7 Best Dental Hygienist Schools In Massachusetts

To become a dental hygienist in Massachusetts, you have to pass through one of the institutions offering dental hygienist programs in the country. Here, in this article, we will be looking at the dental hygienist schools in Massachusetts, and all it takes to get enrolled.

When I converse with people about dental hygienist schools, they most times mistake them for dental schools. Though dentists work closely with dental hygienists, the difference is still there. A dentist majors in taking care of tooth problems, diagnosis, and treatment, while a dental hygienist is primarily involved with providing oral care, guiding or helping patients clean their teeth, examining signs of oral diseases, and referring them to a dentist.

When you think of an in-demand easy course you can easily get employed with upon graduation, a dental hygienist degree is one of them as everyone is in need of an expert who will help them maintain good dental or oral hygiene.

The need for dental hygienists is increasing daily and has resulted in a high inflow of students to different dental hygienist schools across the globe. We have top-notch dental hygienist schools situated in Utah, and some in Maryland.

As a dental hygienist, you can work in diverse areas such as community clinics, private dental clinics, nursing homes, prison facilities, hospitals, managed care organizations, public health clinics, university dental clinics, and many others.

All you have to do to become one is to enroll in a recognized and accredited institution offering dental hygiene programs. You can also use online dental courses to complement the lectures given or get more advanced in your skills if you’re already practicing.

Now that you have gotten an overview of dental hygiene, and seen the difference between a dentist and a dental hygienist, let’s proceed to the best dental hygienist schools in Massachusetts, and see what they are all about.

Check out this article on top dental hygienist programs in Alabama. It might be of interest to you.

Requirements For Dental Hygienist Schools In Massachusetts

The requirements for schools in Massachusetts offering dental hygienist programs differ. It is dependent on many factors such as the residency of the student, the degree type, and many other things.

However, the general requirements for dental hygienist schools in Massachusetts are as follows:

  • You must possess a high school diploma from an accredited and recognized institution. In case of no high school diploma, a GED or its equivalent can go for it.
  • You must pass the school’s entrance exams if there are any for that school.
  • You must be ready to present all official documents and transcripts from past colleges attended.
  • If the English language is not your native language, you must take and submit the scores of your English proficiency test such as TOEFL.
  • You must fill out the application form completely.
  • All medical and legal check requirements must be met.
  • You must have your letters of recommendation and a well-written essay.
  • You must have your statement of intent, and be ready for an interview whenever it is required.
  • Due to the competitive nature of the admission, having a good GPA, and scoring high in the entrance examination will place you on a higher pedestal. Moreso, having an experience in the healthcare industry, maybe through volunteering is a plus for you during the interview.

Average Cost Of Dental Hygienist Schools In Massachusetts

Due to factors such as the status of student residency, the degree type, etc., the cost of studying in dental hygienist schools in Massachusetts differs and cannot be captured. However, you can request the tuition fee of a college you are interested in from the college admission officers.

Best Dental Hygienist Programs In Massachusetts

Below is the list of the best dental hygienist programs in Massachusetts in which you can enroll in and get a job upon completion.

  • Dental Hygiene Program at Bristol Community College
  • Dental Hygiene Program at Cape Cod Community College
  • Forsyth Dental Hygiene Program at MCPHS
  • Dental Hygiene Program at Middlesex Community College
  • Dental Hygiene Program at Quinsigamond Community College
  • Regis College’s Dental Hygiene Program
  • Dental Hygiene Program at Springfield Technical Community College

How To Become A Licensed Dental Hygienist In Massachusetts?

For you to thrive as a dental hygienist in Massachusetts, you need to be registered and licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry as a dental hygienist without a license is considered half-baked, and may not be allowed to work.

Below are the steps to becoming a licensed dental hygienist in Massachusetts:

  • You must possess a degree from an accredited dental hygiene institution. Accreditation comes from Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
  • You must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. This exam is usually conducted through the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.
  • You are also required to pass the regional clinical examination and Massachusetts Jurisprudence Exam.
  • You must apply for the dental hygiene licensure in Massachusetts along with a $126 money order payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, original transcripts with the school seals indicating degree issued, proof of your National Board Certification and completed the regional clinical examination, answer sheet of the Massachusetts dental ethics and jurisprudence exam, letters of good standing and professional licensure verification, and many others.
  • You must participate in continuing education to maintain your license.

Let’s now see the various leading dental hygienist schools in Massachusetts and all they entail.

dental hygienist schools in Massachusetts

Dental Hygienist Schools In Massachusetts

Having walked you through the overview of dental hygiene, the best programs you can apply for in Massachusetts, their requirements, and even how to become a licensed dental hygienist, let us now take a walk around those best schools in Massachusetts offering dental hygienist programs.

The data is gotten from deep research on sources like the official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and individual school websites.

  • Bristol Community College
  • Cape Cod Community College
  • Massachusetts College Of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
  • Middlesex Community College
  • Quinsigamond Community College
  • Regis College
  • Springfield Technical Community College

1.      Bristol Community College

The first on our list of best dental hygienist schools in Massachusetts is the Bristol Community College which aims at preparing you to begin your career journey as a dental hygienist upon graduation.

The program equips you with the essential knowledge, skills, and experiences through lectures, seminars, and clinical practices. It is taught by experienced faculty who encourage you to have a high standard of personal and professional excellence.

Upon graduation, students are awarded a degree in dental hygiene. You can check out the program here

2.      Cape Cod Community College

Cape Cod Community College also offers one of the best dental hygienist programs in Massachusetts. The program is a full-time program that prepares you on how to become a dental hygienist. It explores how to provide oral health services, and educational, clinical, and therapeutic services to the public.

The program also prepares students who want to advance their careers in the health care industry. It is important to note that the school accepts dental hygienist applicants only for the fall semester, and upon completion, you are awarded an associate in the science degree certificate.

3.      Massachusetts College Of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Another one of the best dental hygienist schools in Massachusetts is the Massachusetts college of pharmacy and health sciences which offers a dental hygiene program through the Forsyth school of dental hygiene.

The program equips you with undergraduate and advanced degrees in dental and oral health which helps you to begin your career with confidence. The courses are taught by highly qualified dental educators, and you also gain practical skills from the school’s dental hygiene clinic.

4.      Middlesex Community College

Middlesex Community College is another institution that offers a dental hygienist program in Massachusetts. The program aims at preparing you to become a competent dental hygienist professional who can provide quality dental hygiene care.

The school also prepares you to take the national dental hygiene board and northeast regional board examinations. It is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. You can check out the program using the link here

5.      Quinsigamond Community College

This institution is one of the best dental hygienist schools in Massachusetts which offers in-depth training in dental hygiene programs.

The school carries out practical sessions at the on-campus dental hygiene clinic, and during clinical rotations, students engage in off-campus dental offices to gain experience. The program explores courses such as dental hygiene processes, anatomy, oral health promotion, dental pharmacology, and others.

6.      Regis College

Regis College offers dental hygienist programs in Massachusetts. It offers both associate’s and bachelor’s degrees to students who are interested in helping patients maintain good oral health. The programs give a hands-on experience that will enable you to become a professional dental hygienist.

The program has exceptional board completion and even job placements upon graduation. In your third year in college, you can apply for licensure as a dental hygienist. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

7.      Springfield Technical Community College

The Springfield Technical Community College is another school that offers a dental hygienist program in Massachusetts. The program teaches students how to provide oral care services and enlightens the public about dental hygiene.

The program explores courses such as anatomy, chemistry, psychology, communications, etc. There is also the availability of hands-on experience using clinical practice. It runs for 2 years and upon graduation, students are awarded an associate degree in dental hygiene.

Conclusion

At this point, I can say that you have gotten all details needed to enroll in any of the best dental hygienist schools in Massachusetts. I do hope you make the most of it.

Take a look at the frequently asked questions below to gain more insights.

Dental Hygienist Schools In Massachusetts- FAQs

Here are the frequently asked questions about dental hygienist schools in Massachusetts. I have highlighted the vital few and answered them.

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”How Long Does It Take To Become A Dental Hygienist In Massachusetts?” answer-0=”It takes about two to four years to become a dental hygienist in Massachusetts. ” image-0=”” headline-1=”h3″ question-1=”What Is The Salary Of A Dental Hygienist In Massachusetts?” answer-1=”According to career explorer, the salary of a dental hygienist in Massachusetts is about $83,880 annually. ” image-1=”” headline-2=”h3″ question-2=”How Many Dental Hygienist Schools Are In Massachusetts?” answer-2=”There are about 7 recognized dental hygienist schools in Massachusetts.” image-2=”” count=”3″ html=”true” css_class=””]

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