21+ Easiest Schools In Arizona For Dental Hygienist to get into 2022-2023

Schools In Arizona For Dental Hygienist: To become a dental hygienist who will make a high income in Phoenix, AZ, you must attend a hygiene school with accredited programs.

Judging from the studies made by the Office of Employment and Population Statistics, the job growth of dental hygienists in Arizona is projected to grow by 11% between 2020 and 2030.

Also, with the aging population and the baby boom, someone has to take care of the oral health of these age grades for a longer and sustainable life.

All these factors put into perspective only scream loud for the need for more dental hygienists in Arizona.

But we would have no dental hygienist to match up to the number estimated by statistics if we do not have trained professional dental hygienists.

To become a dental hygienist in Arizona, you need to first attend any of the accredited dental hygiene schools in AZ.

Keep in mind that these schools in Phoenix AZ, by design, have programs designed to train dental hygienist students to become professionals in dental hygiene.

Therefore, in this guide, we have helped you come up with a list of accredited dental hygiene schools in Arizona. 

To also help you, we have answered a lot of Career questions such as “how much do dental hygienists make in Arizona?” to help you figure out if becoming a dental hygienist in Arizona is a great choice.

With that being said, let’s guide you to your dream dental school in Arizona.

Welcome Aboard!!!

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Being A Dental Hygienist in Arizona

Just like any other profession in the world, job roles and responsibilities remain quite the same except for policies guiding the State or Country.

As we would discuss later, dental hygienists have a great job outlook in Arizona making it one of the most sought states in the USA due to how much a dental hygienist stands to make in Arizona.

However, your job role has a lot to say about that.

In Arizona, dental hygienists are allowed clinical functions such as 

• Scaling
• Prophylaxis
• Root planing
• Closed subgingival curettage.
• Administering local anesthetics and nitrous oxide.
• Inspect the oral cavity and surrounding structures.
• Gathering clinical data to facilitate a diagnosis, periodontal screening or assessment.
• Recording of clinical findings, compiling case histories, exposing and processing dental radiographs.

All these functions are performed under the supervision and authorization of a dentist.

Is a dental hygienist but a dentist?

Absolutely not, they are not one and the same profession.

Our article on Dental hygienist vs Dentist: What is the Difference, Meaning, Roles and Salaries 2022 will help you clarify that.

Also as part of the job roles, keep in mind that there is a separate certification requirement for local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide analgesia for dental hygienists.

What’s The Job Outlook For Dental Hygienists in Arizona?

Many students who want to study in dental hygiene schools in Arizona often want to take their career up a notch by working as dental hygienists in the State.

That is not a bad idea.

In fact, most schools are affiliated with many hospitals, dental clinics, and nursing homes that recruit their best students upon graduation.

But the big question is, how lucrative are the dental hygienist jobs in Arizona?

Following the statistical projections made by the Arizona Office of Employment and Population Statistics, dental hygienists experienced job growth of 255 jobs between 2013 and 2015.

By 2017, 164 dental hygienist jobs were filled due to retirement.

In 2022, we also see that dental hygienists expect job growth of 44% increasing the number of dental hygienist workforce from 3,448 to 4,965 in Arizona.

Between 2020 and 2030, dental hygienist job growth is projected to grow 11% faster than the average for all occupations.

This will create about 15,600 openings for dental hygienists each year.

Following this analogy, we see that the dental hygienist will not go out of jobs in Arizona. 

Most graduates from Arizona dental hygiene schools will find a lot of Dental Hygienist Jobs.

How Do I Become A Dental Hygienist in Arizona?

To become a dental hygienist in Arizona you need to know the dental hygienist programs available in Phoenix and other cities in AZ.

Here, we will help you with details on the Hygienist programs available across the state. 

Also, we have helped you to know which dental hygienist school is accredited and committed to training students effectively.

To become a dental hygienist in Arizona, here are the easy steps to follow;

• Graduate from any of the accredited dental hygiene schools in Arizona or anywhere in the world.
• Take the regional, state, and national licensure examination for dental hygienists in Arizona.
• Apply to get your license from the Arizona Dental Hygienist Board.

ALSO READ: 21+ Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me (Schools And Colleges) 2022-2023:

Are There Schools In Arizona For Dental Hygienist Programs?

Absolutely, for a state in the United States with the need for more dental hygienists in 2030, many students are on the lookout for applications to dental schools in Arizona.

There are 8 accredited dental hygiene schools in Arizona that will train you to become a dental hygienist in AZ.

Also, dental hygienist programs in Phoenix AZ are backed up with classes and hands-on practicals to produce an all-around graduate in dental hygiene.

What Courses Do I Take in Dental Hygienist Programs in Phoenix AZ?

In Arizona, all schools of dental hygiene have the equipment to bring out the best students fashioned in theory, skill, and practicals.

On the journey to becoming that, students will have to undertake different courses at each level spread across the number of years they have to study.

The specificity of the courses you will take will depend on the program you are undertaking.

To become a dental hygienist in Arizona, you will either go through any of the two dental hygienist undergraduate programs which are;

• Associate Degree
• Bachelor’s Degree 

You can also further by doing a master’s degree program.

Now, depending on the track you’re following you will come across different courses as it suits your level of education.

Some of the courses you will come across as a dental hygienist in Arizona include

• Basic sciences: chemistry, biology, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology. 
• Specialty courses: dental anatomy, oral pathology, and community dental health. 
• Lab Skill Courses: Specific procedures performed by hygienists such as the removal of plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth. 
• Client Education: counseling and patient management classes. 
• Field Work: Clinical rotations to work with actual patients under the oversight of a practicing dentist.

Other courses you may come across include

• Nutrition.
• Radiography.
• Medical ethics.
• Oral health and periodontics.

What’s the Duration of Dental Hygienist Programs in Phoenix AZ?

Also, depending on the program you are undertaking you may get to spend a longer or shorter time completing your studies as a dental hygienist.

Besides the program, the choice of an institution will influence the length or duration of completing a degree in dental hygiene.

Now here is how it works. 

An associate degree in dental hygiene schools in technical schools will take between 20 and 30 months to complete in Arizona. That’s roughly 2 years.

A bachelor’s program in dental hygienist schools in Arizona will take four years to complete. Usually, the first two years are focused on general courses and the last two years are on dental courses and practicals.

With either of the above, you can become a dental hygienist in Arizona.

However, if you want to take your career a little further, you can get a Master’s degree in dental hygiene schools in Arizona which normally takes an additional one or two years to complete. 

What Makes A Dental Hygienist School Ideal For Me?

Typically, a dental school ideal for you is one recognized, approved, and have been accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Without accreditation, all your resources, time, money and energy are because your certificate is invalid.

Only accredited dental hygiene schools in Arizona are ideal for you.

Easiest Schools In Arizona For Dental Hygienist 

Now it’s time to get you to make a choice of school based on your academic needs.

The US Department of Education only recognizes 8 dental hygiene schools in Arizona. 

What this means is that if you’re looking to apply to study dental hygiene in Arizona, you have to brace up because the options are not many.

Out of these 8 accredited dental schools, 1 is a four-year university, 5 are public community colleges and 2 are private, for-profit institutions. 

Truly, you don’t have too many options left.

Your application has to stand out exceptionally to have a chance to study in any of these dental hygienist schools in AZ and become a dental hygienist in Arizona. 

So, here are the top accredited dental hygiene schools in Arizona;

#1. Phoenix College Community College

• School Status: Public
• Program Duration: Two Years
• Location: Encanto Village, Phoenix
• Tuition Cost: In-State $3,484, Out-of-state $9,268.
• Program: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Dental Hygiene.

As a community college, Phoenix offers a CODA-accredited Associate degree in Dental Hygiene. 

Upon graduation, graduates of dental hygiene are ready for board examinations and licensure applications across all fifty states. 

#2. Northern Arizona University 

• School Status: Public 
• Program Duration: 4 Years 
• Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
• Tuition Cost: Bachelor’s (In-State $26,923, Out-of-state $40,705) Master’s (In-state $25,865, Out-of-state $34,483).
• Program: Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene 

Northern Arizona University is the only university that offers a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene in Arizona. 

With an enrollment of over 5,900 students, we can see that many students take advantage of the 80% acceptance rate.

Asides from the bachelor’s degree, NAU helps students have an RDH-BSDH degree through a transfer articulation.

Students using this transfer option can earn a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Northern Arizona University.

#3. Fortis College

• School Status: Private
• Program Duration: 2 Years
• Location: Phoenix, Arizona
• Tuition Cost: In-State $14,004, Out-of-state $14,004.
• Program: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Dental Hygiene

Fortis College-Phoenix Campus offers a Dental Hygiene program for students who want to earn an associate degree.

Because it’s a private school, expect to see less than 1,000 students in total. 

Although a little bit awkward, this breeds a one-on-one teacher-student interaction and small class sizes which is good for learning.

It is one of the schools with dental hygienist programs in Phoenix AZ.

#4. Mesa Community College 

• School Status: Public
• Program Duration: Two Years
• Location: Mesa, Arizona
• Tuition Cost: In-State $3,484, Out-of-state $9,268.
• Program: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Dental Hygiene

Mesa Community College is not just one of the best schools in Arizona for dental hygienist programs, it is also the largest of the 10 community colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District.

Because CODA-accredited, it is one of the accredited dental hygiene schools in Arizona that trains you to become a dental hygienist. 

Mesa Community College allows her students to take clinical training at A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health in Mesa.

#5. Carrington College 

• School Status: Private
• Program Duration: Two Years
• Location: Mesa, Arizona
• Tuition Cost: Bachelor’s (In-State $14,962, Out-of-state $14,962) Master’s (In-state $14,962, Out-of-state $14,962).
• Program: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Dental Hygiene. 

Carrington College is one of the schools in Arizona for dental hygienist programs accredited to train to become professionals in dental hygiene in Phoenix AZ. 

As a private, for-profit college, students who study at Carrington College have the advantage of small class sizes and one-on-one coaching from tutors and professionals.

Keeping in clinical trials are essential for graduation.

#6. Rio Salado Community College

• School Status: Public
• Program Duration: Two Years
• Location: Tempe, Arizona.
• Tuition Cost: In-State $3,484, Out-of-state $9,268.
• Program: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Dental Hygiene. 

Rio Salado Community College is accredited by CODA and students can receive an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene. 

Upon graduation, graduates can apply for the written and clinical exams for state licensure.

To be accepted into Rio Salado Community College, you must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, a current CPR card for Health Care Provider, completion of the Basic Science courses with a GPA of 3.5 or better, and General Education courses with a GPA of 3.25 or better within the last five years and a grade C or better in the required courses listed here.

#7. Mohave Community College 

• School Status: Public
• Program Duration: Two Years
• Location: Kingman, Arizona.
• Tuition Cost: In-State $2,922, Out-of-state $7,782.
• Program: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Dental Hygiene. 

Mohave Community College has campuses in Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, and Colorado City, serving Mohave County, Arizona, and the surrounding communities. 

However, it is only its Kingman campus that can offer an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene. 

As one of the schools accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, Mohave Community College equips you to become a professional dental hygienist in Arizona.

The prerequisites required to apply to Mohave Community College include all General Education coursework being completed with a GPA of 2.8 or above and a grade of “C” or higher in all courses.

#8. Pima Community College

• School Status: Public
• Program Duration: Two Years
• Location: Tucson, Arizona.
• Tuition Cost: In-State $4,038, Out-of-state $9,354.
• Program: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Dental Hygiene. 

AAS in Dental Hygiene is offered in Tucson. 

Because CODA-accredited, it is one of the accredited dental hygiene schools in Arizona that trains you to become a dental hygienist. 

$4,038Upon graduation, graduates can apply for the written and clinical exams for state licensure.

What Are The License Requirements to Become a Dental Hygienist in Arizona?

Before you’re allowed to practice as a Dental Hygienist in Arizona, you must be authorized to do so, and that requires you to have a license.

Getting your license is a long journey but will be made easy if you follow these simple steps;

• Graduate from a recognized and accredited Dental Hygiene school.
• Pass the national dental hygiene board examination.
• Register, write and pass the clinical examination (western regional examining board or equivalent).
• Take the Arizona Jurisprudence Examination
• Apply for a Dental Hygienist License in Arizona
• Maintain your Dental Hygienist License

ALSO READ: 21+ California Dental Hygienist Schools To Get Into 2022-2023

Frequently Asked Questions About Schools In Arizona For Dental Hygienist

How Much Do A Dental Hygienist Make In Arizona?

The salary structure of a dental hygienist in Arizona differs by Area.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, Dental Hygienists in Arizona earn $84,930 per year which is $40.83 per hour.

Where Are Dental Hygienists Paid More in Arizona?

Because Arizona has many areas the statutory salary structure is not the same across all counties. 

More Dental Hygienists are needed in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale area hence why the area has a high salary structure for the profession.

Here is the list of areas in Arizona and their salary structure per annum;

• Pine Bluff, AR $55,080
• Jonesboro, AR $69,010
• Hot Springs, AR $57,760
• Fort Smith, AR-OK $60,350
• Memphis, TN-MS-AR $59,150
• Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO $71,090
• Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR $64,980

Does Arizona State University have Dental Hygiene Programs?

Arizona State University (ASU) does not offer a dental hygiene program.

However, they accept transfer articulation to its Bachelor’s programs from dental hygiene graduates from other qualifying colleges through its School of Dentistry & Oral Health.

How Many Dental Hygiene Schools Are In Arizona?

Although Arizona is home to a lot of Dental Hygienist Jobs, there are only a few schools that offer dental hygiene programs in the State.

Currently, there are 8 accredited Dental Hygiene Schools in Arizona offering Dental Hygiene programs.

These dental hygienist schools in Arizona are accredited by American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

How Much Does Dental Hygiene School Cost in Arizona?

According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, the average tuition cost of attending a dental hygienist school in Arizona for an associate degree is $22,692.

A bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene in Arizona will cost about $36,382. And a master’s degree will cost about $30,421.

However, keep in mind that the cost of tuition will depend on the school, program, and the location in Arizona.

Does NAU Have A Dental Program?

Yes, the Northern Arizona University NAU offers a Dental Hygiene Program.

Actually, Northern Arizona University is the only program in Arizona that awards a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene upon completion of the program.

Having this information at the back of your palm while on the search for the best schools in Arizona for a dental hygienist will help you streamline your choice based on your program and academic needs.

These accredited programs equip you to become a dental hygienist whether you’re in Phoenix, Mesa, or any city in Arizona AZ.

However, if you ever want to consider another state in the USA, you may want to consider the Best Dental Hygienist Schools in New York City and the Best Dental Hygienist Schools in Ohio as well.

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Good luck, Scholar!!!

References

• Best Dental Hygiene Colleges & Universities in Arizona
• Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Arizona
• Dental Hygiene Schools and Education Programs in Arizona

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