best universities for dental hygiene

Hi there! I'm currently a junior looking into dental hygiene as a possible career path. I was wondering if anyone knows which universities have the best programs for dental hygiene? Any suggestions or insights are welcome!

Hello! It's great that you're considering a career in dental hygiene. To help you find the best universities for dental hygiene programs, I've listed some well-regarded programs in the United States below:

1. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor: The School of Dentistry at the University of Michigan offers a highly respected Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program emphasizing clinical skills, community outreach, and research experiences.

2. New York University College of Dentistry: NYU offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and a joint Bachelor's and Master's degree in Dental Hygiene/Public Health, providing students with strong clinical exposure and opportunities for research and community involvement.

3. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities: The School of Dentistry here offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene with both four-year and degree completion tracks, emphasizing clinical practice, research, and community engagement.

4. University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill: The Adams School of Dentistry offers a competitive Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program, where students participate in interprofessional collaboration, community outreach, and research initiatives.

5. Ohio State University: The College of Dentistry provides a well-rounded Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program with opportunities for research, community service, and clinical experiences.

6. University of Pittsburgh: The School of Dental Medicine offers an excellent Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program with options for a fast-track 3-year degree or a traditional 4-year degree, emphasizing clinical skills, research, and service learning.

Note that some schools offer dental hygiene through an associate's degree program at their affiliated community colleges. In such cases, you might earn an associate's degree and then transfer to the university program to earn your bachelor's degree or attend a degree completion program.

In addition to the programs listed above, you should also look into each school's curriculum, clinical experiences, research opportunities, and accreditation status while making your decision. Good luck in your search, and I hope this helps you find the perfect dental hygiene program for you!