Persons interested in a career as a dental hygienist in Arizona are fortunate to have approved courses at several dental hygiene schools in Arizona. Dental hygienists must achieve licensing in accordance with the requirements of the state in which they intend to practice.

In a profession that the U.S. Department of Labor projects job growth of 36 percent in the next 6 years, increasing demand is reflected by increasing wages and benefits. But, the responsibilities of dental hygienists have also increased and states are now requiring more intense education. The dental hygiene schools in Arizona have addressed the more stringent requirements and have put together instructional and clinical curricula that prepare students for the state licensing exam.

Curricula that work

Fortunately there are proven dental hygienist schools in Arizona. Two of the more notable dental hygienist schools in Arizona are the Pima Community dental hygiene program and the Northern Arizona University dental hygiene program. There are other programs throughout the state.

Students applying for dental hygiene programs can expect to be asked to take a series of placement tests similar to the tests that four-year students often take. Most dental hygiene schools in Arizona will require the SAT test for English speaking students and for candidates more familiar with Spanish, the ESL exam.

Forbes magazine ranked the Northern Arizona University dental hygiene program among the top 100 in the nation. This four-year program leading to a bachelor’s degree was established in 1975. This program combines one year of prerequisite work and three years of dental hygiene studies.

At Pima Community College, dental hygienists must complete 67 to 68 hours in courses including oral morphology, radiography, clinical dental hygiene, dental tools, pain control and periodontology.

Like most dental hygiene schools in Arizona, these programs are recognized by the American Dental Association Commission and Dental Accreditation. Students who successfully complete the courses at the dental hygienist schools in Arizona are ready to work as soon as they receive their licenses. These graduates are also qualified to take national and regional examination.

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

This is an elite degree that includes major studies in anatomy, physiology, biology and chemistry in preparation before beginning dental hygienist classes. To achieve this bachelor’s degree, there is much clinical training where the student gains hand-on experience.

For the Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, final examinations are administered by the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners. In dental hygienist schools in Arizona, this program is less demanding than accomplishing the bachelor of science degree. However, the dental hygienists are definitely employable and can expect a bright future of stable employment and excellent compensation.

The results of dental hygiene schools in Arizona

In Arizona, the role of the dental hygienist who has completed studies at dental hygienist schools in Arizona is best described as a licensed dental assistant who works closely with the dentist. The hygienist is trained in preventive dental care and is usually certified to administer anesthesia and administer CPR.

The dental hygienist who invests in the education for this career can expect many benefits including flexible hours, full or pat-time work and vacation time and even health insurance. Average dental hygienist wages in the U.S. are $66,570 according to the Bureau of Statistics. Wages typically range from the low end of $44,180 and the high end $91,470.

For a gratifying career in a field that is stable and in demand, choose one of the dental hygienist schools in Arizona and prepare to launch a great career.