Best Online Dental Hygiene Degrees

Best Online Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene

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Decide today to further your education within the oral healthcare industry by obtaining one of the 20 best online bachelor’s in dental hygiene!

Best Online Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene

By earning a bachelor’s in dental hygiene, students are seeking career advancement as dental hygienists and in other related positions within the oral healthcare field. As a graduate of a dental hygiene bachelor’s program, students will gain a better understanding of how to improve the overall health of patients and provide further insight into the field as a whole. 

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What Is an Online Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene is a four-year undergraduate program that is predominantly designed for registered dental hygienists looking to further their careers. Students will complete a science-based curriculum that emphasizes the study of dental hygiene, while also integrating related subjects like public health, education, and leadership. 

Most institutions will require students to hold up-to-date dental hygiene licensure that is in good standing in order to apply. Once enrolled, students will be required to complete anywhere from 30-80 major credit hours depending on the online degree program chosen. 

How Much Can You Earn With an Online Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene Degree?

Dental hygiene is an in-demand profession due to its flexible scheduling opportunities. As a dental hygienist, your work schedule can fluctuate between full- and part-time commitments, as well as between evening and weekend hours. Depending on your lifestyle, you can choose to work two to three days per week with longer shifts or complete a typical 40-hour workweek.   

According to PayScale.com, individuals who hold a bachelor’s of science in dental hygiene make a median salary of $61,000 per year. Earning a bachelor of arts versus a bachelor of science degree might have a slight effect on your earnings, but both degrees are well respected in the field. 

What Is Required for an Online Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene Degree?

In order to graduate from an online bachelor’s in dental hygiene program, students are typically required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours. Many online dental hygiene programs allow students to transfer in college credits already earned and accept accredited certifications. 

Most bachelor’s programs are designed for individuals who are currently registered dental hygienists, which will mean showing proof of passing the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam. Some programs will require clinical hours, an internship experience, or a senior capstone course in order to graduate. 

What Are the Best Online Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene Degrees?

OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.

The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Quick Facts

  • Requires 60 credit hours
  • Accredited by the American Dental Associate Commission 
  • Degree-completion program
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

62%

Acceptance Rate

53%

Programs Offered Online

3

Median Debt

$17,542

Programs in Department

3

Popularity at School

100%

100%OSR Score

The University of Texas Health has the best school of dentistry available for degree-completion online. In order to get accepted into the program, applicants must hold an active license as a registered dental hygienist and have already completed the 42 core curriculum requirements. Once enrolled, students can complete courses entirely online and perform clinical rotations at the San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic at Haven for Hope. 

University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center

Quick Facts

  • Requires 60 hours of prerequisite coursework
  • Features two-year curriculum
  • Transfer-friendly program
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Programs Offered Online

3

Programs in Department

3

Popularity at School

97%

98%OSR Score

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene through the University of Oklahoma is unlike other program offerings. This degree sets up students for entry-level positions in teaching, administration, public health, and other corporate environments. Throughout this program, students will take classes like Oral Pathology, Practice Management, and a senior capstone seminar. 

Oregon Institute of Technology

Oregon Institute of Technology

Quick Facts

  • Requires 88 credits for Dental Hygiene National Board Exam
  • Transfer-friendly program
  • Features customized course plan
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

72%

Acceptance Rate

61%

Programs Offered Online

10

Median Debt

$20,733

Programs in Department

6

Popularity at School

47%

96%OSR Score

Oregon Institute of Technology offers a fully online bachelor’s program in dental hygiene. This online program integrates the fundamentals of dental hygiene with public health, education, and management courses. Students can start during any available terms offered, including in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. 

University of Louisiana at Monroe

University of Louisiana at Monroe

Quick Facts

  • Requires 120 credit hours 
  • Requires completion of the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam for admission
  • Transfer-friendly program
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

75%

Programs Offered Online

14

Median Debt

$15,164

Programs in Department

3

Popularity at School

33%

88%OSR Score

This dental hygiene degree is designed for both dental hygienists who hold an associate’s degree and have completed the national board exam as well as aspiring hygienists who are looking to begin their education. Through the University of Louisiana’s online program, students are provided with a rigorous dental hygiene curriculum that covers behavioral and biomedical sciences. Students must complete 120 credit hours to graduate, including general education courses and 63 major dental hygiene courses. 

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University

Quick Facts

  • Degree-completion program
  • Requires 30 credit hours to be earned from Old Dominion 
  • Accelerated degree option available
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

86%

Programs Offered Online

19

Median Debt

$22,067

Programs in Department

5

Popularity at School

18%

88%OSR Score

The College of Health Sciences at Old Dominion University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene as a degree-completion track. This program is designed for licensed dental hygienists who are looking to finish their degree; therefore, this is a transfer-friendly institution. If you’re looking to further your education even more, you can enroll in the accelerated degree option, which integrates a curriculum that leads seamlessly into the master’s program. 

Augusta University

Quick Facts

  • Requires 129 credit hours
  • 2+2 baccalaureate program 
  • Transfer-friendly program
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Acceptance Rate

75%

Programs Offered Online

5

Median Debt

$18,786

Programs in Department

5

Popularity at School

31%

88%OSR Score

Augusta University offers a 2+2 baccalaureate program in dental hygiene, which means students complete their first two years at any accredited college (or online) and finish their last two years on campus. Throughout this program, students will learn within a classroom, laboratory, and clinical environment. All students will begin on-campus learning in the fall semester of their junior year. 

Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University

Quick Facts

  • Two-year program 
  • Requires two-week externship 
  • Requires in-person interview for admission
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

81%

Programs Offered Online

26

Median Debt

$20,237

Programs in Department

3

Popularity at School

13%

85%OSR Score

With a two-year program track, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Northern Arizona University in no time. The program consists of four, 16-week semesters and a five-week summer term. Prior to graduating, all students must complete a two-week externship that prepares students fully for the workforce. 

St Petersburg College

St Petersburg College

Quick Facts

  • Requires 120 credit hours
  • Requires dental hygienist licensure for admission
  • Transfer-friendly program
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Programs Offered Online

11

Median Debt

$17,230

Programs in Department

3

Popularity at School

17%

85%OSR Score

St. Petersburg College is the only school in Florida that offers a Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene entirely online. Students will complete 34 major requirements and six major elective courses. Some of the courses in this program will cover leadership in dental hygiene, health information systems, and community health and epidemiology. 

MCPHS University

Quick Facts

  • Requires 122 credit hours
  • Requires dental hygienist licensure for admission
  • Transfer-friendly program
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

84%

Programs Offered Online

3

Median Debt

$26,097

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

95%

85%OSR Score

You can earn your BS in Dental Hygiene from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences part-time and entirely online. All students are required to attend only one in-person requirement, which is an orientation on the Boston campus. Students can transfer up to 44 credit hours into this dental hygiene program, speeding up their progress toward graduation. 

Ferris State University

Quick Facts

  • Degree-completion program
  • Requires cumulative GPA of 2.5 for admission
  • Transfer-friendly program
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

72%

Acceptance Rate

74%

Programs Offered Online

14

Median Debt

$23,519

Programs in Department

5

Popularity at School

19%

84%OSR Score

If you have already completed or are in the final year of your associate’s degree in dental hygiene, then you can apply to the bachelor’s-completion program at Ferris State University. Students here can complete their dental hygiene bachelor’s on their own schedule with a fully-online curriculum. Once enrolled, students will work closely with an academic advisor to create a course schedule that complements their specific lifestyle. 

Clayton State University

Clayton State University

Quick Facts

  • Eight-to-16-week terms available 
  • Transfer-friendly program
  • Requires Independent Study in Dental Hygiene
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

42%

Programs Offered Online

8

Median Debt

$22,527

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

23%

81%OSR Score

With a fully-online curriculum, you can earn your Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene from Clayton State University with ease and support. Students have full interaction with their professors and other students through the learning management system, BrightSpace. Through this program, students are required to take courses like Intro to the Dental Hygiene Profession, Dental Anatomy, and Community Dental Health. 

Georgia Highlands College

Quick Facts

  • RDH-to-BSDH-completion program 
  • Requires associate’s degree for admission
  • Transfer-friendly program
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Programs Offered Online

2

Median Debt

$11,761

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

22%

81%OSR Score

With a three-step admissions process, you can get enrolled in this accredited institution and finish your Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene completely online. The dental program provided through Georgia Highlands College starts once a year and begins during the summer term. Students must complete eight required courses and two electives to graduate. 

Vermont Technical College

Quick Facts

  • Degree-completion program 
  • Requires associate’s degree for admission
  • Can be completed in two years
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

71%

Acceptance Rate

63%

Programs Offered Online

2

Median Debt

$27,418

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

58%

81%OSR Score

Vermont Technical College offers a degree-completion program designed for students who are transitioning their associate’s degree to a Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene. This two-year program provides students with a convenient and high-quality education that can be completed in the midst of their busy lives. Not only does this degree help further your career as a dental hygienist, but it can also help you begin a career in dental hygiene research, sales, public health, and education following graduation. 

Community College of Denver

Quick Facts

  • Degree-completion program
  • Requires dental hygienist licensure for admission
  • Transfer-friendly program
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Programs Offered Online

1

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

30%

80%OSR Score

Community College of Denver offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene that is designed for registered dental hygienists looking to advance their dental education. Applicants are required to hold an associate of arts, associate of applied science, or certificate in dental hygiene from the Commission on Dental Accreditation for admission. Throughout this program, students will study administrative skills, planning, leadership, and dental research. 

East Tennessee State University

Quick Facts

  • Requires 120 credit hours 
  • Degree-completion program
  • Requires US or Canadian dental hygienist licensure for admission
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

85%

Programs Offered Online

6

Median Debt

$21,828

Programs in Department

4

Popularity at School

23%

80%OSR Score

East Tennessee State University offers an online BS in Dental Hygiene that requires 78-79 major credits for completion. Throughout this program, student’s major dental hygiene courses will include issues in dental hygiene, dental hygiene clinical practice, and a dental hygiene clinical seminar. 

Pueblo Community College

Quick Facts

  • Degree-completion program
  • Can be completed within two years
  • Features eight-week tracks
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

80%

Programs Offered Online

1

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

22%

79%OSR Score

Go from RDH to BASDH with the online degree-completion program offered by Pueblo Community College. The dental hygiene curriculum within this program emphasizes an understanding in teaching and public health. This program does feature a flexible capstone experience that is offered in the final 16-week semester before graduation. 

University of Bridgeport

Quick Facts

  • Requires dental hygienist licensure for admission
  • Can be completed in two years
  • Accepts up to 90 transfer credits
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

78%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Programs Offered Online

3

Median Debt

$22,100

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

18%

73%OSR Score

This program is best suited for registered dental hygienists who have already earned their associate’s degree from an accredited school of dental hygiene. The University of Bridgeport offers a Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene online that gives learners the authority to customize their degree plan to match their skills, interests, and schedule constraints. All students can expect to take core courses like Advanced Clinical Concepts, Dental Hygiene Research, and Statistical Reasoning, to name only a few.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Quick Facts

  • Degree-completion program 
  • Requires a minimum of 36 credit hours 
  • Transfer-friendly program
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

27%

Programs Offered Online

1

Median Debt

$13,686

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

3%

73%OSR Score

Students can complete their Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene through the E-Learning campus offered by the University of Michigan. This program focuses on scientific methods and assessing evidence-based information when making decisions for patients under care. All applicants are required to have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program before being accepted into this program. 

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Quick Facts

  • Requires 120 credit hours
  • Transfer-friendly program 
  • Requires dental hygienist licensure for admission
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

76%

Programs Offered Online

14

Median Debt

$23,784

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

9%

71%OSR Score

Southern Illinois University offers an online Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene that prepares registered dental hygienists for one of the following roles within the oral health profession: clinician, educator,  entrepreneur, or corporate researcher. The program is designed for degree completion for dental hygienists who have already completed their associate’s degree. The capstone option is available to students who have earned an associate in applied science degree with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Wichita State University

Wichita State University

Quick Facts

  • Degree-completion program
  • Can be completed within 15 months 
  • Requires dental hygienist licensure for admission
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

94%

Programs Offered Online

15

Median Debt

$22,466

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

15%

71%OSR Score

Wichita State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene as a degree-completion program. Online students can earn up to 28 credit hours in prior coursework and pay in-state tuition. Throughout this program, students will study leadership in clinical practice, evidence-based practice, community health, and education.

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.