Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Hodges University
Key Information
Campus location
Fort Myers, USA
Languages
English
Study format
Blended, Distance Learning
Duration
4 - 8 semesters
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 595 / per credit
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Scholarships
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Introduction
In just four semesters, you’ll master the in-demand skills needed to be a Dental Hygienist.
Your journey to earning your Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene starts with taking classes in our state-of-the-art dental lab. You will learn from dentists and dental hygienists that want to share their experience and knowledge with you.
From there, you’ll have the chance to treat patients in our new, modern dental clinic in Fort Myers, Florida.
Why Dental Hygiene at Hodges?
- This accelerated program can be completed in less than four years
- The AA in Pre-Dental is offered 100% online or blended
- You’ll receive hands-on training in our new state-of-the-art dental lab and dental clinic in our modern Health Sciences building
- Our faculty are passionate about sharing their expertise and real-world knowledge with you
Patient-Centered Care
Under the direction of a Dentist and Dental Hygienist, you may
- Treat patients by performing dental cleanings
- Screen patients for oral disease
- Sterilize equipment
- Provide preventative care
- Take X-Rays
Plus:
- Cohort classes and clinic time on campus, Monday – Friday 8:30a-5:30p
- Our dental hygienist program is a fast-paced, accelerated program
- Dental enrichment experience near Southwest Florida
- Our Dental Hygienist school is near many in the Southwest Florida area.
Admissions
Curriculum
1st Year
Session One
- Human Growth and Development (4 weeks)
- English Composition I (4 weeks)
- College Algebra (4 weeks)
- General Psychology (4 weeks)
Total: 12
Session Two
- English Composition II (4 weeks)
- Nutrition (4 weeks)
- Basic Statistics (4 weeks)
- Introduction to Speech Communication (4 weeks)
Total: 12
Session Three
- Biology I with Lab (16 weeks)
- Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab (8 weeks A)
- Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab (8 weeks B)
Total: 12
2nd Year
Session Four
- Fundamentals of Chemistry with Lab (16 weeks)
- General Chemistry with Lab (16 weeks)
- General Education Elective (4 weeks)
- Microbiology with Lab (16 weeks)
Total: 12
Session Five
- Pathophysiology (4 weeks)
- HUM1210, HUM2230, REL2300, PHI2010, PHI2103, LIT2020, etc. (4 weeks) (Choose 1)
- Ethics (4 weeks)
- Principles of Sociology (4 weeks)
Total: 12
Total prerequisite credits: 60 A secondary application is required prior to acceptance into the Hodges University Bachelor of Science Dental Hygiene Program. The courses listed above are prerequisites that must be completed or in progress prior to the start of the Dental Hygiene Core courses on the next page. Applicants with GPA above 2. 5 are most competitive for acceptance into this limited enrollment program
Dental Hygiene Core
Students must apply for entry and be accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree program before starting these courses. All Dental Hygiene Theory courses must be completed maintaining an overall GPA of 2.5; all Clinical Dental Hygiene courses must be completed with a 75 or better for successful completion of the course. The Dental Hygiene Core courses are not eligible for transfer from another institution and must be completed at Hodges University.
3rd Year
Session One
- Dental Hygiene Theory I
- Clinical Dental Hygiene I
- Dental Anatomy, Histology, & Physiology (8 weeks A)
- Head and Neck Anatomy (8 weeks B)
- Dental Radiology
Total: 15
Session Two
- Dental Hygiene Theory II
- Clinical Dental Hygiene II
- Dental Materials with Lab (8 weeks A)
- Pharmacology (8 weeks B)
Total: 13
4th Year
Session Three
- Dental Hygiene Theory III
- Clinical Dental Hygiene III
- Oral Pathology (8 weeks A)
- Periodontology (8 weeks B)
- Community Dental Health and Research
Total: 16
Session Four
- Dental Hygiene Theory IV
- Clinical Dental Hygiene IV
- Dental Specialty Practicum (8 weeks A)
- Dental Hygiene Capstone (8 weeks B)
Total: 16
Total Semester Hours for Graduation Requirement: 120
Program Outcome
How much does a Dental Hygienist make?
- The average Dental Hygienist's salary is $67,870.
- Demand is expected to grow 11% through the year 2030.
- Florida is one of the top states that need Dental Hygienists.
How Long does it Take to Become a Dental Hygienist?
At Hodges University, you can graduate with your Bachelor's degree in dental hygiene in under four years. This is unlike all other dental hygiene schools in Florida. Our program at Hodges is the first and only accelerated Bachelor's degree dental hygienist program in the state of Florida.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
A Bachelor's Degree in dental hygiene opens a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- Teaching at the Associate's Degree level in Dental Programs.
- Exploring the many avenues of dental research.
- Capitalizing on your dental expertise for dental sales.