A dental hygienist is a medical personnel who examines patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provides preventive care, including oral hygiene.
To become a professional in this field, you must attend a good school. If you live in the Rochester area, you are in the right place. We have compiled a list of the best dental hygiene schools for you. You can choose the one that suits your career aspirations. In addition, you may consider adding this scholarship to your application toolkit.
What is dental hygiene about?
Dental hygiene is the process of keeping your mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy to avoid disease. Dental hygiene and dental health are sometimes taken for granted, although they are critical components of our daily lives.
In reality, you can find dental hygienists in a variety of settings outside of the dentist’s office, including private and public schools, mobile community clinics, Head Start programs, patient homes, and even hospitals.
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What is a dental hygienist school like?
Academic programs at technical colleges, community colleges, universities, technical colleges, or dental schools prepare dental hygienists. Most community college programs last at least two years and award associate degrees to graduates. With this degree, a hygienist can take licensing exams (national, state, or regional), obtain a license, and work in a dental office.
College dental hygiene programs can offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees, which generally require at least two years of extra education. These added degrees may be essential for a career in research, education, or clinical practice in public health programs or schools.
Admission requirements for dental hygiene programs vary by school. Mathematics, High school health, psychology, biology, chemistry, and public speaking classes will be helpful in dental hygiene work.
Most programs prefer applicants who have completed at least one year of college. Some degree programs require applicants to have two years of college experience before enrolling in a dental hygiene program. For detailed program prerequisites, contact the dental hygiene program of interest to you.
Dental hygiene education programs provide clinical education in the form of supervised patient care encounters.
These programs also incorporate liberal arts courses in basic sciences (e.g., pharmacology, anatomy, pathology, physiology, chemistry, immunology, and microbiology); and clinical science (e.g., sociology, speech, English, and psychology) (e.g., radiology, dental hygiene, and dental materials).
Upon completion of a dental hygiene program, dental hygienists may choose to further their education in areas such as business administration, education, marketing, fundamental science, and public health.
Why study Dental Hygiene in Rochester?
There are numerous benefits to being a dental hygienist, some are;
Get a flexible work schedule
One of the most important benefits of working as a dental hygienist is the ability to adapt to your schedule. Many types of work patterns are popular in this industry, including full-time, part-time, or just weekends. Many dental hygienists work in offices one or two days a week each. While you may need to adjust your schedule from time to time to accommodate the demands of a busy dental practice, most dental hygienists can set their working hours to accommodate the demands of your busy life.
Earn a good salary
Dental hygienists tend to earn more than health technologists and technicians on average. In reality, the median salary for a dental hygienist in the United States is $ 74,820 per year or about $ 36 per hour5. Your actual income will be determined by factors such as where you reside and your level of experience, but the national median provides a decent indication of the competitive salary dental hygienists can earn.
Help others improve their health
The importance of dental hygiene extends far beyond a good smile. Poor dental health, according to the Mayo Clinic, can lead to major illnesses and concerns with your overall health, such as cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications, and more. Dental hygienists help patients not only feel better about their smiles and dental health but also live healthier lives.
Create a Lifetime Career as a Dental Hygienist
Beginning dental hygienists can drop out of college and quickly advance to a fulfilling career. Best of all, it’s a calling where your hours can be altered to suit your lifestyle and changing demands over time. Being a dental hygienist gives you enormous flexibility and benefits throughout your career, from parenthood to empty nests to even a smooth retirement.
Discover opportunities to progress in the dental field
Many people who want to be dentists start out as dental hygienists. Earning your associate’s degree will prepare you for a career as a dental hygienist, where you will receive essential experience in the dental industry. You can then go on to earn your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in dentistry.
Alternatively, advanced degrees may be obtained for research, teaching, or other specialized dental hygiene professions. Some companies even offer tuition assistance to employees who wish to continue their education.
Employment Stability
This career path is considered one of the fastest-growing occupations due to population growth and an increased emphasis on preventive care. What this implies to you is that there will always be high demand for your services; whether you are just beginning a certification program in this field or have come a long way in your career as a dental hygienist.
Atmosphere that values people
Most dental clinics prioritize making patients as comfortable as possible while educating them on how to properly care for their teeth and gums. As a dental hygienist, you can expect to work in a welcoming and pleasant workplace where you will interact with a wide range of people on a regular basis.
If you value oral health and enjoy helping others, a career as a dental hygienist might be a good fit for you.
Advancement possibilities
To work as a dental hygienist in private practice, you will need at least a certificate or associate’s degree. These training programs are well organized so that students can finish them quickly and with a lot of hands-on experience.
Even better, once you’ve started working as a dental hygienist, you can enroll in programs to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree. With any of these, you will have numerous growth opportunities, including research positions or teaching the practice of dental hygiene.
How much does a dental hygienist make in Rochester?
As of August 27, 2021, the median dental hygienist salary in Rochester, NY is $ 75,200, with a salary range of $ 65,311 to $ 85,505.
Salary ranges can vary widely based on a variety of things, including education, certifications, supplemental talents, and the number of years you’ve worked in your field.
salary.com has more compensation data online and in real-time than any other website, allowing you to identify your specific salary goal.
How much does a dental hygienist school cost in Rochester?
The average tuition for a dental hygienist school in the Rochester area is $ 12,000. Tuition can range from $ 4000 to $ 30,000 depending on the school you choose. You may pay lesser fees if you consider applying for scholarships tailored for prospective Dentist students.
How long does it take to complete a dental hygienist program in Rochester?
It will take 20-30 months to complete an associate’s degree in dental hygiene from a community college or health professions technical college.
While there are numerous dental hygiene schools to choose from, you should select one that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Completing all school requirements in a dental hygienist program generally takes two to four years.
What body accredits dental hygienist schools in Rochester?
USDA has only authorized the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) to accredit dental hygiene education programs. In the United States, there are several hundred CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs.
The Commission is a specialized accrediting agency that has been approved by the United States Department of Education. Contact the Commission on Dental Accreditation at (312) 440-4653 or 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
The Commission’s website can be found here.
Dental Hygienist Schools in Rochester in 2022?
Here are the top dental hygienist schools in the Rochester area.
- SUNY Farmingdale State College
- New york university
- SUNY Hudson Valley Community College
- SUNY Erie Community College
- Orange County Community College in New York
- SUNY Broome Community College
- New York City College of Technology (CUNY)
- SUNY Monroe Community College
- Canton, New York
- CUNY Hostos Community College
#1 New York University
Ranked as the sixth-best university in New York, New York University is known as one of the best dental hygienist schools in Rochester.
The dental hygiene program at New York University School of Dentistry offers students the opportunity to learn by being part of an academic environment that includes much-admired faculty from various specialty fields of dentistry.
In-depth classroom lessons are supported by wide-ranging clinical rotations where students are exposed to specialized dental procedures. NYU offers three study options for would-be dental hygienists:
- An associate degree with a sandwich program that can be completed in as little as 17 months.
- A conventional four-year bachelor’s degree.
- A bachelor’s degree that is generally intended for students who have already completed their associate’s degree in dental hygiene.
The tuition fee is $37,739, and a SAT/ACT score range of 1350-1530 is required and a 30-34 is required to enter with a 16% acceptance rate, making admissions extremely competitive. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.
The Accreditation Commission of the American Dental Association has fully accredited the NYU College of Dentistry.
#2. SUNY Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale State Institution ranked as the 62nd best university in New York is an above-average public university located in Melville, 404 miles from Rochester.
It’s no wonder it’s one of the best dental hygienist schools. It is a medium-sized university with a total enrollment of 7,785 undergraduate students.
Entry to this school requires an SAT range of 990-1150, and the acceptance rate is 55%, making admissions extremely competitive. You can break into the field of dental hygiene by completing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, offered by Farmingdale State Institution.
While the former includes biomedical, general education, and oral courses, the latter additionally includes courses that prepare you for a career in dental hygiene research and teaching.
Both degree programs will get you prepared to take the National Dental Hygiene exam, as well as certification in the administration of local infiltration anesthesia and nitrous oxide.
To hone your specialized skills, you will undergo a clinical practice that is tailored to your individualized career goals in your specific topic of interest.
The tuition fee costs $7,481. Farmingdale State Institution is one of the best dental hygienist schools in Rochester. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association has fully accredited the SUNY Farmingdale State College.
#3. CUNY Hostos Community College
Ranked fourth among the best community colleges in New York, CUNY Hostos is an above-average public university in the Bronx, New York, located 339.2 km from Rochester.
It is a small university with a total enrollment of 3,758 undergraduate students, a student-to-faculty ratio of 19: 1. Students typically complete the Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene degree in two years, including one summer session.
There is also a three-year option. Oral anatomy and physiology, dental radiology, nutrition, dental materials, and dental health education are part of the curriculum. Students work with patients while being supervised by professional dentists and dental hygienists during the clinical component of the curriculum.
Tuition costs $ 5,628 per year and the application fee is $ 65. The Hostos Community College Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
#4. SUNY Erie Community College
Erie Community College is a public university in Buffalo and is located 65.5 miles from Rochester. It is a medium-sized university with a total enrollment of 6,252 undergraduate students with a student-to-faculty ratio of 17: 1.
Erie Community College’s acceptance rate is 100 percent. Erie Community College offers intensive training in related dental careers that prepare students to meet the growing challenges of patient oral care. Equipped with an experienced faculty, students are trained to be lifelong learners by going through a learning process that is a fine combination of classroom work, clinical, and laboratory experiences.
It takes two years to complete this associate. The 69-credit courses include courses in microbiology, anatomy, oral health, pharmacology, general psychology, dental radiography, community dental health, periodontics, dental materials, pathology, and public speaking.
The comprehensive curriculum prepares you to fill positions as a dental hygienist in various settings such as hospitals, dental clinics, and perform duties including plaque removal, patient evaluation, and application of chemotherapeutic agents to treat the dental ailments.
The university is highly selective in its admissions process and recommends students to complete courses in microbiology, oral communication, psychology, sociology with a minimum grade of “C” prior to applying.
Tuition costs $4,733 annually; also, the application fee is $25. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association accredits the Dental Hygiene Program.
#5. SUNY Hudson Valley Community College
Hudson Valley Community College is a public university in Troy, New York, located 228.0 miles from Rochester. It is a medium-sized university with a total enrollment of 5,401 undergraduate students and 5,015 part-time undergraduate students with a student-teacher ratio of 19: 1.
This university offers an Associate of Applied Science program in Dental Hygiene that requires 70 credit hours to complete. Anatomy and physiology, pathology, dental materials, dental imaging, and pharmacology are covered in class.
Clinical practices begin in the second semester. Students who are members of the American Student Dental Hygienists Association will have the chance to serve the community at a variety of events that take place throughout the year.
Tuition fees cost as much as $8,340 annually. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association accredits the program.
# 6. SUNY Broome Community College
Broome Community College is a public university in Dickinson, New York, 158.1 miles from Rochester. It is a small university with a total enrollment of 3,448 undergraduate students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 16: 1.
Broome Community College has a 100% acceptance rate. The Division of Health Sciences provides a curriculum leading to an Associate of Applied Sciences in Dental Hygiene. The two-year program covers classes in pathogenic biology, dental materials, pain management, periodontics, and dental radiography.
Students also gain clinical experience by providing care to patients and by learning about treatment planning, assessment, patient care evaluation, and instrumentation.
The institution has a dental hygiene clinic on campus that includes two laboratories, classrooms, seven X-ray units, and 26 dental units. This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
#7. Orange County Community College in New York
SUNY Orange is a public university in Middletown, New York, 276.9 km from Rochester. It is a small university with a total enrollment of 2,680 full-time undergraduates and 3,692 3,692 part-time undergraduates with a student-teacher ratio of 18: 1.
The Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene program has a 70-credit requirement. The curriculum covers preventive oral health care, dental biomaterials, oral health education, pain management, nutrition, and oral pathology.
In addition to clinical experiences at the on-campus dental hygiene clinic, students often participate in clinical experiences at off-campus locations.
Students in the program are required to join the American Student Dental Hygienists Association and submit clinical cases. Tuition is $ 4,325 per year and the application fee is $ 30. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association accredits this program.
#8. SUNY Monroe Community College
Monroe Community College is one of the best dental hygienist schools in the Rochester area. It is a medium-sized university with a total enrollment of 6,927 undergraduates and has a student-faculty ratio of 20: 1.
This two-year applied science associate program in dental hygiene is an excellent combination of dental science, liberal arts, and clinical experience that will equip students for entry-level positions.
The clinical training portion of the curriculum will take place in a suitable dental environment, where you will gain hands-on learning experience. Upon completion of the coursework, you will be qualified to take the national board exam.
To be eligible for this program, the university requires you to complete courses in biology, math, and chemistry. Tuition costs $6,968 per year. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association accredits this program.
#9. Canton, New York
SUNY Canton is a public university in Canton, New York, 210.7 miles from Rochester. It is a small university with a total enrollment of 2,784 undergraduate students and a student-teacher ratio of 18: 1. The admission rate at SUNY Canton is 85%. Entry requires a SAT score of 920-1110 and an ACT score of 18-23.
This university offers an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. Dental hygiene theory courses will be offered in a hybrid delivery.
SUNY Canton’s highly rated classroom combines traditional classroom instruction with online instruction, meaning students have unlimited access to course lectures and interactive learning activities.
Annual tuition is $ 13,285 and the application fee is $ 50. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association accredits this program.
#10. New York City College of Technology (CUNY)
CUNY New York City Tech is a public university in Brooklyn, New York, located 349.5 miles from Rochester. It is a large university with a total enrollment of 10,572 undergraduate students with a student-to-faculty ratio of 18: 1.
An SAT score in the range of 843-1030 is required for admission; the admission rate at CUNY New York City Tech is 88%. The university offers an associate major in Dental Hygiene that combines theory, laboratory, and clinical experiences to prepare students to work in private dental offices, public and private health agencies, hospitals, and industrial clinics.
The courses you will complete include human anatomy and physiology, mathematical and quantitative reasoning, principles of dental hygiene, oral anatomy, psychology, public speaking, periodontics, dental radiology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, dental materials, nutrition, and public health. Annual tuition is $ 4,652 and the application fee is $ 65. This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
