How long does it take to become a Dental Hygienist?

While everyone’s education is different and time to complete a program can vary based on a number of personal factors, Carrington’s Dental Hygiene program can be completed in less than 2 years.

How much does dental hygiene school cost?

Dental Hygiene program costs can vary depending on location, courseload, and financial aid. For complete information on current program costs, please see the Academic Catalog.

What is the difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist?

Dental assistants and dental hygienists both play important roles in dental offices. Dental hygienists spend a large portion of their time working with patients’ teeth. A dental assistant works under the supervision of a dentist and may handle more administrative tasks.

What does a dental hygienist do?

Dental hygienists are licensed dental health specialists who provide preventive, educational, and therapeutic services for the promotion of oral health and control of the oral disease. They observe and record abnormalities and problems in patients’ mouths, take oral X-rays, and apply fluoride and fissure sealants. Other tasks include providing periodontal therapies like root planning and removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from teeth.

Dental Programs

Dental Hygiene

Carrington’s Dental Hygiene program prepares graduates to work with dentists in providing dental treatments and best health practices.

Program Details

Cost & Financial Aid

Education is a major investment, but it’s an investment in your future. Every student comes to Carrington College with unique financial needs. Carrington College is committed to helping you achieve your education goals. We participate in most financial assistance programs, both federal and state, as well as private financing. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

Academic Cost

For complete information on current tuition costs, please see page 230 of the Academic Catalog.

The best way for us to understand your financial needs is to meet in person. Call (877) 344-3316 to set an appointment with our Student Finance Department so we can help you develop your personalized financial plan to achieve your educational goals.

Location Availability

Carrington College is proud to offer our Dental Hygiene program at 4 locations around the U.S. To learn more about our locations, explore their pages.

Accreditation & Approvals

Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234 an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at www.accjc.org/.

For comprehensive information on Carrington’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation.

The Dental Hygiene programs at the Boise, Mesa, Sacramento, and San Jose campuses are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission on Dental Accreditation is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 800 232 6108 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678.

The Commission’s web address is: ada.org/en/coda.

Course Catalog

Program Specific Disclosures

Continuing Education For Graduates

Student Outcomes

REAL WORLD SKILLS

With many classes to guide you, you’re certain to be prepared for your career.

START YOUR PATH

Earn an Associate Degree in as few as 2 years.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS

Conveniently available at 4 campuses.

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Affordable tuition varies by program and location.

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Discover What It’s Like to Train to Become a Dental Hygienist at Carrington College.

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I realized that I would be done at Carrington twice as fast as the community college. So, I went through the program and I realized how good the program is and how well they prepare students for being professionals and preparing for the registered dental hygiene exam, which is hard. The students get a lot of education and knowledge that they need to be prepared for that exam.

YELENA R.

2021 STUDENT DENTAL HYGIENE

Career Opportunities

What is a dental hygienist? When people head in for a dental exam, the first person they meet with is typically the dental hygienist. A dental hygienist prepares patients to be examined by a dentist. Dental hygienists perform duties including:¹

Document and update patient dental health records and treatments
Perform dental X-rays
Clean teeth with dental instruments to remove plaque, stains, and tartar
Apply sealants
Provide fluoride treatment
Teach patients how to properly take care of teeth, including brushing and flossing recommendations and optimal dental tools to use at home

As dental hygienists clean teeth, they may identify cavities or gum issues to alert the dentist about. They’re on the lookout for oral diseases like gingivitis and talk with patients about their oral healthcare routines.

What Will I Learn?

PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY

HEAD AND NECK ANATOMY

ORAL BIOLOGY

GENERAL AND ORAL PATHOLOGY

Check out our guide on becoming a Dental Hygienist.

Dental hygienists help people maintain a vital part of well-being: their oral health, which Mayo Clinic states are a direct link to overall health.2 Dental hygienists work in teams with dentists to provide dental patient treatment. They help people learn how to take better care of their teeth, gums, and mouths.1

Dental Hygiene FAQ

How long does it take to become a Dental Hygienist?

While everyone’s education is different and time to complete a program can vary based on a number of personal factors, Carrington’s Dental Hygiene program can be completed in less than 2 years.
How much does dental hygiene school cost?

Dental Hygiene program costs can vary depending on location, courseload, and financial aid. For complete information on current program costs, please see the Academic Catalog.
What is the difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist?

Dental assistants and dental hygienists both play important roles in dental offices. Dental hygienists spend a large portion of their time working with patients’ teeth. A dental assistant works under the supervision of a dentist and may handle more administrative tasks.1
What does a dental hygienist do?

Dental hygienists are licensed dental health specialists who provide preventive, educational, and therapeutic services for the promotion of oral health and control of the oral disease. They observe and record abnormalities and problems in patients’ mouths, take oral X-rays, and apply fluoride and fissure sealants. Other tasks include providing periodontal therapies like root planning and removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from teeth¹. Utilizing the Dental Hygiene (DH) process of care, students will learn to devise and deliver patients with personalized oral care.

Sources:

*The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.

www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm#tab-3
Student loans, grants and scholarships are available to those who qualify.