21+ Dental Hygienist Schools In Pennsylvania to get into 2022

Dental Hygienist Schools In Pennsylvania: It’s no doubt that dental hygiene schools in Philadelphia PA, train the best hygienist in the city.

To date, dental hygienists in the city are highly sought out due to the level of education and training they received while in college.

Because there are a ton of hygiene schools that train students in dentistry, it’s usually difficult for a newbie to make a pick out of the pool.

That’s probably the reason why some applicants who want to study dental hygiene are “What are the best dental hygienist schools in Pennsylvania?”

Pennsylvania is a city blessed with much goodness that attracts international students. Its education system is known to be one of the best in the USA. 

Owing to the level of expertise in teaching and training, Pennsylvania is often one of the cities in the USA for health-related courses such as nursing, medicine, dentistry, and dental hygiene.

Therefore, students seeking to study dental hygiene in Pennsylvania should always look out for the best schools that are accredited and approved by the board of dentistry at Penn.

In that regard, we have deemed it fit to help you streamline your search by making a list of the best dental hygienist schools Philadelphia and other cities in PA.

Our pick was based on the level of expertise of instructors, nature of clinical training, accreditation, and the school’s academic reputation.

Here in this article, we also ensured to give you information on the nature of programs in dental hygiene schools in Pennsylvania.

However, if you would want to consider other schools of dental hygiene in the USA, you may want to consider the Best Dental Hygienist Schools In New York City or the Best Dental Hygienist Schools In Ohio.

What’s the Job Outlook For Dental Hygienists in Pennsylvania?

If you’re looking at working in Pennsylvania as a dental hygienist, not in school then it’s expedient you know that the job outlook is much slower than in other parts of the country.

Job growth for Dental Hygienists in Penn is just about 7.46% between 2018 and 2028.

This percentage will be increasing the number of dental hygienists in Pennsylvania from 9,780 to 10,510. 

Although low, we can trace this job growth to a number of factors such as;

• Need for affordable dental coverage.
• Effective treatments and solutions.
• Increased access to healthcare across PA l.
• The use of technology to advance the solutions to common oral issues.

95% of dental hygienists will find themselves working in dentists’ offices providing a variety of services to patients. 

The other 5% will find jobs in the state, local, or federal government or in physicians’ offices. 

ALSO READ: 21+ Easiest Dental Schools to Get Into In United States 2022

What Are the Factors to Consider When Making A Choice of Dental Hygiene Schools in Pennsylvania?

Choosing a school fit for you depends on your personal interest and educational needs.

However, there are certain factors that must be considered if you’re to make the best choice for your educational needs.

While there are many dental hygiene programs in PA, the schools are a handful, equipped and ready to train students in class and clinical.

But before you choose any school that comes to your mind, here are a number of factors that will help you decide or settle for such;

#1. What’s the Course Duration?

It may interest you to know that while the end course of a particular training may remain the same, the course duration will differ.

Some schools in PA offer dental hygiene programs for 4 years while other colleges offer it as a 2 years course. 

Before you choose a college of interest, find out how long it will take you to earn a degree in dental hygiene.

This will help you plan for the cost and time allocated for studying.

#2. What’s the Course Mode?

Most of the best dental hygienist schools in Pennsylvania offer full-time programs. 

Therefore, if you’re a worker or a student who needs a part-time study mode, then you should really lookout for the rare one in PA.

Find out if the course mode of your proposed school is full-time or part-time. Make a choice as it suits your academic needs.

#3. Are There Online Options?

A student who wants to earn a degree in dental hygiene from a school in Pennsylvania but cannot make it physically for on-campus studies should look out for online options.

Find out schools that offer you the opportunity to take some or all of your classroom courses online.

Besides the cost it saves you, it comes with even more flexibility.

#4. Is The School Accredited?

To become a dental hygienist in Pennsylvania, you must go to any of the approved and accredited dental hygiene schools.

Without accreditation, your degree is invalid and you will not be able to get a license or practice as a dental hygienist in Pennsylvania.

It’s as important as that. 

Ensure you find out if the school is accredited by Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry and the National Dental Hygiene Board

#5. How Much Will it Cost Me To Get A Dental Hygienist Degree From this School?

Don’t launch your application to any school if you have not counted the cost.

Mind you some institutions are financially demanding and their courses do not come with scholarships.

Therefore, it is wise and expedient to find out the tuition cost of dental hygienist schools Philadelphia PA before you apply.

Saves you a lot of “would have been” tears. 

What Programs Are Offered in Dental Hygienist Schools in Pennsylvania State?

Usually, dental hygienist programs come in two tracks at the undergraduate level:

• Associate Degree
• Bachelor’s Degree.

Both program tracks come with the same degree but not the same level of training and exposure.

Most colleges and technical schools offer associate degrees in dental hygiene while universities offer bachelor’s degrees in dental hygiene.

After your undergraduate degree, if you’re interested in research and tutoring, you can opt for a Master’s degree in dental hygiene.

How Long Does It Take To Complete A Program in Dental Hygienist Schools?

If you’re in an associate degree program in dental hygienist technical schools in Philadelphia PA, it will take about 30 months or less to complete a program.

However, Universities in Pennsylvania offer dental hygienist programs for four years.

A Master’s in dental hygiene usually takes one to two years to complete.

What’s the Tuition Cost of Dental Hygienist Schools In Philadelphia PA? 

Whether you’re attending dental hygienist schools in Philadelphia or any other county in PA, the tuition is measured based on the program you opted for.

Associate degree programs in dental hygiene in Penn State costs about $3,810 – $42,290. 

A bachelor’s program in Penn State Universities will cost up to $17,640 – $77,350.

If you would want to go for a master’s degree in Pennsylvania, then that will cost an additional $23,000 – $71,020.

ALSO READ: Dental hygienist vs Dentist: What is the Difference, Meaning, Roles and Salaries 2022

Best Dental Hygienist Schools In Pennsylvania

Now you know the rudiments of the dental hygiene profession and what it will take you in time and money to earn your degree, let’s help you find the best school for you.

After our research on the schools with the best dental hygienist programs in Pennsylvania, we have come up with a list of the best dental hygiene schools for you.

Ensure you factor in the considerations we made above before making a choice.

Now here is our list in no particular order;

#1. Community College of Philadelphia

• Location: Philadelphia
• School Status: Public
• Course Duration: 2-year
• Program: Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
• Tuition Cost: $5,142 in-district, $10,284 in-state, $15,426 out-of-state

The Community College of Philadelphia is one of the best dental hygienist schools in Philadelphia PA.

Here, students learn the skills they need to work in clinical, educational, and oral health settings. 

Students also practice the course theory through hands-on clinical training on campus. 

At the end of the 83 credit course year, students are ready to take regional and national exams to obtain their license.

#2. Harcum College

• Location: Bryn Mawr
• School Status: Private
• Course Duration: 2-year
• Program: Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene
• Tuition Cost: $24,200

Harcum College is out to prepare you to become a dental hygienist in Pennsylvania by completing 85 credit units. 

Classes in Harcum dental hygiene school focus on topics such as dental radiology, dental anatomy, periodontics, and pharmacology.

If you’re going to choose Harcum College keep in mind that attendance during the summer sessions is mandatory.

#3. Harrisburg Area Community College 

• Location: Harrisburg
• School Status: Public
• Course Duration: 2-year
• Program: Associate in Arts in Dental Hygiene
• Tuition Cost: $6,683 in-district, $7,935 in-state, $9,435 out-of-state   

The dental hygiene program at Harrisburg Area Community College requires the completion of 83 credits for graduation from courses such as pharmacology, periodontics, dental materials, pain control, and medical/dental emergencies.

In the first academic year, all dental hygienist students are involved in clinical education and seeing patients. 

Clinical rotations in the second year extend to treating adults and children. 

#4. Luzerne County Community College

• Location: Nanticoke
• School Status: Public
• Course Duration: 2-year
• Program: Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
• Tuition Cost: $5,430 in-district, $9,660 in-state, $13,890 out-of-state

Luzerne County Community College is one of the best dental hygienist schools in Pennsylvania. 

Students who study at Luzerne go through classroom, laboratory, and clinical training to obtain 79-credit units.

At the end of the course year, students are equipped to obtain a license to practice dental hygiene in Pennsylvania. 

#5. Manor College

• Location: Jenkintown
• School Status: Private
• Course Duration: 2-year
• Program: Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene and EFDA Program
• Tuition Cost: $17,179

As one of the dental hygiene schools in Pennsylvania with accredited programs, Manor College requires students to maintain at least a C average to continue to each level. 

The associate degree welcomes undergraduate students and equips them in nutrition, oral communication, dental anatomy, community dentistry and medical sociology. 

For graduate studies in dental hygiene, graduate students enroll for the Expanded Functions Dental Assisting (EFDA) program.

#6. Montgomery County Community College

• Location: Blue Bell
• School Status: Public
• Course Duration: 2-year
• Program: Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
• Tuition Cost: $5,730 in-district, $10,350 in-state, $14,970 out-of-state

Just like most dental hygienist schools Philadelphia PA, Montgomery County Community College trains students to become a professional in Philadelphia.

An associate degree in dental hygiene at Montgomery County Community College requires 70 semester hours for completion. 

Using the school’s dental hygiene facility students undertake their clinical training.

#7. Northampton County Area Community College

• Location: Northampton
• School Status: Public
• Course Duration: 2-year
• Program: Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
• Tuition Cost: $4,380 in-district, $9,570 in-state, $14,100 out-of-state

Bethlehem’s Northampton County Area Community College is a 2-year dental hygiene school in Penn. 

To become a dental hygienist in Pennsylvania, you will cover topics such as curriculum preventive oral health, oral histology, community dental health, and microbiology.

Graduation requires 72 credits in classroom and clinical training. 

ALSO READ: 21+ Easiest Dental Hygienist Schools In New York City To Get Into 2022-2023

#8. Pennsylvania College of Technology

• Location: Williamsport
• School Status: Public
• Course Duration: 2-year and 4 years.
• Program: Associate in Applied Science, Bachelor’s Degree, and Continuing Programs in Dental Hygiene.
• Tuition Cost: $4,380 in-district, $9,570 in-state, $14,100 out-of-state

Pennsylvania College of Technology offers the two undergraduate tracks in dental hygiene as well as continuing education courses. 

A bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene at Pennsylvania College of Technology requires an additional 38 credits units to the associate degree. 

#9. University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Campus

• Location: Pittsburgh
• School Status: Public
• Course Duration: 4-year
• Program: Dental Hygiene Certificate and Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene 
• Tuition Cost: $19,080 in-state and $32,052 out-of-state

If you seek to acquire a certificate program in any of the dental hygienist schools in Pennsylvania, then the University of Pittsburgh should top your list of considerations.

The school provides students with an education in the basic sciences and liberal arts on top of core dental hygiene requirements. 

#10. Westmoreland County Community College

• Location: Youngwood
• School Status: Public
• Course Duration: 2-year
• Program: Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
• Tuition Cost: $5,214 in-district, $9,348 in-state, $13,338 out-of-state

Completion of 78 credits of coursework is required to graduate from Westmoreland County Community College.

As a college of repute, Westmoreland County Community College offers clinical education across the five semesters.

#11. Fortis Institute 

• Location: Scranton
• School Status: Private
• Course Duration: 4-year
• Program: Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene
• Tuition Cost: Not Specified

Fortis Institute-Scranton is a private for-profit university that is known as one of the best dental hygiene schools in Pennsylvania.

Going to Fortis Institute equips you professionally for a career in dental hygiene in Pennsylvania.

How Do I Become A Dental Hygienist In Pennsylvania?

Upon completion of your Associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program in any of the best dental hygiene schools in Pennsylvania, the next is to actually become a dental hygienist.

Dental hygienist schools in Philadelphia PA prepare you to become a professional in the profession.

To become a dental hygienist, you need to undergo the writing process to obtain a license.

A license is what makes you a dental hygienist. Without it, your degree is of no relevance.

Here is the process to obtain a license and become a dental hygienist in Pennsylvania;

• Graduate from an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program. 
• Pass the National Board Written Examination. 
• Pass a Regional Clinical Examination. 
• Apply for a Dental Hygienist License in Pennsylvania. 
• Apply for a Dental Hygiene Local Anesthesia Permit.
• Get your license.
• Start practicing as a dental hygienist.

ALSO READ: 17 Dental Hygienist Jobs You Can Apply For in 2022-2023

PA Dental Hygiene Schools

All-State Career – Essington

• Dental Hygiene Program
• 50 West Powhattan Avenue
• Essington, PA 19209
• Dr. Staci Violante, RDH, DHSc
• Email Address: staci.violante@allstatecareer.edu
• Website: www.allstatecareer.edu
• Degrees Awarded:
• Associate, AAS

Community College of Philadelphia

• Dental Hygiene Programs
• Dental Hygiene Department
• CCP 1700 Spring Garden St.
• Philadelphia, PA 19130-0000
• Theresa Grady, RDH, MEd — Dental Hygiene Program Director
• Phone: (215) 751-8927  Fax: (215) 751-8937
• Email Address: tgrady@ccp.edu
• Website: www.ccp.edu
• Degrees Awarded
• Associate: AAS

Fortis Institute-Scranton

• Dental Hygiene Program
• 517 Ash Street
• Scranton, PA 18509
• Lindsey Rutkowski, RDH
• Phone:(570) 558-1818
• Email Address:  LRutkowski2@fortisinstitute.edu
• Website: www.fortis.edu
• Degrees Awarded:
• Associate, AAS

Harcum College

• Allied Health Sciences
• Dental Hygiene Program
• 750 Montgomery Avenue
• Bryn Mawr, PA 19010-0000
• Jean Byrnes-Ziegler, RDH, MS — Professor/Program Director
• Phone: (610) 526-6046  Fax: (610) 526-6182
• Email Address: jbyrnes-ziegler@harcum.edu
• Website: www.harcum.edu
• Degrees Awarded
• Associate: AAS

Harrisburg Area Community College

• Allied Health and Human Services
• Dental Hygiene Program
• One Hacc Drive, SM 104C
• Harrisburg, PA 17110
• Sarah Ostrander – Program Director
• Phone: (717) 780-1933 x 211933  Fax: (717) 780-1170
• Email: sostrander@hacc.edu
• Website: www.hacc.edu
• Degrees Awarded
• Associate: AAS

Lancaster County Career & Technology Center

• 1730 Hans Herr Dr
• Willow Street, PA 17584
• Phone: (717) 464-7050
• Acting Director: Dr. Marie Kelly (717) 464-7050 ext. 7126
• email: MKelly@lancasterctc.edu
• Website: https://lancasterctc.edu/
• Degrees Awarded Associate: AST

Luzerne County Community College

• Dental Hygiene Program
• Dental Health Department
• 1333 S. Prospect Street
• Nanticoke, PA 18634-3899
• Rachel Coffee, CDA, RDH, MS — Director of Dental Health
• Phone: (800) 377-5222 x 447  Fax: (570) 740-0447
• Email Address: rcoffee@luzerne.edu
• Website: www.luzerne.edu
• Degrees Awarded
• Associate: AAS

Manor College

• Dental Hygiene Program
• 700 Fox Chase Rd.
• Jenkintown, PA 19046-3399
• Virginia M. Saunders, RDH, M.Ed — Director – Dental Hygiene and Senior Associate Professor
• Phone: (215) 885-2360 x 284  Fax: (215) 576-6564
• Email Address: vsaunders@manor.edu
• Website: www.manor.edu
• Degrees Awarded
• Associate: AAS

Montgomery County Community College

• Health & Physical Education Division
• Dental Hygiene Program
• 340 Dekalb Pike
• Blue Bell, PA 19422-0796
• Kimberly Beadencup (Erdman) — Director
• Phone: (215) 641-6623  Fax: (215) 619-7171
• Email Address: KErdman@mc3.edu
• Website: www.mc3.edu
• Degrees Awarded
• Associate: AAS

Northampton Community College

• Allied Health and Sciences Division
• Dental Auxiliary Programs
• 3835 Green Pond Road
• Bethlehem, PA 18020-0000
• Sherri Meyers, RDH, MS — Director, Dental Hygiene
• Phone: (610) 861-5440  Fax: (610) 861-4139
• Email Address: smeyers@northampton.edu
• Website: www.northampton.edu
• Degrees Awarded
• Associate: AAS

Pennsylvania College of Technology

• School of Health Sciences
• Dental Hygiene Program
• One College Avenue
• Williamsport, PA 17701-0000
• Shawn Kiser, RDH, M.Ed Director of Dental Hygiene
• Phone: (570) 320-8007  Fax: (570) 320-2401
• Email Address: skiser@pct.edu
• Website: www.pct.edu
• Degrees Awarded
• Associate: AAS
• Baccalaureate: BS-DH

University of Pittsburgh

• School of Dental Medicine
• Dental Hygiene Program
• B-82 Salk Hall
• Pittsburgh, PA 15261-1937
• Kelly Wagner — Director
• Email: Krw79@pitt.edu
• Phone: (412) 648-8432  Ext.: Fax: (412) 383-8737
• Website: www.dental.pitt.edu
• Degrees Awarded
• Certificate: CERTIFICATE
• Baccalaureate: BS-DH

Westmoreland County Community College

• Health Professions/Biology
• Dental Hygiene Program
• 145 Pavilion Lane
• Youngwood, PA 15697-1895
• Angela S. Rinchuse, RDH, MEd — Assistant Professor/Director
• Phone: (800) 262-2103 x 4163  Fax: (724) 925-5808
• Email Address: rinchusea@wccc-pa.edu
• Website: www.westmoreland.edu
• Degrees Awarded
• Associate: 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Hygiene Schools in Pennsylvania.

How Many Dental Hygienists are in Pennsylvania?

Currently, there are about 7,170 dental hygienists working in hospitals, physician offices, or owning private practices in Pennsylvania.

Where Can A Dental Hygienist Work in Pennsylvania?

Dental hygienists in Pennsylvania work in offices of Dentists, Government Agencies, and Offices of Physicians. 

How Much Do Dental Hygienists in Pennsylvania Earn?

On average dental hygienists in Pennsylvania earn $69,470 a year, which accounts for $33.40 an hour and $5,790 a month. 

Keep in mind that with a bachelor’s or master’s degree and a level of experience, your salary will increase. 

For instance, a dental hygienist with less than 1-year experience earns $51,690 a year. 1-4 years earns $58,880, 5-9 years earns $70,070, 10-19 years earns $80,070 and dental hygienists with 20 years or more years experience earns $90,360.

Also, working with government agencies will mean you will have a higher income.

What Cities in Pennsylvania are Dental Hygienists Paid More?

Dental hygienists in Pennsylvania earn more in counties and cities such as;

• Erie    
• Altoona
• Lebanon
• Pittsburgh
• Gettysburg
• Johnstown
• Lancaster
• Reading
• State College
• York-Hanover   
• East Stroudsburg    
• Harrisburg-Carlisle   
• Bloomsburg-Berwick    
• Chambersburg-Waynesboro
• Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton   
• Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington
• Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton   

Are There Dental Hygienist Organizations & Associations in Pennsylvania?

Yes, dental hygienists in Pennsylvania are often advised to join the Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists’ Association (PDHA).

PDHA is concerned to further and improve the art and science behind dental hygiene in Pennsylvania. 

This they achieve across the state – Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast.

That means wherever you are in Pennsylvania, you can identify with the Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists’ Association (PDHA).

Also, Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists’ Association (PDHA) gives you access to various continuing education courses, newsletters, advocacy, and more.

Does Penn State Have A Dental Hygienist Program?

Yes, Penn State offers a dental hygienist program. 

The dental hygiene program at Pennsylvania College of Technology is accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation. 

How Much Does RDH Make In PA?

Licensed or Registered Dental Hygienists are called RDH. 

In Pennsylvania, Registered Dental Hygienists earn about $69,470 ($33.40 per hour) on average as of 2020.

Depending on your level of experience, your salary structure as a Registered Dental Hygienist in Pennsylvania will range between $58,880 and $80,070.

What is The Highest Paid Dental Hygienist in the USA?

If you’re looking for the highest-paid cities for dental hygienists in the USA and you’re expecting to see Pennsylvania, I’m sorry to burst your bubbles, but Penn didn’t make it to the list.

Here are the top five states that pay dental hygienists the highest based on annual mean wage in the USA;

• Nevada — $89,360.
• Alaska — $115,050.
• California — $109,970
• New Jersey — $88,150
• Washington — $95,450.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Dental Hygienist Near Philadelphia PA?

The Dental Hygienist Schools near Philadelphia are designed such that students upon matriculation can complete the program in 24 consecutive months. 

Once the program is completed, the graduating Dental Hygiene students are eligible to take the Northeast Regional Board Examination and the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.

We hope this guide will help you make a choice of the best dental hygienist schools in Philadelphia PA to become a professional in Pennsylvania.

Also, ensure you identify with Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists’ Association (PDHA) for a smooth and operational career in Pennsylvania.

Just in case the job outlook for Dental Hygienists is discouraging, you can consider the Best Dental Hygienist Schools In Georgia and the Best Dental Hygienist Schools In Florida which have a good job outlook after graduation.

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Good luck

References

• Best Dental Hygiene Colleges & Universities in Pennsylvania
• Dental Hygiene Schools in PA with Program Overviews
• Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Pennsylvania – 2022

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