If you are interested in becoming a health professional in dental health or you have been searching for the best dental schools, then read this article as it highlights the best dental hygienist schools in Georgia including colleges and universities.
A career in dental health has a lot of benefits attached to it. In the aspect of job opportunities, a dental hygienist has better job prospects with enticing income.
This article will take you through the basics of becoming a dental hygienist in Georgia.
Who Is A Dental Hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a graduate of an accredited institution and dental hygiene program. Dental hygienists are health professionals with expertise in dentistry, periodontics, orthodontics, dental anatomy, dental materials, etc.
A dental hygienist provides preventive oral care to patients which is important in healthcare. Your routine on practising the best oral hygiene is instructed by a dental hygienist.
What Is The Job of a Dental Hygienist?
As health professionals with expertise in preventive oral care, the job of a dental hygienist is many just to mention a few. Dental hygienists provide therapeutic services to patients, run diagnoses and treat oral diseases such as gum diseases, gingivitis, herpes, dental cavities, and oral cancer.
Additionally, dental hygienists also administer anaesthetics or apply periodontal dressings during dental surgery.
Why Should I Become A Dental Hygienist In Georgia?
One of the main reasons for choosing a career in a particular area is the job opportunities or employment ratio. Georgia has better job prospects for dental hygienists.
The Georgia Department of Workforce Statistics & Economic Research predicts that by the end of 2028, the state of Georgia will have a 13% growth in the number of dental hygienists in the state ten years to 2028.
Requirements to Become a Dental Hygienist in Georgia
There are requirements to meet before you become a dental hygienist in Georgia.
To become a recognized dental hygienist in Georgia you must;
- Complete a two-year Associate degree in dental hygiene at any CODA-accredited institution and also recognized by the Georgia Board of Dentistry.
- You pass a clinical exam with a minimum score of 75 or above.
- You must also score 75 or above in National Board Exam.
- Lastly, you must also pass an open book Jurisprudence Exam with a minimum score of 75 or above.
Dental Hygienist’s Salaries in Georgia by Area
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists in Georgia as of 2020, earn an average annual salary of $65,650 or $31.51 an hour. About 6,990 dental hygienists are employed in the state of Georgia and 3,490 are employed in the Greater Atlanta area.
| Area | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, GA | 120 | $24.54 | $51,040 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | 140 | $28.02 | $58,280 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 3,490 | $33.37 | $69,410 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 320 | $28.28 | $58,810 |
| Brunswick, GA | ** | $27.46 | $57,120 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 370 | $28.87 | $60,040 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | 210 | $26.82 | $55,790 |
| Dalton, GA | 60 | $31.08 | $64,640 |
| Gainesville, GA | 100 | $30.89 | $64,250 |
| Macon, GA | 180 | $24.74 | $51,450 |
| Rome, GA | 70 | $29.93 | $62,250 |
| Savannah, GA | 330 | $30.23 | $62,880 |
| Valdosta, GA | 70 | $24.79 | $51,560 |
| Warner Robins, GA | 130 | $28.92 | $60,150 |
10 Best Dental Hygienist Schools in Georgia
The best dental hygienist schools in Georgia include both colleges and universities based on the dental hygiene program they offer.
Also Read: 10 Best Dental Hygienist Schools in Arizona
1. Central Georgia Technical College, Warner Robins & Macon Campus
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- In-State Tuition: $2,778
- Out of State Tuition: $4,914
- Application Fee: $25
- School Address: 80 COHEN WALKER DRIVE WARNER ROBINS, GA 31088
Central Georgia Technical College is a public institution established in 1962 and located in Warner Robins, Georgia. The institution operates a semester-based academic year and it has an enrollment of 1,820 undergraduates. As one of the dental hygienist schools in Georgia, the college is ranked 3rd in Best Dental Hygiene Colleges & Universities in Georgia.
Central Georgia Technical College offers an associate degree in dental hygiene. In this dental hygiene program, you must complete 83 credits in a curriculum that includes courses in general education, anatomy, physiology, and dental hygiene courses. This program will take you through two years of lab sessions and clinical training in dental health.
Once you graduate from this program, you will be prepared to take state and national licensure exams.
If you are interested to know more about this program and its application deadline, visit the college’s official website.
2. Clayton State University, Morrow
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- In-State Tuition: $6,584
- Out of State Tuition: $19,986
- Application Fee: $40
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
- School Address: 2000 CLAYTON STATE BOULEVARD MORROW, GA 30260
Clayton State University is a public institution located in Morrow, Georgia, and established in 1969. The institution has a total enrollment of 6,376 undergraduate students. Among dental hygienist colleges and universities, Clayton State is ranked 3rd in Best Dental Hygiene Colleges & Universities in Georgia.
Clayton State University is one of the best and most affordable dental hygienist schools in Georgia. The University offers a Registered Dental Hygienist-Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene for registered dental hygienists with an associate degree.
The courses in this program are offered online and you can complete the courses on a full-time or part-time basis if you choose to.
To get more information about this dental hygiene program regarding the application date and deadline, the school’s official website is in the link below.
Also Read: 20 Best Dental Hygienist Schools in California
3. West Georgia Technical College, Waco
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- In Stats Tuition: $2,838
- Out of State Tuition: $4,974
- Application Fee: $25
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- School Address: 176 MURPHY CAMPUS BLVD. WACO, GA 30182
West Georgia Technical College is a public institution that was established in 1966 and it’s located in Waco, Georgia. The College operates a semester-based academic year having a total enrollment of 7,184.
Being among the best dental hygienist schools in Georgia, the college offers an associate degree in dental hygiene. In this program, you must complete 86 credits in courses such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, oral history, oral anatomy, anatomy of the head and neck, dental materials, dental radiology, pharmacology and pain control, community dental health, periodontology, and nutrition fundamentals.
If you are interested in this dental hygiene program, you can visit the college’s official website via the link below.
4. Savannah Technical College, Savannah
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- In-State Tuition: $2,744
- Out of State Tuition: $4,800
- Application Fee: $25
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- School Address: 5717 WHITE BLUFF RD SAVANNAH, GA 31405
Savannah Technical College is a small-sized public institution situated in Savannah, Georgia. The college is a small-sized institution because of its total enrollment of 3,817.
Savannah Technical College is one of the best dental universities in Georgia and it occupies the 5th position in Best Dental Hygiene Colleges & Universities in Georgia.
The degree offered at Savannah Technical College associate is an associate degree in dental hygiene. In this five-semester program, you must complete 83 credits hours of coursework. The curriculum in this program includes courses in general education, liberal arts, behavioural science, natural science, and dental hygiene courses. If you complete the coursework in this program, you can sit for the national and state licensing exams.
With the skills and knowledge obtained from this coursework, you can perform dental hygiene procedures such as scaling, removing plaque, applying fluoride and sealant, oral prophylaxis and developing radiographs.
Get more details about this dental hygiene, when you visit the school’s website via the link below.
Also Read: Best Dental Hygienist Schools in the USA
5. Augusta University, Augusta
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- In-State Tuition: $8,832
- Out of State Tuition: $24,210
- Application Fee: $55
- Student-Faculty Ratio: Not Available
- School Address: 1120 15TH ST AUGUSTA, GA 30912
Augusta University is a public research institution located in Augusta, Georgia, and established in 1828. Among the best dental hygienist colleges in Georgia, Augusta University is ranked 1st in Best Dental Hygiene Colleges & Universities in Georgia.
Being one of the best dental hygienist schools in Georgia, Augusta University offers two bachelor’s degree programs.
Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene
This is a four-year degree program designed for students with no background in dental health. To enroll in this program, you must complete two years of study with a total of 65 credits at the Augusta campus. In the first and second years of the two-year study, you are required to complete 60 credits which can be completed from an accredited institution.
Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program
This program is designed for individuals with an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited institution. The courses in this program are offered online with easy schedules.
If you are interested in attending one of the best dental hygienist schools in Georgia, visit the school’s official website via the link below.
6. Atlanta Technical College, Atlanta
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- In-State Tuition: $2,820
- Out of State Tuition: $4,956
- Application Fee: $25
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- School Address: 1560 METROPOLITAN PKWY SW ATLANTA, GA 30310
Atlanta Technical College is a public institution situated in Atlanta, Georgia. The college is one of the small-sized dental hygienist schools in Georgia with an enrollment of 818 undergraduates.
Atlanta Technical College offers a two-year associate degree program in dental hygiene. The coursework in this program includes courses in anatomy, dental radiology, dental material, oral pathology, periodontics, community dental health, and nutrition fundamentals. By completing the 84 credits hour in this full-time program, you will be prepared as a dental hygienist with expertise in oral health.
Get more information about this dental hygiene program regarding application dates and deadlines via the link below.
7. Athens Technical College, Athens
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- In-State Tuition: $2,789
- Out of State Tuition: $4,934
- Application Fee: $25
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- School Address: 800 U.S. HWY 29 NORTH ATHENS, GA 30601
Athens Technical College is a public institution located in Athens, Georgia. A small-sized institution with an enrollment of 872 undergraduates. Despite the college’s size, it still manages to be one of the best dental hygienist schools in Georgia. Athens Technical College is ranked 6th in Best Dental Hygiene Colleges & Universities in Georgia.
The dental hygiene program offered at Athens Technical College is a two-year associate degree. The curriculum in this program includes 49 credits in dental hygiene courses, 22 in general education, and 12 in behavioral and biological sciences.
To earn a degree in this program, you must complete the credits in these courses and pass with a minimum grade of “C”.
This dental hygiene program is designed to give you the best clinical training, knowledge, and skill to nurture a career in dental health. If you are eager to know more about this program, visit the college’s website via the link below.
Also Read: 5 Best Dental Hygienist Schools in Colorado
8. Lanier Technical College, Gainesville
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- In-State Tuition: $3,336
- Out of State Tuition: $6,006
- Application Fee: $25
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- School Address: 2535 LANIER TECH DRIVE GAINESVILLE, GA 30507
Lanier Technical College is a public institution located in Gainesville, Georgia. The college is a small-sized institution with an enrollment of 1,194 undergraduates.
Being one of the best dental hygienist schools in Georgia, Lanier Technical College offers an associate degree program in dental hygiene. This 21-month program is highly selective as it admits only 15 students every year on a full-time basis.
If you want to increase your chances to gain admission, it is highly recommended that you complete the 38 credit pre-requisite courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above.
Lanier Technical College recommends that you enter the interdisciplinary studies degree program to enhance your performance in meeting the requirements for the pre-requisite courses.
If yiou want to attend one of the best dental hygienist universities in Georgia, get more information about this dental hygiene program offered at Lanier Technical College, the link below directs you to the school’s official website.
9. Columbus Technical College, Columbus
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- In-State Tuition: $2,778
- Out of State Tuition: $4,914
- Application Fee: $25
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- School Address: 928 MANCHESTER EXPY COLUMBUS, GA 31904
Columbus Technical College is a public institution situated in Columbus, Georgia. A small institution with an enrollment of 944 undergraduates. Among the best dental hygienist colleges and universities, Columbus Technical College is ranked 12th in Best Dental Hygiene Colleges & Universities in Georgia.
When it comes to the dental hygiene program offered at Columbus Technical College, you are looking at a five-semester associate degree program.
The program has a load of coursework including courses in the anatomy of the mouth, oral pathology, community dental health, anatomy of the neck and head, sociology, psychology, communication, dental material, pharmacology, dental radiology, pain control, and periodontics.
The program is designed to inculcate the best clinical training in dental health and expatiate knowledge on providing oral care to patients.
Upon completion of this program, you will be able to perform some dental procedures such as applying fluoride and sealants, examining and providing preventive oral care to patients, and lots more.
Get more details about this dental hygiene program including application dates and deadlines on the school’s website.
10. Georgia Highlands College, Rome
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- In-State Tuition: $3,288
- Out of State Tuition: $9,485
- Application Fee: $30
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
- School Address: 3175 CEDARTOWN HIGHWAY, S.E. ROME, GA 30161
Georgia Highlands College is a public institution located in Rome, Georgia. The college has an enrollment of 6,184 in total and it operates a semester-based academic year.
Georgia Highlands is one of the best dental hygienist schools in Georgia that offer both Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene and Registered Dental Hygienist to Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Completion Program.
Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene
This two-year associate degree program is a stepping stone to obtaining a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. The program is selective admitting only 14 students a year and students are also recommended to improve in math and sciences to be prepared for the program’s coursework.
Registered Dental Hygienist to Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Completion Program
This program is for registered dental hygienists with an accredited associate degree in dental hygiene aiming to further their careers. The coursework in this program requires the completion of 30 credits in the bachelor’s degree courses. All courses in this program are offered online on easy schedules.
Graduating from this program exposes you to certain preliminary skills in building your career in dental health.
As one of the best dental hygienist colleges in Georgia, the College has more details about the dental hygiene programs they offer. If you want to get more on the dental hygiene programs.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Dental Hygienist Schools In Georgia
Here are the frequently asked questions about dental hygienists in Georgia.
How Much Does a Dental Hygienist Earn In Georgia?
The United State Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that dental hygienists in the state of Georgia earn an average salary between $49,200 and $68,110 annually.
How Can I Become A Dental Hygienist in Georgia?
First, you must obtain a degree from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited program and institution.
Secondly, you must pass the National Board Exam, a clinical exam, and a Jurisprudence exam before you will be eligible to apply for a license from the Georgia Board of Dentistry.
How Long Does it Take to Become A Dental Hygienist in The State of Georgia?
For licensure as a dental hygienist in Georgia, you must at least complete a two-year or four-year post-secondary program from an accredited institution.
Conclusion
We have provided the necessary information you need on why you should become a dental hygienist. Looking at the job prospects for dental hygienists, it’s comforting knowing that you choose a career with better employment growth and better income.
The dental hygienist schools in Georgia have a variety of programs to choose from. The job opportunities for dental hygienists in Georgia ensure a better job prospect for you.
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References
- Niche.com
- Nursingprocess.org: Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Georgia
- Prepler.com: Best Dental Hygiene Colleges & Universities in Georgia
- Dentalassistantedu.org: Become a Dental Hygienist in Georgia
