Dental Schools
Best Dental Hygiene Schools In Kentucky | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
All states require that you complete a dental hygiene program after high school before you can become licensed. In Kentucky, Dental Hygiene Schools are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Becoming a dental hygienist in Kentucky can be a lucrative career. To get started in the industry, you must first obtain a license. Licensing in this state is administered by the Kentucky Board of Dentistry.
To become certified, you must first complete a program in one of the Dental Hygiene Schools In Kentucky accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA).
Are There Best Dental Hygiene Schools In Kentucky?
There are currently four CODA-accredited dental hygiene schools in Kentucky. They offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene. You have many options if you want to search for dental hygiene programs in Kentucky.
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How Much Do Dental Hygiene Schools Cost In Kentucky?
Tuition and other fees are estimated to be approximately $25,000 for the two-year program. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take national and regional dental hygienist licensing exams.
As licensed dental auxiliary, dental hygienists can work in dental offices, clinics, dental schools, health care and government agencies, industry, and educational institutions.
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What Are The Requirements For Dental Hygiene Schools Cost In Kentucky?
There are currently five (5) CODA-accredited dental hygiene schools in Kentucky, culminating in certificates, associate degrees, and baccalaureate degrees. In such schools, you will complete courses such as:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Food
- Biology of the head and neck
- Anatomy of teeth
- Radiography
- Theory of dental hygiene
- Principles of dental hygiene
- Microbiology
- Physical diagnosis and treatment
- Preclinical radiography
- Pathology of the oral cavity
- Pain and anxiety control
- Dental health of the community
Along with your CODA-accredited dental hygiene diploma, you must complete an HIV/AIDS dental hygiene course approved by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).
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What Are The Best Dental Hygiene Schools In Kentucky?
Excited about the prospect of becoming a dental hygienist in Kentucky? Your first step is to choose a school. The following Dental Hygiene Schools In Kentucky offer accredited dental hygiene programs in Kentucky.
#1 Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Founded in 2005, Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) is a public community college in Lexington, Kentucky.
The Dental Hygiene Clinic, located on the campus of Bluegrass Technical College, opened in 1977. BCTC offers an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene degree at the Cooper campus. This is one of the great dental hygiene programs in Kentucky.
BCTC’s Dental Hygiene program is dedicated to preparing students to work as dental hygienists on a dental support team under the supervision of a dentist.
Graduates of the BCTC Dental Hygiene program are eligible to sit for the National Written and Regional Clinical Board exams, as well as regional dental hygienist licensure exams.
#2 University of Louisville School of Dentistry
The University of Louisville School of Dentistry is also one of the best dental hygiene schools in Kentucky.
The University of Louisville School of Dentistry offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree for comprehensive education to train dental hygienists.
In the University of Louisville School of Dentistry’s dental hygiene program, hygiene students will learn skills in a context that emphasizes the importance of the dental health team.
The University of Louisville Dental Hygiene program emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
#3 Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University (WKU), founded in 1906, is a public university in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Western Kentucky University is one of the best dental hygiene schools in Kentucky.
WKU offers an Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene, a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene, and a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in clinical teaching.
WKU’s dental hygiene program was established in August 1970. Western Kentucky University’s Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science programs are two-year majors that begin only in the fall semester.
Applications for WKU dental hygiene programs must be submitted by December 1st. Applicants must earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or higher and a grade of “C” or higher in each previous course.
#4 Big Sandy Community and Technical College
Big Sandy Community and Technical College is one of 16 two-year public colleges in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).
Big Sandy Community and Technical College offers a two-year associate degree in dental hygiene.
Work as a dental hygienist performing cleanings, examinations and x-rays under the supervision of a dentist.
Big Sandy offers students an integrated dental assisting and dental hygiene program that provides even more career opportunities after graduation. The program is for an associate degree and takes two years to complete full-time.
#5 MedQuest College
At MedQuest, you can take an eight-week basic dental assisting course and a basic dental business course. During this period, you complete these certification courses simultaneously.
The basic dental course involves 47 hours of classroom study. Here you will learn about Ex-Ray procedures, restorative dental materials, etc.
This course also includes 160 hours of practice in a dental office. The Dental Business course prepares you to schedule patients and maintain their records. It includes 40 hours of extramural study in the dental office.
You can also take the Advanced Dental Assisting Certificate course. This one also involves 48 hours of classroom time and another 160 hours of dental office time.
#6 Medical Institute of Kentucky (TMIKY)
At this training center in Kentucky, you’ll be immersed in the world of all things dental care. For example, you will learn how to put a filling and how to properly make a crown.
Plus, you’ll learn about the differences between periodontology, pediatrics, orthodontists, general dentistry, and more.
This course will help you get the necessary EDDA (Expanded Duty Dental Assistant) training, which is also an option for you.
It depends on what the state calls the RDA, but you must confirm that the school offers you the training you need.
The dental care program offered by TMIKY lasts for 22 weeks. You will receive a school leaving certificate.
#7 Emergency Medical Training Professionals LLC
The EMTP Dental Assistant Program will teach you how to be efficient in the office. In addition, you will learn how to measure a patient’s vital signs, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and operate X-ray machines.
This study includes 179 hours in the classroom and 120 hours of externship. Part of your training covers basic dental care and also prepares you to work at EDDA.
HIPAA lab materials and infection control courses are also part of this education. Check the DANB or CODA websites to see if this training is right for you.
It probably will, because it covers almost any dental care topic you can think of.
#8 Western Kentucky Community and Technical College
Training at Western Kentucky will allow you to provide care in the chair, office, and laboratory of a licensed dentist.
The certificate training program provides you with information on HIPAA patient privacy information.
In addition, you will gain knowledge about the importance of infection control. Your coursework will also provide you with hands-on laboratory experience.
Prepare to work in a clinic, private practice or specialty care center after studying at West Kentucky.
#9 Ross Medical Education Center – Owensboro
In the Ross Dental Assistant School Program, students will learn the clinical and administrative skills associated with a dental office.
Program instructors with experience in the field teach students many essential skills, including radiograph processing, anesthetic preparation and disposal, measuring and recording vital signs, and taking impressions.
In addition, students in the training program are introduced to important terminology and basic administrative tasks such as preparing a new patient chart, filing medical records, scheduling appointments, and filling out insurance claim forms.
Upon successful completion of the school program, students should be prepared to seek entry-level positions as dental assistants or administrators, insurance clerks, supply salespeople, and/or administrative assistants.
#10 Ross Medical Education Center – Erlanger
In the Ross Dental Assistant School Program, students will learn the clinical and administrative skills associated with a dental office.
Program instructors with experience in the field teach students many essential skills, including radiograph processing, anesthetic preparation and disposal, measuring and recording vital signs, and taking impressions.
Upon successful completion of the school program, students should be prepared to seek entry-level positions as dental assistants or administrators, insurance clerks, supply salespeople, and/or administrative assistants.
How Much Do Dental Hygienists In Kentucky Earn?
The starting salary for a dental hygienist in Kentucky is around $54,290 per year. And the top-level dental hygienist salary in Kentucky is approximately $91,528 per year. Obviously, the top dental hygienist salary in Kentucky is not very high compared to other states.
Job growth for dental hygienists is strong overall, averaging 6 percent across all states. In Kentucky, this growth is slightly less intense, but still positive at 1 percent. Between 2018 and 2028, the state is expected to see several hundred new jobs for licensed hygienists.
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How Do I Become A Dental Hygienist In Kentucky?
After completing an accredited dental hygiene program, you will be ready to take the necessary exams and apply for a license. New hygienists must apply and meet the following requirements:
- Have official transcripts from a CODA-accredited program
- Take and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam
- Pass and pass at least one clinical examination in three or fewer attempts
- Pass the Kentucky Bar Exam
- Get certified in CPR
- Get a clean background check with the FBI and Kentucky State Police
Dental hygienists licensed in another state must meet the above requirements and provide proof of that licensure within three months of applying in Kentucky.
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Best Paying Dental Hygienists Jobs In Kentucky
Dental hygienists have a wide range of employment options. You can find work not only in a dental office, but also as a marketing representative of dental companies or an office manager of private or group practices.
If you choose to expand your skills, you can work in dental hygiene education, research, and professional speaking. Common dental offices that employ trained and licensed dental hygienists include:
- General and/or Cosmetic Dentistry
- Pediatrics
- Orthodontists
- Endodontists
- Periodontist
- Prosthodontist
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes/Long-Term Care Facilities
- Schools
- Public Health Clinics
Dental Hygiene Schools In Kentucky FAQS
Yes, you must be licensed to work as a dental hygienist, but licensing varies from state to state. In Kentucky, the State Board of Dentistry is responsible for setting standards and accepting applications. Some of the requirements include completing an accredited educational program, passing clinical exams, and submitting a contribution.
When applying for a license, you can apply for a license by exam or licensing by credential. Licensure by examination will be the first choice for those who have never obtained a dental hygienist license before. Those licensed in another state and actively practicing may apply for licensure by credential.
You must renew your license by December 31st in even numbered years. If you allow your license to expire, the renewal fee can range from $240 to $630, depending on how long you haven’t renewed.
To renew your license, you must first complete a continuing education course. Beginning in 2010, dental hygienists must complete thirty (30) continuing education credits every two years with at least ten (10) hours in a live, interactive presentation format.
As a dental hygienist in Kentucky, you can look forward to a rewarding career working with and helping people every day. Hygienists spend a lot of time with patients in dental offices, cleaning their teeth, teaching them about oral health and checking for problems.
Kentucky had 119 dental hygiene/hygienist graduates with an average income and debt of $0 and $0, respectively. Specifically, at the bachelor’s level, there were 57 dental hygiene/hygienist graduates with average earnings and debt of $35,401 and $24,684, respectively.
Conclusion
Since choosing the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve compiled the Best Undergraduate Dental Hygiene Schools in Kentucky
These dental hygiene schools in Kentucky prepare students to work as dental hygienists on a dental support team under the supervision of a dentist. The curriculum includes general education and dental hygiene courses as required by the Dental Accreditation Commission.
References
- dentalschoolrankings.com – 4 Accredited Dental Hygiene Schools in Kentucky | Dental Hygienist Salary
- dentalassistantedu.org – Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Kentucky
- exploremedicalcareers – Kentucky Dental Assistant Schools and Salary Guide
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