Dental Schools
15 Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Iowa | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply
Working as a dental hygienist is just one of the opportunities that come with living in Iowa. This can be maximized when more students apply for a dental hygiene school in Iowa.
Dental hygiene may be the best option for Iowans who enjoy working with their hands, enjoy science classes, and want to pursue a rewarding career in the dental health industry.
In 2020, dental hygienists earned a median annual income of $77,090, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and demand for their services is growing across the nation (BLS).
If working as a dental hygienist sounds particularly appealing to you, you’ll be glad to learn that salaries in this field are among the highest in the healthcare sector.
Additionally, the sector is expected to experience strong job growth with the addition of 30,000 new jobs between 2016 and 2024, an increase in employment of nearly 15%.
Are there Dental Hygiene Schools in Iowa
Yes, there are good dental hygiene schools in Iowa. When deciding if a school is right for you, it’s a good idea to do more research and consider additional factors since rankings don’t always provide a complete picture of a school’s strengths and weaknesses.
1. Hawkeye Community College
2. Kirkwood Community College
3. Des Moines Area Community College
4. Faith Baptist Bible College & Theological Seminary
5. University of Dubuque
6. Dordt University
7. Clarke University
8. Luther College
9. Iowa Lakes Community College
10. Indian Hills Community College
11. Eastern Iowa Community College
12. Iowa Central Community College
13. Allen College
14. University of Northern Iowa
15. Iowa Western Community College
How much does Dental Hygiene Schools cost in Iowa
All over Iowa, there are a number of accredited dental hygiene programs.
In-state residents typically pay $4,000–$6,000 per year in tuition for these programs.
What are the Requirements for Dental Hygiene Schools in Iowa
Before starting the path to becoming a dental hygienist in Iowa, a few requirements must be satisfied.
Individuals must have first completed high school or have a comparable credential, like a GED.
After that, they should enrol in a Commission on Dental Accreditation-approved accredited dental hygiene program (CODA).
What are the Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Iowa
Finding the best college in Iowa for your undergraduate dental hygiene degree on our list of the Best Dental Hygiene Colleges and Universities is a great way to start your career in dental hygiene.
1. Hawkeye Community College
In Waterloo, Iowa, Hawkeye is a public university that is above average. It is a small university with 1,994 undergraduate students enrolled.
The acceptance rate for Hawkeye is 100%. Liberal arts and humanities, nursing, and agricultural business are popular majors.
Alumni from Hawkeye University graduate at a rate of 32% and go on to make a starting salary of $31,200.
2. Kirkwood Community College
Kirkwood is an above-average public college located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 4,304 undergraduate students.
Furthermore, The Kirkwood acceptance rate is 100%. Popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, dental hygiene, Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN), and Nursing.
Also, Graduating 37% of students, Kirkwood alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $29,500.
3. Des Moines Area Community College
The Des Moines Area’s public college, DMACC, is situated in Ankeny, Iowa. With 5,703 undergraduate students enrolled, it is a mid-sized institution.
Furthermore, The acceptance rate for DMACC is 100%. Popular majors include welding, dental hygiene, Licensed Practical Nurse Training, and Liberal Arts and Humanities (LPN).
Also, Alumni of DMACC go on to earn a starting salary of $29,300, with graduation rates of 35% of students.
4. Faith Baptist Bible College & Theological Seminary
We want students to have a truly transformative experience while attending a Bible college that is not just nominally Christian.
Furthermore, You will receive instruction from godly professors who travel the globe, live with other Christians who share your desire to advance spiritually, and develop your faith through participation in extracurricular activities like athletic teams, musical ensembles, student leadership committees, traveling teams, or one-on-one mentoring from any of our staff members with a focus on ministry.
Also, You will be addressed by name on our campus, and we will accompany you through every phase of your college career and beyond.
5. University of Dubuque
Academic success is valued at the University of Dubuque, but character strength is also highly valued.
We think that learning in an environment that resembles the real world is the first step toward becoming a leader in it.
Their students’ diversity embodies a campus culture that encourages frank, open discussions about important topics and ideas, and our students engage in sincere, earnest, and difficult debates with one another.
6. Dordt University
Students at Dordt University are stretched and transformed in the light of God’s Word.
Furthermore, Students are taught to think critically and make wise judgments for the rest of their lives, and faith is integrated into every subject of study.
We value education highly. Every class is built on the basis of faith, and they are challenging.
Numerous industries are interested in hiring our students because they are regarded as well-rounded workers in the field.
This is demonstrated by the class of 2021’s 100% career outcome rate, regardless of whether students continue on to graduate school or the workforce.
7. Clarke University
Firstly, Academic excellence has a long tradition at Clarke University. Faculty members who are authorities in their fields teach in small classes.
Furthermore, Our students learn in a hands-on environment in state-of-the-art facilities, and they graduate prepared for their careers and for life. First and foremost, we want to see students succeed.
Since 1843, Clarke University has fought for the principles of learning, altruism, justice, and freedom in Dubuque, Iowa, as well as in the rest of our area.
8. Luther College
More than 1,800 undergraduates who explore important issues and work to improve individuals, communities, and society call Luther College home.
Luther’s experiential approach to education and its welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully, and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact.
Furthermore, Luther is located in the beautiful bluff country of Decorah and offers learning opportunities worldwide.
Their 60+ academic programs, which cover everything from neuroscience to visual communication, place a strong emphasis on real-world experience and encourage curiosity to better prepare students for a world of unending opportunities.
9. Iowa Lakes Community College
Gain significant experience for your life, not just your career and studies. That is what it looks like to be a proud Laker!
You are more than a student if you are a Laker. We work to give you a well-rounded experience in addition to academic excellence and the best learning environment.
After all, a good college experience extends beyond the lecture hall.
10. Indian Hills Community College
In Ottumwa, Iowa, there is a public university called Indian Hills. It is a small university with 1,734 undergraduate students enrolled.
Futhermore, The acceptance rate at Indian Hills is 100 percent. Liberal arts and humanities, welding, and nursing are all well-liked majors.
More also, Alumni from Indian Hills graduate at a rate of 41% and go on to make a starting salary of $27,700.
11. Iowa Central Community College
Iowa Central is a public college located in Fort Dodge, Iowa. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 2,341 undergraduate students.
The Iowa Central acceptance rate is 100%. Popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, dental hygiene, Nursing Assistant, and Nursing.
Graduating 43% of students, Iowa Central alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $29,600.
12. Eastern Iowa Community College
Located in the Quad Cities Area in Davenport, Iowa, Eastern Iowa CC is a public university.
Also, It is a small university with 2,423 undergraduate students enrolled.
Furthermore, Eastern Iowa Community College accepts all applicants. Liberal arts and humanities, nursing, and electrical engineering technician are popular majors.
Alumni of Eastern Iowa Community College earn a starting salary of $26,200, with graduation rates of 46%.
13. Allen College
A rewarding career in healthcare will help you make a difference in your community!
Furthermore, Professionals prepare for the demands of a rapidly changing healthcare system through structured programs in nursing and the health sciences.
Also, Allen College can assist you in achieving your goal of doing meaningful work.
14. University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa is a regional comprehensive Division I university that not only offers students an affordable, top-notch education but also aids them in identifying and enhancing their strengths.
It situates in Iowa’s charming and thriving Cedar Valley.
The university offers outstanding programs in business, technology, performing arts, and health sciences, totaling more than 160 areas of study across nearly all disciplines, building on its longstanding excellence in teacher education.
15. Iowa Western Community College
Firstly, Iowa Western is a public college located in Council Bluffs, Iowa in the Omaha Area.
Also, It is a small institution with an enrollment of 2,331 undergraduate students.
Furthermore, The Iowa Western acceptance rate is 100%. Popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN), and Nursing.
Graduating 31% of students, Iowa Western alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $27,900.
How much do Dental Hygienist make in Iowa
The most recent data indicates that Iowa’s average dental hygienist salary is approximately $73,766 per year.
Dental hygienists typically earn between $53,906 and $83,878 annually in salary.
Salary ranges for dental hygienists can differ significantly depending on the city and many other crucial factors.
The most recent data on dental hygienist salaries in Iowa are in the table below.
How do I become a Dental Hygienist in Iowa
The American Dental Association’s (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) program of study and the Iowa jurisprudence exam are both prerequisites for licensure, which the Iowa Dental Board issues to all dental hygienists.
You will be qualified to take the NBDHE and the Iowa Jurisprudence exam after completing an accredited program.
After passing these tests, Iowa will grant you a dental hygienist license.
Best Paying Dental Hygiene Jobs in Iowa with Salary
- Hospitals dental hygienist earns $70,000-$89,000 per year
- Dental hygienist in Dental offices earns $50,000-$66,000
- Nursing homes 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
two-year
After completing the two-year Dental Hygiene program, students will be prepared to enter the workforce. Dental hygienists are experts in preventive medicine who offer clinical and educational services to promote oral health.
Roughly $34.35 per hour
The average annual salary for a registered dental hygienist in Iowa as of September 24, 2022, is $71,445 per year. If you need a quick salary estimator, that comes to about $34.35 per hour.
Licensure
graduation from a dental hygiene program with accreditation.
the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination has been passed.
taking and passing a regional or state clinical board exam
Click to see state-by-state requirements.
Conclusion
You must understand what it entails to look after the oral health of patients in need of oral care if you’re interested in learning how to become a dental hygienist in Iowa .
You must attend dental hygienist schools that have been accredited and approved, pass the required exams, and obtain your license in order to set this precedent.
So, in this guide, we’ll carefully compile information on the top dental hygiene programs in Iowa , ranked by years of academic excellence.
Continue reading for information on how to become a dental hygienist in Iowa , how much you can expect to earn, and how to obtain your license.
References
- Niche.com – 2023 Best Colleges with Dental Hygiene Degrees in Iowa
- Prepler.com – Best dental hygiene colleges & universities in Iowa
