Dental Schools
Best Dental Hygiene Schools In New Hampshire | Cost, Requirement & How To Apply
People who want to become a dental hygienist in New Hampshire must attend a dental hygiene program in one of the Dental Hygiene Schools In New Hampshire accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Dental Hygiene Schools In New Hampshire teach important professional skills and prepare students for the national dental hygiene exam they must pass before obtaining their licenses.
Although the minimum requirement for licensure is completion of a graduate program in dental hygiene, you may choose a bachelor’s degree to be better prepared for career advancement in management, research, and supervisory positions.
Are There Dental Hygiene Schools In New Hampshire?
There are six types of dental assistants recognized by the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners.
There are Dental Assistants, CDAs (Certified Dental Assistants) from the DANB (National Board of Dental Nursing), Certified Dental Assistants and Advanced Dental Assistants, EFDAs (Enhanced Dental Assistants), and Dental Assistants licensed to perform radiographic procedures.
The New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners is the sole body responsible for regulating standards for dental assistants, dentists and dental hygienists.
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How Much Do Dental Hygiene Schools Cost In New Hampshire?
With regard to dental hygiene, the tuition fee depends on the level and type of program you are considering. According to the American Association of Dental Hygienists, the average estimated total cost (by state/county) of tuition and fees for:
- An associate degree costs $22,692.
- A bachelor’s degree costs $36,382.
- A master’s degree costs $30,421.
Keep in mind that these numbers are averages. The cost of a program at a community college can be lower than programs offered by four-year institutions.
In addition to tuition and fees, students who want to apply to dental hygiene programs should consider other costs such as:
- Books and supplies,
- Room and board,
- Transport,
- Personal expenses,
- Medical insurance and
- Rental and purchase of tools for dental hygiene.
When determining how best to finance your dental hygiene education, consider what costs you can control (eg accommodation, transport.
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What Are The Requirements For Dental Hygiene Schools In New Hampshire?
Admission requirements for dental hygiene schools in New Hampshire typically include completion of high school chemistry, biology, health, psychology, speech, and math courses.
ADHA reports that some programs also ask applicants for an interview, aptitude tests, or essays. It is important to check specific entry standards before applying to ensure eligibility.
Dental hygiene programs usually comprise two components. First, they offer science-intensive coursework.
ADHA estimates that dental hygienist students will complete an average of 659 hours of supervised clinical training before earning a degree or certificate.
This practical work helps students to concretize their theoretical knowledge with practical experience of patient care.
Students may be eligible for licensure after completing a dental hygienist program at an accredited school.
First, students must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), which comprises 350 multiple-choice questions that assess both concrete knowledge, theoretical knowledge, and student’s ability to solve case studies.
After passing this exam, students must take state clinical board exams. ADHA provides a comprehensive guide to these various regional requirements.
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What Are The Best Dental Hygiene Schools In New Hampshire?
Most dental hygienists attend a two-year graduate program at a community college or technical school before taking the exam. Students in New Hampshire can consider the following Dental Hygiene schools for their studies:
NHTI – Concord Community College
New Hampshire Technical Institute, located in Concord, was renamed NHTI – Concord Community College in 2008.
It offers 65 programs and a variety of academic services to both credit and non-credit students. NHTI – Concord’s Community College is also the only school in the state to offer dental programs.
The certified dental assisting program prepares students to work under the supervision of dentists. Graduates of this program are responsible for providing oral care services and promoting oral hygiene.
In addition to general education requirements, students take courses in oral hygiene, dental materials, and radiology.
Students are also required to complete a 6-week clinical experience that provides the opportunity to learn in a professional environment and work with patients. In total, students must earn at least 40 credits to complete this program.
Northeast Collaborative School of Dental Assisting
The school is located in Kingston, New Hampshire. The school offers a 13-week certificate course that offers students hands-on experience, exposure to labs where they learn about the day-to-day functions of the position, and training.
Students must complete 3,500 hours of work before passing the DANB General Chair Side Exam before they can earn Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) status.
Before completing the 13-week course, students must complete a 50-hour externship. The total cost of the course is $4,500.00.
University of New Hampshire
The school offers a course in dental care through an external training provider. The course consists of 240 credit hours and is offered entirely online, allowing students to access the platform for 6 months to complete the course.
The cost of the course is $2199.00. The fee includes all textbooks and study materials, which will be sent to the student within 7-10 days after registration for the course.
The course prepares students for Radiation Health and Safety and Infection Control Components of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Exam
And students can earn a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certificate. You must complete 3,500 work hours to pass the DANB CDA exam. All exams and components must be completed within five years.
The Dale Foundation
This school offers an online dental assisting course. Students have a total of six months to complete the course.
Upon completion of the course, students will receive between two and 12 DANB CDE credits, and all resources can be accessed from the student’s computer or laptop.
This course will not prepare students for an entry-level position. In fact, this course is designed for students who have already completed their education requirements and wish to continue their education in order to maintain their license to work in the field.
Vermont Technical College
Located near Randolph, Vermont, Vermont Technical College offers a bachelor’s and associate degree in dental hygiene.
The three-year associate degree program pairs students with a faculty advisor who will assist them throughout their studies and a student advisor who will assist them during their first year of study.
How Much Do Dental Hygienists In New Hampshire?
New Hampshire dental hygienists earn between $55,450 and $78,700 per year. Surprisingly, some dental hygienists earn over $90,500 a year. It’s a really great career.
The number of dental hygiene positions is expected to increase over the next ten years. This increase can be attributed to the increase in the number of elderly people in the United States.
Many seniors are retiring and need dental services. The possibility of finding a job should not be a problem for a dental hygienist.
Salaries for dental hygienists in NH are among the highest in the healthcare industry, and the sector is projected to create an additional 30,000 jobs between 2016 and 2024, representing nearly 15% employment growth.
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How Do I Become Dental Hygienists In New Hampshire?
To become licensed as a dental hygienist in New Hampshire, you must first complete at least a two-year program that has been accredited by the United States Department of Education and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA).
As the only accrediting body in the US for dental hygiene programs, CODA accredits both associate degree and baccalaureate degree programs.
Although the minimum requirement for licensure is the completion of a graduate program in dental hygiene, you may choose a bachelor’s degree to be better prepared for career advancement in management, research, and supervisory positions.
There is currently 1 CODA-accredited dental hygiene program in New Hampshire, although online dental hygiene programs have become a popular alternative to earning a degree in this popular healthcare field.
In addition to general dental hygiene courses, students in dental hygiene programs can expect to complete general college coursework as well as basic science and dental science coursework. In addition, most dental hygiene programs now culminate in a clinical externship.
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Best Paying Dental Hygienists Jobs In New Hampshire
People interested in the medical field can start working as dental hygienists with less formal training than in other healthcare professions.
They will constantly meet new people and work with their hands, making it a great career choice for people who get new work experiences every day.
Dental hygienists typically earn the highest salaries in cities such as Nashua and Manchester, New Hampshire. However, jobs can be found in private practices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities throughout the state.
Dental Hygiene Schools In New Hampshire FAQs
To apply for a New Hampshire dental hygienist license, you must request an application packet by completing the Application Packet Request Form and emailing it to dental.board@nh.gov
Dental hygienist licenses in New Hampshire are renewed every two years by April 1 of odd-numbered years after completion of at least 20 hours of continuing education. Up to 4 hours of independent study is allowed.
You must graduate from a dental hygiene program that is accredited by the United States Department of Education and the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
You must pass the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) Clinical Hygiene Examination or another similar clinical examination that the Board is willing to accept.
Dental hygienists are in high demand and there are many opportunities for future career advancement. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that dental hygienist careers are projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is higher than the national average for all occupations of 8 percent (BLS, May 2021).
An associate’s degree in dental hygiene school usually takes three years to complete. The American Association of Dental Hygienists reports that an average of 84 credits are required to earn a dental hygienist degree. For a bachelor’s degree, this is an average of 118 credits.
Conclusion
In New Hampshire, you are required to attend a dental hygiene program approved by the United States Department of Education and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA). Programs offered to students in dental hygiene are 2 years long and lead to either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.
While an associate’s degree is the minimum requirement, further education will lead to more employment opportunities. In this state, you can attend the program in person or online.
References
- dentalcareersedu.org – Dental Hygiene Schools and Education Programs in New Hampshire
- exploremedicalcareers.com – New Hampshire Dental Assistant Schools and Salary Guide
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