Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Advance your career in dental hygiene, leadership, education, and research with Carrington College’s online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program. Designed for Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) who have completed a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited associate degree, this bridge program can be completed in as few as 12 months.
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Program Details
What Will I learn
Carrington College’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program builds on your clinical experience, equipping you with advanced skills in patient care, education, and leadership.
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate effective communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences.
- Critically evaluate information from multiple sources for application in professional settings.
- Apply current research and data interpretation techniques to identify and evaluate solutions for emergent issues impacting the profession.
- Apply critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making in dental hygiene education and health promotion.
- Utilize interprofessional collaboration to enhance patient-centered care.
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene affords excellent opportunities for professional growth and development with education in leadership, education, and research.
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Cost & Financial Aid
Your education is an investment in your future, and Carrington College is here to help. We offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal, state, and private programs, as well as student loans, grants, and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Our team is here to guide you through the options and application process.
Academic Cost
For complete details on current tuition costs, please refer to the Academic Catalog.
Location Availability
At Carrington College, we believe learning should be accessible. That’s why we offer online degree-completion programs to allow students to learn “anytime, anywhere” while continuing to work for their current employer.
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 accjc.org.
For comprehensive information on Carrington College’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.
Course Catalog
Program Specific Disclosures
Continuing Education For Graduates
Student Outcomes
REAL-WORLD SKILLS
START YOUR PATH
FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS
AFFORDABLE TUITION
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Career Opportunities
When patients go to the dentist for a routine checkup, they often spend the majority of the appointment with a dental hygienist. Registered dental hygienists perform several tasks with patients, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, including:(1)
- Removing tartar, stains, and plaque from the patient’s teeth
- Applying sealants and fluoride to protect teeth
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Assessing patients’ oral health and reporting findings to dentists
- Documenting patients’ care and treatment plans
- Educating patients about oral hygiene techniques
A Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene affords excellent opportunities for professional growth and development with education in leadership, education, and research. Find out more at our Dental Hygienist Career Guide.
Why Earn a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene?
A Bachelor Degree in Dental Hygiene is ideal for dental hygienists seeking to expand their career options. An associate’s degree prepares you to take licensure exams and perform basic dental hygiene tasks. A Bachelor of Science prepares you for advanced career opportunities while delving into advanced oral pathology and evidence-based patient care.
For students planning graduate work or dental school, a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene may help satisfy the necessary academic prerequisites. More information is available in our Dental Hygienist Career Guide
Is a Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene Right for You?
You may be a good fit for Carrington College’s online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program if:
- You want to advance your training through an online degree while working
- You want to transition into management, public health, dental sales, or teaching positions
- You want to advance beyond basic clinical cleanings
- You’re preparing for more advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene
- You want a competitive edge when applying for clinical and management roles
Key Features of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Program
Carrington College’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program is intended for students who already earned an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene and want to further their education and career. The program is online, allowing working students the ability to learn from home without pausing their careers. Classes train you to enter specialty, administration, or teaching roles by building on your existing clinical knowledge.
Join us for an overview of Carrington College's Dental Hygiene program
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Program FAQs
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A Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene offers excellent opportunities for professional growth and development in leadership, dental education, and research. Dental hygienists typically need an associate degree in dental hygiene to qualify for licensure exams. Some hygienists seek higher-level degrees. Typically, careers in research, education, or public health programs require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. (1)
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You cannot complete a CODA-approved dental hygiene program online due to laboratory and clinical practice requirements. You can, however, choose to gain your entry-level education in person and then pursue higher education online. Online classes are available for the Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science degree program.
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An on-campus Associate Degree Dental Hygiene program includes hands-on experiences, laboratory work, the clinical practice hours needed for entry-level employment, and is required as a prerequisite to take Registered Dental Hygienist licensure exams, such as the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.* (2)
Carrington College’s Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science online program is for dental hygienists who wish to further their education after completing the on-campus AS program and becoming Registered Dental Hygienists. The program includes courses such as Teaching Dental Hygiene Theory and Practice, Dental Practice Management, Community Oral Health Assessment and Program Planning, Healthcare Law and Ethics, and Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare.
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Only you can decide if a Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene is worth it. Consider your career goals and how much professional development and education you need to achieve them. For dental hygienists interested in career advancement, an online dental hygiene program is ideal, as they can earn their degree while working.
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An Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene is a fast, career-focused path that can be completed in as few as 15-19 months. A Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is a more advanced program and opens additional career and educational opportunities. With Carrington College’s online bridge program, you can go from an associate degree to a Bachelor of Science in as few as 12 months.
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Completion of an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene is required for admission to Carrington College’s online bridge program. For more information, contact our Admissions Department.
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Dental hygienists who want to advance their career options should consider enrolling in our online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program. Students planning to pursue graduate studies or apply to dental school may also be good fits for the program.
References:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, August 28). Dental hygienists. Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm
- Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. (n.d.). National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). American Dental Association. Retrieved June 19, 2026, from https://jcnde.ada.org/nbdhe
* Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.