7 Best Dental Hygienist Schools in Maryland

I will take you into Dental Hygienist Schools in Maryland and all you need to know about it..Have a nice read. Seven fully authorized institutions that provide numerous degree and certification programs in dental hygiene can be found in the US state of Maryland.

In order to assist interested students in finding a dental hygienist school of their choosing, these schools have been selected and described in this page. If you want to begin a career in dental hygiene, this page provides comprehensive information on the top dental hygienist schools in Maryland where you may receive a top-notch education in the subject both theoretically and practically to launch a rewarding career. So without further ado, let’s begin.

There are 55 authorized colleges and universities in Maryland that give degrees and offer a wide range of academic degree programs in numerous subjects. A degree in the culinary arts can be obtained at one of Maryland’s community schools, or you can obtain one from one of the state’s online universities.

Even overseas students like the state’s lively study atmosphere. Dental hygienist programs are one of the courses that Maryland’s higher education institutions provide, and there are seven accredited colleges and universities in the state that offer the course. Some of them provide degrees that are well-known and accept students from outside.

A dental hygienist is a qualified and licensed practitioner who works to promote dental health by evaluating people for indicators of oral diseases, treating tooth decay, cavities, and tooth loss, raising awareness of the value of dental health, and educating others about it. The terms “dental hygienist” and “oral hygienist” are interchangeable when referring to them. They are employed by hospitals and dentistry offices.

Consider obtaining a degree in dental hygiene if you have a strong interest in oral health and want to work in a quick-paced area of healthcare. Another subject that deals with dental health is dentistry, although it requires longer to earn a degree than dental hygiene, which can be earned in three to four years.

The quickest path to becoming a dental hygienist is to earn an associate’s degree, which takes three years to finish, from a recognized dental hygiene school or higher education institution. If you want to earn more money and have better job prospects in your profession, you can also enroll in a 4-year bachelor’s degree program.

The high demand for dental hygienists is another factor you might want to take into account. The employment of dental hygienists is anticipated to increase by 11% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Requirements for Dental Hygienist Schools in Maryland

You must complete both theoretical and practical training in the subject at a recognized higher education institution before applying for your license to practice as a dental hygienist. However, you must first submit an application to a school that offers the program.

The prerequisites that each applicant for a dental hygienist program in Maryland must fulfill in order to be admitted into one of the institutions are listed below.

You must have completed high school and earned your high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent.

• You must have taken science and math courses in high school and complete them with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 or higher and a minimum grade of C in chemistry, English, microbiology, English, and human anatomy and physiology.
• Submit high school transcripts
• Some dental hygienist schools in Maryland set entrance exams, you need to pass it
• Complete an entry interview
• Clear all medical and legal requirements
• International applicants whose first language is not English must take the recognized English language proficiency tests and submit scores.
• International applicants must provide proof of finance to fund education
• Complete application form
• Recommendation letter(s)
• A personal statement or essay or statement of purpose may be required.

There are usually 4-year bachelor’s degrees in dental hygiene at universities while community colleges have shorter, 2-year degree programs. Before applying to any of these programs, be sure to understand the prerequisites listed above. Due to limited admissions to dental hygiene programs in Maryland, the admissions are usually competitive, to stand above the competition, follow the tips below.

1. Either meet the recommended high school CGPA or go above and beyond
2. Get high grades in the entrance exams if given
3. Gain some experience in the healthcare field by working as a medical assistant at a dental clinic or any healthcare facility.
4. Write a strong essay or personal statement
5. Be involved in community programs and other extracurricular activities.

Average Cost of Dental Hygienist Schools in Maryland

The average cost of dental hygienist schools in Maryland varies from school to school, degree type, and students’ residency status ranging from $4,276 to $30,421.

How to Become A Licensed Dental Hygienist in Maryland

The following are the steps to becoming a licensed dental hygienist in Maryland:

• Apply for a CODA-approved dental hygiene program at one of the colleges in MD
• Graduate from the program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
• Pass a Dental Hygienist Clinical Examination from an approved provider
• Apply for a Dental Hygienist Licensure with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
• Maintain your dental hygienist license in MD.

Best Dental Hygienist Schools in Maryland

Below are dental hygienist schools in Maryland that are approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA) where you can pursue a dental hygienist program.

• The University of Maryland School of Dentistry
• Allegany College of Maryland
• Fortis College – Landover
• Hagerstown Community College
• The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)
• Baltimore City Community College
• Howard Community College

1.     The University of Maryland School of Dentistry

Some of the best CODA-approved dental hygienist programs in the nation are provided by the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. The school provides a “2+2” program for a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene as well as an expedited program that enables students to complete their MPH while enrolled in the dental hygiene program.

A new dual degree program in Clinical Dental Hygiene Leader, leading to a B.S./M.S., is also being offered by the School of Dentistry.

2.     Allegany College of Maryland

This Cumberland, Maryland community college offers a huge selection of associate degree and certification programs. Consider Allegany College of Maryland if you want to get your dental hygiene degree more quickly. The college offers a two-year associate’s degree-granting dental hygiene program.

Admission to the CODA-approved program is selective. A grade C or above in high school biology and chemistry is a must. The cost of tuition is lower for Allegany County residents.

3.     Fortis College – Landover

People who aspire to work in the disciplines of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy can enroll in career education and training programs at Fortis College in Landover, Maryland. One of the college’s programs that leads to an associate’s degree upon completion is dental hygiene.

Students who enroll in Fortis’ dental hygiene program are prepared to work as licensed oral health professionals after they graduate.

4.     Hagerstown Community College

The Hagerstown Community College is no exception to the rule that community colleges are better at offering vocational training education where students learn through practice rather than theory. It is a public community college that offers a wide range of associate degrees and certifications-granting degree and trade programs.

The college is home to a Health Sciences Division that provides a variety of dental programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners (CODA). To help you get ready for lucrative professions in the dental industry, the division offers a Certificate in Dental Assisting and an Associate of Applied Sciences in Dental Hygiene.

5.     The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)

The public community college CCBC has three main campuses as well as extension sites across Maryland. In a variety of subjects, including Dental Hygiene, which leads to an associate of applied science, the institution provides over 100 associate degree and certificate programs. The goal of this curriculum is to better prepare students for admission into the dentistry field as licensed dental hygienists.

Entry into this program is competitive, selective, and seat availability-based. To find out the requirements for admission and to start preparing, get in touch with the institution.

6.     Baltimore City Community College

Another community college in Baltimore that awards an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene is this one. Those who live in or around Baltimore and want to pursue a career in dentistry now have two options to take into account for a dental hygiene program, in addition to the institution mentioned above.

Additionally CODA-approved, this curriculum prepares you for employment in hospitals, industrial clinics, military sites, public schools, dentistry auxiliary schools, and public health establishments.

7.     Howard Community College

In MD, this is the only remaining institution that provides dental hygiene courses. Additionally, it is a public community college with technical degree and certificate programs in Columbia, Maryland. An Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene is available from the college, preparing graduates to work as primary healthcare professionals who are also advocates for oral health.

These are all the seven dental hygiene schools in Maryland that have received ADA and CODA approval and prepare their graduates for careers in oral health. You should be able to choose one or two colleges from this list to apply to and begin your career in the sector.

Dental Hygienist Schools in Maryland – FAQs