In addition to doing basic cleanings, a dental hygienist also educates and interacts with patients in the dentist’s office. Consider enrolling in dental hygiene schools in Maryland if you love interacting with people, are passionate about promoting oral health, and are seeking a career in healthcare.
Dental hygienists are in high demand, and that demand will only increase as more people try to preserve their oral health. One of the top dental hygiene programs in the country is located in the City of Maryland.
If you’re having difficulties trying to find the best dental hygiene schools in Maryland, we’ve got you covered.
Are there Dental Hygiene Schools in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland boasts of a few schools offering programs in dental hygiene. They include:
- Howard Community College
- Hagerstown Community College
- Community College of Baltimore County
- Allegany College of Maryland
- Fortis College-Landover
- Baltimore City Community College
- University of Maryland, Baltimore
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine
- Montgomery College
- Prince George’s Community College
- Frederick Community College
- All-State Career School – Baltimore
- Stevenson University
- Harford Community College
How Much Does Dental Hygiene Schools Cost in Maryland?
The average anticipated total cost, including in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees for dental hygiene schools in Maryland is $36,382 for a bachelor’s degree, $22,692 for an associate degree, and $30,421 for a master’s degree, according to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.
The cost of these schools would sometimes vary depending on the location and the cost of living in that particular area. Most times tuition fees would result from the total expenses from the accommodation, books, and other healthcare expenses.
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What are the Requirements for Dental Hygiene Schools in Maryland?
There are certain requirements for dental hygiene schools you need to get acquainted with as an applicant. This would help you weigh your options for the particular school. Your knowledge of the requirements of a dental school and being able to meet up with them would increase your chances of getting accepted.
These are some of the requirements for dental hygiene schools in Maryland:
- High school coursework with a ‘C’ or better in algebra, biology, chemistry, and additional math; college-level math proficiency
- Minimum GPA of 2.5,
- 16 hours of dental hygiene observation
- Three letters of recommendation
- Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
- English language proficiency test score
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What are the Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Maryland?
1. Howard Community College
In addition to HCC and Howard CC, Howard Community College is a community college located in Columbia, Howard County, Maryland. Through the Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, it offers non-credit classes in more than 100 categories in addition to classes for credit.
As a graduate of the school’s dental hygiene program, you would be able to treat a range of patients successfully while utilizing safe dental procedures and infection control measures. You could also use the dental hygiene process of care (assessment, planning, implementation of instrumentation, and evaluation) while using your knowledge of instrumentation and radiology.
2. Hagerstown Community College
The first community college in Maryland, Hagerstown Community College (HCC), was established in 1946. For university transfer, career preparation, or personal development, there are more than 100 programs of study available. There are also non-credit continuing education courses, specialized training programs, and the adult education program of Washington County. There are awards, letters of honor, and associate degrees given out.
The goal of the dental hygiene program is to give students the information, abilities, and clinical experience they need to perform all aspects of the job of a professional dental hygienist.
3. Community College of Baltimore County
Firstly, You can enroll in a 69-credit dental hygiene program at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). You could be prepared for entry-level jobs in dental offices with this program of study. You can study chemistry, microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, and dental radiology. Other fields of study can include dental pharmacology, head and neck anatomy, biochemistry, and dental nutrition.
Furthermore, The dental hygiene program aims to prepare its graduates for entry into the dentistry field in any recognised dental hygienist positions. The ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation has granted the program accreditation.
4. Allegany College of Maryland
In Cumberland, Maryland, there is a two-year public community college called Allegany College of Maryland (ACM). Prior to that, it was called Allegany Community College (ACC). The ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation has approved the associate’s degree program in dental hygiene at Allegany College.
You’ll learn about things like oral anatomy, dental hygiene methods, dental materials, and radiology in this curriculum. You’ll complete clinical training at a campus dental hygiene facility in addition to classroom instruction. A week-long rotation at the nearby Martinsburg Veterans Administration is another requirement. You can become a member of the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association while studying dental hygiene at Allegany.
5. Baltimore City Community College
The only community college in Baltimore, Maryland, and the only one that is supported by the state of Maryland is called Baltimore City Community College (BCCC). The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has granted it accreditation (MSCHE). It was established in 1947, and one of its three campuses is home to roughly 5,000 students.
You can pursue a job in dental hygiene or further your education by enrolling in the college’s 2-year associate’s degree program, which is approved by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation. To build a foundation in oral radiography, oral anatomy, general pathology, and clinical dental hygiene, you’ll need to complete both classroom and clinical instruction. After earning your degree, you can take the NERB exam and the National Board Examination to become a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).
6. Fortis College-Landover
In Landover, Maryland, there is a private for-profit college called Fortis College-Landover. You can enroll in the Dental Hygiene program at Fortis College to learn how to offer the general public preventative and clinical therapeutic dental care while earning an associate’s degree after completion.
Students can enter this fascinating and lucrative sector with the help of the Dental Hygiene Training program. Additionally, it gets students ready for their hygienist entry-level licensing.
7. University of Maryland, Baltimore
It was established in 1807 as the University of Maryland, Baltimore (also known as University of Maryland: The Founding Campus, UMB, or UMAB). It includes some of the country’s oldest professional schools for nursing, social work, law, medicine, and dentistry.
Furthermore, One of the state’s biggest providers of oral healthcare is the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, which is part of the university’s Baltimore campus. As a beginning dental hygienist or as a Registered Dental Hygienist who has finished an associate’s degree or certificate program in dental hygiene, you can pursue the Bachelor of Science. The institution also offers a master’s degree program in dental hygiene.
8. Johns Hopkins University
The medical school of Johns Hopkins University, a private research university in Baltimore, Maryland, is called the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In 1893, it was founded.
A Doctor of Dentistry Surgery (D.D.S.) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree are both available from Johns Hopkins University’s dental school programs. These degrees both call for a four-year course of study. The first two years of the dentistry school at John Hopkins are devoted to taking basic science courses, while the final two years are devoted to learning how to diagnose oral diseases, perform surgery, and conduct clinical research.
One of the top medical schools in the country, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine frequently receives top rankings.
9. Uniformed Services University
The school’s main goal is to train graduates to work as doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals for the American government both domestically and internationally.
The school’s post-graduate dentistry college academically supervises an established military dental residency program. Graduates of the program get a Master of Science in Oral Biology from USU in addition to certification in their chosen dental specialty from the assigned military unit. Our graduates are expert clinicians with strong scientific backgrounds trained as military dental officers to offer the best dental treatment possible to our country’s armed forces.
The University is listed as the 1045th best university in the world. Each graduate is equipped with a top-notch graduate dentistry education, a strong foundation in research, and great leadership training so they can begin a fulfilling career working for the country.
10. Montgomery College
In Montgomery County, Maryland, there is a public community college called Montgomery College. Its name, Montgomery Junior College, was given to it when it was first established formally in 1946.
Your training for a career as a dental hygienist at Montco will equip you to operate in a range of settings and to provide preventative care. There is no pre-dental major at Montgomery College.
11. Prince George’s Community College
In Largo, Maryland’s Prince George’s County, there is a public community college called Prince George’s Community College. The College offers top-notch instruction and practical lab experiences using cutting-edge dental technology to get you ready for national certification.
For program completion in this extensive, 6-month, four-part curriculum, candidates must complete Dental Assisting Parts 1 and 2, Dental Office Administration, and the Dental Internship. The Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners has given its approval to the dental (radiology) and enhanced functions programs.
12. Frederick Community College
In Frederick, Maryland, there is a public college called Frederick. In preparation for the Dental Assisting National Board National Entry Level Dental Assistant Certification Exam, students take a series of courses that introduce them to all facets of entry-level dental assisting knowledge and skills as well as the principles of oral radiography.
13. All-State Career School – Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland is home to the for-profit institution All-State Career – Baltimore. The school provides instruction for 10 certifications, including the Dental Assistant Certification, through its 10 courses (CDA).
If you decide to become a dental hygienist, you will collaborate with dentists as a valued member of the medical staff. The Dental Hygienist program at All-State Career School offers a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that balances laboratory work and classroom education with important real-world experience.
You will study a variety of disciplines while enrolled in the Dental Hygienist program, such as Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition, Radiography, Pathology, Medical Ethics, Head and Neck Anatomy, Patient Management, and Periodontics (the study of gum disease). After graduating from All-dental State’s hygienist training program, students are ready to take the state licensing exam.
14. Stevenson University
A private university with two campuses—one in Stevenson and one in Owings Mills—Stevenson University is located in Baltimore County, Maryland. A pre-dentistry course is available at the university for those interested in following that career route.
Students interested in learning more about dental procedures and specialties can take the pre-dentistry advising track at Stevenson. Students’ chances of admission to dental school increase after completing this program.
15. Harford Community College
In Bel Air, Maryland, there is a public community college called Harford Community College. With 116 students enrolled, it was founded as Harford Junior College in September 1957 on the site and in the facilities of Bel Air High School in the county seat.
Dental terminology, disease transmission, sanitation and sterilization, dental anatomy, dental records and charting, instrumentation, impressions and casts, radiation health and safety, insurance and billing, and front desk duties are among the topics covered in the Dental Assistant curriculum. Additionally, the course offers x-ray instruction that enables each student to take the Radiation Health and Safety Examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Best Paying Dental Hygiene Jobs in Maryland with Salary
With a lot of job opportunities for dental hygienists in Maryland, there are still some people earning more than others. In cases like this, you would have to gain a certain level of expertise in the field to be among the top salary earners.
These are the best-paying dental hygiene jobs in Maryland with their respective salary:
- Private Dentist with an annual salary of $165,041
- Temporary Dentist with an annual salary of $146,035
- Dental Orthodontist with an annual salary of $143,034
- Family Dentist with an annual salary of $135,569
- Periodontist Assistant with an annual salary of $128,343
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Conclusion
Being a dental assistant can be a fulfilling profession. This makes it possible for you to work in the healthcare sector without having a degree. Consider becoming a dental hygienist if you lack time for extensive studies but want to work directly with patients.
With the information listed so far, sending in your application to any of the dental hygienist schools in Maryland wouldn’t be a big challenge anymore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To work as a dental hygienist, you must have an associate’s degree in the field. These courses last about three years to complete. There are also master’s degrees and a “2+2” program for a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.
The university of Maryland has grown to be one of the top dental schools in the country since it was established thanks to its top-notch faculty, curriculum, and research initiatives. Higher Learning Today lists UMSOD as one of the top dentistry schools.
In Maryland, the average Dental Hygienist pay is $85,890, which is 15% more than the national average of $74,680. This equates to a $41.29 hourly pay. In the state, there are now 3,230 dental hygienists working.
An undergraduate degree (B.A.) and dental school both require four years to finish, making the total time required to become a dentist eight years (DDS or DMD). If you wish to specialize in dentistry, you’ll also need to complete a residency.
References
- prepler.com – Best Dental Hygiene Colleges & Universities in Maryland
- niche.com – 2023 Best colleges with dental hygiene degrees in Maryland