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In this article, we have highlighted five dental hygienist schools in Connecticut including colleges and universities. When you read this article, you will be familiar with the requirements to obtain a license and function as a registered dental hygienist.
The United States has some of the most prestigious dental hygienist schools in the world, located across various states. However, we want to identify dental hygienist schools in Connecticut, including colleges and universities.
Connecticut may not be a popular state in the U.S, but it’s home to some of the best universities in the world, Yale University and the University of Connecticut.
If you are an international student who wants to build a career in oral health, the dental hygienist schools included in this article might be the perfect destination for you.
The growth prospects of dental hygienists in Connecticut have also been included in this article, along with the average income earned by dental hygienists in the state.
Who Is A Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a licensed health professional who specializes in providing preventive oral care. They are trained and experienced health professionals dedicated to your oral health, providing medical services to patients with various oral diseases.
Dental hygienists play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing preventive care that is essential to overall health. To maintain good dental hygiene, the best medical attention and advice on oral care is given by dental hygienists.
What Is The Job of A Dental Hygienist?
The job of a dental hygienist is more than just cleaning teeth and providing instructions to patients on how to maintain good dental hygiene. Their expertise in oral health encompasses comprehensive preventive care for patients, ranging from applying fluoride and sealants to their teeth to treating conditions such as herpes, gum diseases, gingivitis, and dental cavities.
As experienced and licensed health professionals, dental hygienists collaborate with dentists to deliver the highest quality oral care to patients. One of their jobs includes administering anaesthetics, applying periodontal dressings, filling materials, or temporary fillings during dental surgery.
Additionally, dental hygienists also educate and provide therapeutic services to patients. Becoming a licensed and registered dental hygienist requires attending a college or university that offers programs in dental hygiene. The subject “dental hygienist schools in Connecticut” is aimed at highlighting the best dental hygienist colleges and universities in Connecticut.
We have also prepared a list of the 20 Best Dental Hygienist Schools in the USA; follow This Link to cover them.
License Requirements for Dental Hygienists in Connecticut.
To obtain a license and function as a registered dental hygienist in the state of Connecticut, you will need to meet some requirements, which include.
- Graduating from an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited dental hygiene program
- Successfully pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
- Pass any of these clinical exams, which include Southern Regional Testing Agency, North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners, Western Regional Examining Board, or Central Regional Dental Testing Service
- Pay $150 as an application fee
Why Become A Dental Hygienist In Connecticut?
Before you decide to become a dental hygienist in Connecticut, there are factors you should look out for, which may include salary outlook or growth prospects.
According to statistics, Connecticut has more than 3,120 dental hygienists employed in the state, and the growth prospects of dental hygienists in the Nutmeg State are guaranteed.
If you intend to become a dental hygienist, you want to know how demanding your prospective career will be in a few decades.
By 2028, the demand for dental hygienists is expected to rise by 7% nationally and by 12% for both dental assistants and dental hygienists in the state of Connecticut. With such percentages in growth prospects, the possibilities for future jobs are promising.
Salaries of Dental Hygienists in Connecticut by Area
We are not deviating from the subject of “dental hygienist schools in Connecticut,” including colleges and universities.
Now, let us take a look at the average annual income of dental hygienists in Connecticut by area. According to data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2020, the annual average wage of a dental hygienist in Connecticut was $87,540 and $42.09 per hour.
Currently, about 3,120 dental hygienists are employed in the state, and the Hartford area accounts for 35% of that number.
| Area | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | 940 | $40.03 | $83,260 |
| Danbury, CT | 210 | $35.72 | $74,300 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 1,300 | $42.27 | $87,910 |
| New Haven, CT | 750 | $38.50 | $80,090 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | 280 | $36.66 | $76,260 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 630 | $38.39 | $79,860 |
| Waterbury, CT | ** | $38.95 | $81,020 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 690 | $39.72 | $82,620 |
5 Dental Hygienist Schools in Connecticut
Connecticut is a state located in the northeastern United States, and it is the southernmost state in the New England region. The state houses some of the most prestigious universities in the U.S. and the world. The iconic Yale University and the University of Connecticut, among others, can be found in the Nutmeg State.
However, we aim to identify the top five dental hygienist schools in Connecticut, encompassing colleges and universities.
If you want to get to know about the 20 Best Dental Hygienist Schools In Texa,s then follow This Link to see all you need to know.
1. University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport is a private institution located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and was established in 1927. The University sits on 86 acres of campus and operates a semester-based system. As of fall 2019, the institution had 3,233 undergraduate students and the acceptance rate is less selective at 71%.
As one of the best dental hygienist schools in Connecticut, the University of Bridgeport offers three different levels of dental hygiene degree programs.
Associate
The associate degree program lasts two years, and you are required to complete the 73-credit coursework associated with it. The coursework encompasses general knowledge of preventive care, dental health, elementary microbiology, and additional topics. The coursework in both semesters of the first year is to be completed with a minimum grade of “C” or more to enable the continuation of your studies into the next year.
Bachelor of Science
This four-year bachelor’s degree program requires completion of 120-124 credits of coursework. Confined within the curriculum are courses designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in dental hygiene care, as well as expand your critical thinking skills through liberal arts courses.
Furthermore, some parts of the coursework can be customized to your advantage. For instance, if you have completed a dental hygiene program from an accredited institution, you are eligible to transfer 60 to 90 credits and obtain this degree within two years.
Bachelor of Science Online
This program is only available to those with dental hygiene licensure, and also those who have completed an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited institution in the U.S or Canada. The coursework for this online program is the same as the Bachelor of Science degree program.
Master of Science
This program is designed for individuals who want to expand and achieve incredible feats in dental hygiene. A dental hygienist at this level can make a significant contribution to better public health. This program can be completed in two years and upon completion of your thesis and capstone, your Master of Science degree is earned and secured.
Being one of the dental hygienist universities in Connecticut, the University of Bridgeport is less competitive on acceptance, SAT, and ACT.
- SAT Range: 920-1130
- ACT Range: 17-22
- No Application Fee
If you are interested to attend The University of Bridgeport, you can find more information, on their official website.
2. Tunxis Community College Farmington
Tunxis Community College is a small public community institution located in Farmington, Connecticut. Being a small community institution, the undergraduates enrolled at the university is just 1,342, and 3,902 total enrollment on a semester-based system.
Tunxis Community College is arguably one of the smallest dental hygienist colleges in Connecticut and they offer state-supported programs in dental hygiene. The University of Connecticut allows Tunxis Community College to teach some parts of its dental program at the School of Dental Medicine.
If you are enrolled in this state-supported dental hygiene program, you will acquire the best knowledge of oral health firsthand. The program involves clinical fieldwork occurring at both federal, state, local, and community hospitals. You are mandated to apply directly to the college’s dental hygiene program.
The requirements for this program include completing prerequisite and basic core courses in English, anatomy, chemistry, and physiology. Proficiency in mathematics is also required from applicants. Once you complete this accredited program, you will be awarded a degree on Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene.
Tunxis Community College is less competitive and affordable considering the acceptance rate and tuition and fees.
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Application Fee: $20 (2018/2019)
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $4,464 (2018/2019)
- Out of State: $13,232
Under Health Profession and Related Programs, you can major in Dental Assisting/Assistant, Dental Hygiene/Hygienist, or Dental Support and Allied Professions. For more information about dental hygiene programs at Tunxis Community College, please visit their website.
You can check out a list of the 20 Best Dental Hygienist Schools in New Jersey via This Link to discover all you need to know.
3. University of New Haven, West Haven
The University of New Haven is a private institution located in West Haven, Connecticut, and was established in 1920. The University sits on 122 acres which consist of its main campus and graduate campus.
Colleges at the University of New Haven include the Tagliatela College of Engineering, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Science, College of Arts and Sciences, Pompea College of Business, and the School of Health Science. Among dental hygienist colleges and universities in Connecticut, the University of New Haven is relatively small when compared with other schools in terms of campus size.
As of fall 2020, the university had an undergraduate enrollment of 4,837 and it operates a semester-based system.
The University of New Haven offers a three-year associate degree program in dental hygiene. In this accredited degree program, you will be given coursework that will expatiate your knowledge and prepare you for licensing exams.
The four-year accredited bachelor’s degree program also has the same coursework as the associate degree program in the first three years including an extra year of general education courses. Additionally, you can take degree completion courses online.
The University of New Haven allows students in the degree completion program to study and practice dental hygiene in various locations within and outside the United States. Students can study and practice in Native American reservations or in places like Mexico and Romania.
Being among the small-sized dental hygienist schools in Connecticut, the University of New Haven is less competitive. Considering its acceptance rate.
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- SAT Range: 1050-1220
- ACT Range: 22-28
- Application Fee: $50
- Tuition and Fees: $42,898
The University of New Haven has more information on its official website. If you are interested to know more kindly;
4. Manchester Community College, Manchester
Manchester Community College is a public community institution located in Manchester, Connecticut. The institution is one of the dental hygienist schools in Connecticut and it operates a semester-based system. Currently, Manchester Community College has a total enrollment of 6,003 of which 1,468 are undergraduate students.
Manchester Community College offers different degree programs in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Health Professions and Related Programs, General Studies, and Humanities, Business, Management, and Marketing. Under Health Profession and Related Programs, you will find majors such as Dental Support Services and Allied Professions and Dental Assisting/Assistant.
Manchester Community College is less competitive, considering its relatively high acceptance rate.
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- In-State Tuition and Fees: $4,464 (2018/2019)
- Out of State Tuition and Fees: $13,232 (2018/2019)
- Application Fee: $20
For more information about dental hygiene programs at Manchester Community College, please visit their official website.
Also Read: Requirements for Dental Schools
5. American Institute, West Hartford
American Institute-West Hartford is a for-profit institution located in West Hartford, Connecticut. The College is one of the smallest dental hygienist colleges in Connecticut because of its size.
It’s a small institution when you look at the number of undergraduates enrolled which stands at 382. There are various programs offered at American Institute from Dental Assisting to Medical Coding and Billing, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Electrical Trades Technology, and more.
The Dental Assisting Program is offered in a combination training format, consisting of distance education and on-campus classes. The American Institute is less selective regarding its acceptance rate.
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Application Fee: $25
For more information about the Dental Assisting Program at American Institute, visit their official website to learn more and get involved.
Also Read: UConn Acceptance Rate and Admissions at the University of Connecticut
Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs in Connecticut
To become a licensed dental hygienist in Connecticut, you must graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. These programs typically lead to an Associate of Science (AS) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
The accredited dental hygienist schools in Connecticut include:
It holds the distinction of being the only state-supported dental hygiene program in Connecticut, often making it a best-value option.
University of Bridgeport / Fones School of Dental Hygiene (Bridgeport, CT):
Historically significant as the first school of dental hygiene in the world.
Offers Associate of Science (AS), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Master of Science (MS) degrees in Dental Hygiene.
The BS and MS programs offer online completion options for already licensed dental hygienists.
University of New Haven (West Haven, CT):
Offers both an Associate of Science (AS) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program.
Features a bachelor’s degree completion option for students who already hold an associate’s degree.
Students gain practical experience at the University of New Haven Dental Center and other internship sites.
Goodwin University (East Hartford, CT):
Offers an Associate of Science (AS) in Dental Hygiene.
The program emphasizes evidence-based learning and utilizes a state-of-the-art dental lab and on-site clinic.
Connecticut State Community College (CT State) – Tunxis Campus (Farmington, CT):
Offers an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Dental Hygiene.
It holds the distinction of being the only state-supported dental hygiene program in Connecticut, often making it a best-value option.
T State Community College – Tunxis Dental Hygiene Program
The dental hygiene program at the Tunxis Campus of Connecticut State Community College (CT State) in Farmington is a highly regarded public option.
Program Details and Affiliations
- Degree Awarded: Associate of Science (AS) in Dental Hygiene.
- Status: It is the only publicly supported dental hygiene program in the state, often resulting in lower tuition and fees for Connecticut residents.
- Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
- Clinical Experience: The program has a long-standing affiliation with the University of Connecticut (UCONN) School of Dental Medicine. Students utilize UCONN’s facilities, as well as federal, state, and local hospitals and community health clinics for hands-on experience.
- Curriculum: The program combines theoretical education with comprehensive clinical experiences, often including community outreach service-learning projects.
- Licensure Eligibility: Graduates are eligible to take the required examinations for licensure, including the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and the clinical examination (such as the ADEX/CDCA), which are necessary to apply for a Connecticut dental hygienist license.
Selective Admissions Criteria
The Tunxis Dental Hygiene program is a selective admission program, requiring applicants to meet specific criteria beyond general college admission, which often include:
- Completion of an Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH).
- A minimum combined GPA (e.g., 2.7) in specific prerequisite courses like Chemistry, English Composition, Math, and Biology/Anatomy and Physiology I.
- A minimum grade of “C” or better in each prerequisite course.
- Science courses must typically be taken within a certain timeframe (e.g., five years) and include an on-ground laboratory component.
- Attendance at a mandatory dental hygiene information session.
- Required documentation upon acceptance includes proof of immunizations (Hepatitis B, COVID-19, annual influenza, etc.) and a criminal background check for clinical placement.
Tunxis Dental Hygiene Program Cost
While specific tuition and fee schedules can change, the Tunxis program is generally recognized as a “Best Value” option due to its status as the only state-supported program.
Clinical Services Cost (General Public): As part of their training, the Tunxis Dental Hygiene Clinic (located at the UCONN Health Center) offers dental services to the public at reduced self-pay rates, such as approximately $24.00 for an adult or child cleaning (check with the clinic for the most current prices).
Average Net Price: For comparison, recent data places the estimated yearly cost (Average Net Price for students with a specific income range) for Tunxis Community College at approximately $10,105, which is significantly lower than private university options in Connecticut.
Dental Hygienist Salary in Connecticut
The career outlook for dental hygienists in Connecticut is strong, with competitive salaries well above the national average.
Average and Range
Salaries for a dental hygienist in Connecticut are among the highest in the country. Data on the average annual salary shows a range depending on the source and year of report:
| Metric | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Wage |
| Average (Various Sources) | $83,678 to $94,220 | $40 to $45 |
| Typical Range (25th to 75th Percentile) | $72,300 to $101,250+ | $35 to $49+ |
Salary by Experience and Location
- Experience: Salaries generally increase with experience.
- Entry-Level (1-2 years): Around $79,372
- Senior-Level (5-8 years): Around $85,814
- Geographic Variation: Salaries can be higher in certain metropolitan areas within the state. For example, the average annual salary in Stamford, CT, has been reported to be over $102,000, reflecting higher costs of living and demand in that region.
The combination of accredited and high-quality educational programs, particularly the cost-effective option at Tunxis Community College, makes Connecticut a desirable state for those pursuing a career as a registered dental hygienist.
Conclusion
Dental hygienists play a crucial role in the healthcare system. You would agree with me that oral care is as important as the health professionals attending to it.
With the top 5 dental hygienist schools in Connecticut provided to you, making the best decision on the specific school or dental hygiene program should not be that difficult. Additionally, each course of study is designed to prepare you for a future career and licensing exams.
