In this article, we look at dental hygienist schools in Tennessee. We first look at the state as a whole and the potential size of its dental services market. A list of reputed dental hygienist schools is given.

The State of Tennessee

Tennessee is the state in south-central United States. The capital is Nashville and the largest city is Memphis. It offers good opportunities for someone looking to study and pursue a career as a dental hygienist.

Tennessee is a major tourist destination owing to its beautiful scenery. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is known for developing the enormous Kentucky – Tennessee recreation area called The Land between the Lakes. Among the attractions, the major points of interest are the American Museum of Atomic Energy at Oak Ridge, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Rock City Gardens near Chattanooga. Tennessee is known for its famed country music capital, Nashville and the Blues and Jazz of Memphis.

The other major economic driver of the state is industry. People also derive their livelihood from farming.
All this makes Tennessee an interesting state to live, study and earn a living. There are good options available in choosing dental hygienist schools in Tennessee.

Admission requirements of dental hygienist schools

Various dental hygienist schools have their own admission requirements for applicants. For entry level programs that offer associate degrees or bachelor degrees, applicants will need a high school diploma or GED. Some dental hygienist schools may insist on knowledge of subjects like chemistry, physiology, biology, and psychology as a prerequisite for obtaining admission.

Accredited dental hygienist schools in Tennessee

Aspiring dental hygienist should opt for schools that offer high quality education supervised by experienced instructors and that provide training in a clinical setting. Dental hygienists must graduate from a dental hygiene school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation.

A list of schools offering dental hygienist education in Tennessee is given below:
• Chattanooga State Community College, Chattanooga
• Concorde Career College, Memphis
• East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
• Hiwassee College, Madisonville
• Remington College, Nashville
• Roane State Community College, Oak Ridge
• Tennessee State University, Nashville
• University of Tennessee Health Science Centre

Programs offered by dental hygienists schools in Tennessee

One must earn a minimum of an associate degree to become a dental hygienist in Tennessee. This program can be completed in two to three years. A bachelor degree program takes four years and the masters program requires the completion of about 35 semester hours with a thesis which can take anywhere from two to three additional years.
Students in both types of programs have courses in basic sciences (biology, physics and chemistry), dental science courses (oral pathology, periodontology, radiography, pharmacology and dental anatomy) and courses specific to dental hygiene.

Dental hygienist bachelor degree programs additionally focus on humanities and social sciences. It offers a well rounded training experience. These programs will involve more laboratory work and clinical training.
Courses in public health, research, and administration are also offered by many schools to expose students to other opportunities. A bachelor or masters degree is required If one wants to advance into research, teaching or clinical practice in public or school health programs.

Obtaining a dental hygienist license in Tennessee

One must apply for a dental hygienist license through the Tennessee Board of Dentistry. Graduation from a CODA accredited dental hygiene program is a compulsory requirement. Licensing requirements include successfully completing a written as well as a clinical exam. The written part of the exam, which is recognized in all states as well as the District of Columbia, is conducted by the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental Exams. The clinical exam is carried out by the Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA) and the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) in Tennessee.

Salary and job outlook of dental hygienist in Tennessee

Average dental hygienist hourly salary in Tennessee is around $29.60 according to U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average annual salary of a dental hygienist is $61,560. There are about 200 job openings for dental hygienists. Maximum job placements happen in offices of dentists.

Dental hygienists are looked upon as professionals who perform the vital task of guiding patients to maintain good oral hygiene which is critical for the overall well being. It is thus a career option worth considering. to locate dental hygienist schools in Tennessee, use the search box on this page.