8 Dental Hygiene Programs are Properly Accredited as of 2017
Students who are interested in a career in dental hygiene have many options available to them in Arizona. As of 2017, there are 8 accredited dental hygiene schools in Arizona. 2 programs are in Phoenix, 2 are in Mesa, and 1 each in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Tempe. Dental hygienists in Arizona must be licensed in accordance with the requirements of the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners.
In a profession that the U.S. Department of Labor projects job growth of 36 percent in the next 6 years, increasing demand is reflected by increasing wages and benefits. As the average dental hygienist salary has grown, however, so have the responsibilities. Education is more intense than ever, as is the competition to land an empty seat in one of the 8 programs. The dental hygiene schools in Arizona have addressed the more stringent requirements and have put together instructional and clinical curricula that prepare students for the state licensing exam.
Prospective Dental Hygiene Students Must Compete for Empty Spots
All of the 8 programs in Arizona have their accreditation up to date. Two of the more notable dental hygienist schools in Arizona are the Pima Community dental hygiene program and the Northern Arizona University dental hygiene program. The other 6 programs are competitive, as well.
Students applying for one of the programs can expect to be asked to take a series of placement tests similar to the tests that four-year students often take. Most dental hygiene schools in Arizona will require the SAT test for English speaking students and for candidates more familiar with Spanish, the ESL exam.
Forbes magazine ranked the Northern Arizona University dental hygiene program among the top 100 in the nation. This four-year program leading to a bachelor’s degree was established in 1975. This program combines one year of prerequisite work and three years of dental hygiene studies.
At Pima Community College, dental hygienists must complete 67 to 68 hours in courses including periodontology, proper use of dental tools, dental hygiene techniques, oral morphology, pain control, and radiography.
Like most dental hygiene schools in Arizona, these programs are recognized by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. Students who successfully complete the courses at the dental hygienist schools in Arizona are ready to work as soon as they receive their licenses. These graduates are also qualified to take national and regional examination. Dental hygiene schools in California and other states also require their graduates to take the national exam.
Associate & Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene are Both Available
This is an elite degree that includes major studies in anatomy, physiology, biology and chemistry in preparation before beginning dental hygienist classes. To achieve this bachelor’s degree, there is much clinical training where the student gains hand-on experience. As with most undergraduate degrees, a BS in Dental Hygiene opens up more opportunities than an Associate degree. For example, students who go through a 4 year Bachelor’s program may decide to get their Master’s degree in order to teach. Research positions may also be available to students who have completed a 4 year University degree.
For the Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, final examinations are administered by the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners. In Arizona, this 2 year program is less demanding than accomplishing the bachelor of science degree. However, the dental hygienists are definitely employable and can expect a bright future of stable employment and excellent compensation.
Dental Hygienists in Arizona Receive a High Salary
In Arizona, the role of the dental hygienist who has completed studies at dental hygienist schools in Arizona is best described as a licensed dental assistant who works closely with the dentist. The hygienist is trained in preventive dental care and is usually certified to administer anesthesia and administer CPR.
The dental hygienist who invests in the education for this career can expect many benefits including flexible hours, full or part-time work and vacation time, and even health insurance. The average dental hygienist salary in the U.S. is $72,910, according to the 2016 Bureau of Statistics survey. Wages typically range from the low end of $74,180 and the high end $91,470.
For a gratifying career in a field that is stable and in demand, choose one of the dental hygienist schools in Arizona and prepare to launch a great career!