As a dental hygienist, you will be able to serve your community by providing one of the fundamental aspects of healthcare. Also, the top schools ensure you gather real-world, hands-on experience paired with theoretical and analytical study.
Accredited Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Attending the best dental hygienist schools in GA can open several doors towards a fast-paced, ever-changing career. For this guide, we’ve reviewed five of the most affordable schools offering dental hygienist programs in the state of Georgia. Each of these schools meets the following criteria:
- An average annual cost of no more than $10,000
- A median starting salary no lower than $25,000
- Accredited programs by recognized bodies
5 Best Dental Hygienist Schools in GA
1. West Georgia Technical College
2-4 Years; Waco, GA
Average Annual Cost: $1,665
Students enrolled in the dental hygienist program at West Georgia Technical College can expect to earn a diverse education. The program is designed to help students learn about therapeutic, educational, and preventative services for dental health. You will also learn everything to know about the control of oral diseases and general health and wellness.
With the school’s comprehensive curriculum, you’ll be more than prepared to take the National Boards and Central Regional Dental Testing Services. You can then find employment in educational settings, dental offices, public health, and insurance companies. There’s no doubt that this program is ideal for students looking for hands-on experiences to develop their employable skills.
Upon completing your studies, you will earn an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. There are endless facets of the career that you’ll explore, including:
- Critical disease prevention services
- Taking and developing radiographs
- Applying sealants and fluoride
- Head and neck examinations
West Georgia Technical College also has a vibrant on-campus community for students to enjoy. Thanks to the smaller class sizes, you will be able to network easily with peers and faculty. Also, students will get more one-on-one teaching, helping foster a more positive learning environment.
2. Savannah Technical College
2-4 Year; Savannah, GA
Average Annual Cost: $3,742
At Savannah Technical College, students will work towards an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene. This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, ensuring students obtain a well-rounded experience to further their careers. Along with your core classes, you will also work towards passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
You will need to take many classes to acquire your degree before moving on to the national exams. A few examples of courses you will find in the curriculum are:
- Public Speaking
- Chemistry
- Radiology
- Oral Pathology
- Dental Materials
- Preclinical Dental Hygiene
- Head and Neck Anatomy
- Periodontology
- Clinical Dental Hygiene
This degree program is fascinating, as it explores multiple essential tenets of dental hygiene. Students will learn to work with the public to offer education and preventative services promoting oral hygiene. Also, you will develop hands-on skills with applying sealants, working with fluoride, developing radiographs, and more.
3. Columbus Technical College
2-4 Year; Columbus, GA
Average Annual Cost: $4,253
The Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene program from Columbus Technical College is very in-depth. Students will explore a multidisciplinary approach to oral health and hygiene. Courses revolve around dental science, biomedical science, and general education. You will also gather specialized knowledge in dental hygiene science and practice clinical assessments.
After completing your studies, you can then move on to take your National Dental Hygiene Board Exam. Also, students will acquire assistance with preparing for the Central Regional Dental Testing Services examination. Everything you would expect from a dental hygiene program is included at Columbus Technical College, such as:
- Head, neck, and oral examinations
- Cleaning and polishing
- Educating others about oral hygiene
- Processing radiographs
- Applying fluoride and sealants
When enrolling in your program, you will find that the curriculum comprises multiple core classes. Examples of courses you can expect to take include:
- Chemistry
- Anatomy
- Microbiology
- Oral Embryology and Histology
- Head and Neck Anatomy
- Radiology
- Pharmacology and Pain Control
- Periodontology
- Community Dental Health
Students are expected to earn 83 credit hours to get their degree. Along with dental and oral hygiene courses, you can expect to take humanities and other general core courses. It’s a comprehensive program that encompasses every aspect of being a professional dental hygienist.
4. Athens Technical College
2-4 Year; Athens, GA
Average Annual Cost: $4,937
The dental hygiene program offered by Athens Technical College is structured similarly to what the best dental hygienist schools in GA offers. It is a highly competitive program that allows students to work towards their licensure examination. However, it also provides essential fundamental skills to help you develop an assortment of skills expected of a dental hygienist.
Students will work independently, in teams, and alongside their professors in simulation labs. You will also gather traditional in-class experiences, providing the general education required for this specialty. Currently, the school has admission once per year, starting at the beginning of fall.
There are multiple learning outcomes that dental hygienist students are expected to gather while at Athens Technical College. Generally speaking, you will need to prove you can carry out services using clinically competent skills. Also, you’ll need to show critical thinking skills when managing the assessment, planning, and treatment of oral health concerns.
During their studies, students will develop a strong understanding of community involvement regarding general health. Also, as expected, you will be required to pass the Dental Hygiene Regional Clinical Boards and the Dental Hygiene Written National Boards. From there, you can then pursue your dream career.
5. Georgia Highlands College
2-4 Year; Rome, GA
Average Annual Cost: $6,229
There’s no doubt that a career as a dental hygienist is a growing field that students should consider. At Georgia Highlands College, you can get the theoretical and real-world experiences necessary to begin practicing. Many students who graduate from the program work in educational institutions, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, dental offices, and more.
Georgia Highlands College offers a two-year dental hygiene degree program. At the end of your studies, you will obtain an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene. You can expect to spend five consecutive semesters in school to complete your degree.
It’s important to note that this program is highly competitive, and they accept applicants once each year in March. If you are accepted into the program, your classes will begin in the fall.
