is designed for students with no dental experience and requires completion of the final two years of study (65 credits) at the Augusta campus.
Freshman and sophomore years, where you are required to earn 60 credits, can be completed at any accredited college. Through this on-campus program, you will receive didactic, laboratory and clinical training.
BS-DH Degree Completion Program: This program is for those who hold an accredited associate degree in dental hygiene.
The advantage of this program is that all courses are offered online with flexible scheduling options. So even if you work full-time, you can earn this degree and open up a wide range of career opportunities.
How Much Do Dental Hygienists In Georgia Earn?
The average Dental Hygienist salary in Georgia is approximately $74,709, which is higher than the average Dental Hygienist salary in Florida, Alabama and lower than the average Dental Hygienist salary in
The average Dental Hygienist salary in Georgia is about $74,709, which is higher than the average Dental Hygienist salary in Florida, Alabama and lower than the average Dental Hygienist salary in Delaware, Colorado, Arizona, District of Columbia.
There are many factors that affect the salary of a dental hygienist in GA, including location, certifications, education, experience you have gained, and other additional skills.
Georgia’s minimum wage is $7.25 an hour in 2022. The minimum wage is equal to the minimum federal minimum wage ($7.25).
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How Do I Become Dental Hygienists In Georgia?
To become a dental hygienist in Georgia, you must complete at least a 2-year associate degree in dental hygiene from an institution recognized by CODA and the Georgia Board of Dentistry.
You must also pass the clinical examination with a score of 75 or higher. These exams are currently administered by Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Inc. (CRDTS), although there may be other Board-approved examinations.
You must also score 75 or higher on the National Board exam. Finally, you must pass the open book bar exam with a score of 75 or higher.
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Best Paying Dental Hygienists Jobs In Georgia
Practitioners are hiring dental hygienists in Georgia for their growing dental practice. You will assist the dentist in various procedures and work with X-ray machines.
To perform well in this position, you must have a current state hygiene license, recent vaccinations and previous experience as a dental hygienist.
- Adjunct Instructor-Dental Hygiene
- Dental Hygienist 3 (Medical and Preventive Services)
- Dental Hygiene Junior Clinical Coordinator
- Hourly Dental Hygienist
- Dental Hygienist- Per Diem
- PRN Dental Hygienist
- Dental Hygienist
- Registered Dental Hygienist – Flexible Schedule
Dental Hygiene Schools In Georgia FAQs
In Georgia, dental hygienists cannot diagnose or prescribe medication. Although their scope of practice is broad, allowing them to perform procedures such as prophylaxis, application of local anesthesia and fluoride, and replacement and removal of oral sutures, in most cases dental hygienists can only practice under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
Before you are eligible to apply for a dental hygienist license in Georgia, you must earn at least an associate degree in dental hygiene from a program offered by one of the schools recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). You will need to provide an official transcript from this school when you apply for your license.
Your license expires on December 31st in all odd-numbered years. In order to renew your license, you must complete twenty-two (22) hours of continuing education during the two-year (2) renewal period. Fifteen (15) of the twenty-two (22) hours must be focused on clinical science.
If you were licensed within two (2) years of completing an ADA-accredited dental hygiene program, you may submit proof of coursework in lieu of the continuing education requirements of your first renewal period.
Conclusion
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists typically have an associate’s degree. Those who want to become a dental hygienist in Georgia must have a degree accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association; commission is also called CODA.
Licensure requires passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, the Regional Exam, and the Georgia Dental Board Bar Exam. License applicants must also have an up-to-date CPR certification.
All of the schools listed below, with the exception of Gainesville State College, offer CODA-accredited programs.
References
- nursingprocess.org – Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Georgia – 2022
- best-universities.net – Best Dental Hygienist Schools in GA
EDITOR’S RECOMMENDATION
