DENTAL PROGRAMSDental Hygiene
Carrington’s Dental Hygiene program prepares graduates to work with dentists in providing dental treatments and best health practices.
Real World Skills
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Flexible Learning Options
Affordable Tuition
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What Will I Learn?
Preventative Dentistry
Head and Neck Anatomy
Oral Biology
General and Oral Pathology
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.
Program Details
Cost & Financial Aid
Education is a major investment, but it’s an investment in your future. Every student comes to Carrington 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.
For complete information on current tuition costs, please see 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.
Program Availability
We’re proud to offer comprehensive dental hygiene education at four locations.
Accreditation & Approvals
Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC/WASC), 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 is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 312 440 4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678.
The Commission’s web address is: ada.org/en/coda.
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
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We're hiring at Carrington
See job openingsHow 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 teeth.1
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 teeth.1