In 2013, 960 dental hygienists were working in the State of Hawaii, or 1.60 hygienists for every 1,000 people living there, And this has led to the spring forth of the best dental hygiene schools in Hawaii.
That year, these qualified dental health professionals earned an average salary of $71,280.
The Hawaii State Board of Dental Examiners is the state agency that sets licensing requirements for dental hygienists in the state, with the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division conferring licensure upon qualified candidates.
You’ll be glad to know that dental hygiene salaries are some of the highest in the healthcare sector if a career as a dental hygienist in Hawaii appeals to you greatly.
Additionally, the industry is experiencing significant job growth, with 30,000 new jobs expected to be added between 2016 and 2024, an increase of almost 15% in employment.
You must complete an accredited dental hygiene program if you want to work as a dental hygienist in Hawaii.
Some of Hawaii’s top dental hygiene schools are below.
Also Read: Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Arizona
Are there Dental Hygiene Schools in Hawaii
Yes, there are dental hygiene schools in Hawaii and they provides the academic training necessary for dental hygienists to treat patients and educate the public about oral health in Hawaii, the continental United States, and the Pacific-Asia region.
1. University of Hawaii at Manoa
2. Kapi’olani Community College
3. University of Hawaii – Maui College
4. Hawaii Medical Training Center
5. Healthcare School of Hawaii, LLC
6. Heald College – Honolulu
7. Hawaii Medical College
8. HDAA Hawaii Dental Hygiene & Assisting Academy
9. Hawaii school of dental arts
10. Hawaii Community College
11. Leeward Community College
Read Also: Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Alabama
How much does Dental Hygiene Schools cost in Hawaii
The University of Hawaii’s campuses’ tuition and fee schedules are all subject to change in accordance with state law requirements and/or decisions made by the Board of Regents or the university administration (official tuition schedules).
The following rates determine your tuition based on the number of credit hours you enroll in: (subject to change). The total cost of the program is between $20,000 and $22,000.
What are the Requirements for Dental Hygiene Schools in Hawaii
Minimum SAT or ACT test scores, a cumulative GPA of 3.0, placing in the top 40% of one’s graduating class, and an interview are requirements for admission to this dental hygiene program.
What are the Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Hawaii
Finding the top university in Hawaii for your undergraduate dental hygiene degree on our list of the Best Dental Hygiene Colleges and Universities is a great way to start your career in dental hygiene.
Also Read: Best Dental Hygiene Schools In Missouri
1. University of Hawaii at Manoa
Hawaii’s Honolulu is home to the above-average public university UH Manoa.
10,688 undergraduate students enroll, making it a sizable university. The acceptance rate at UH Manoa is 84%.
Psychology, biology, dental hygiene and communications are popular majors. Alumni of UH Manoa earn a starting salary of $35,700. 62% of students graduate.
2. Kapi’olani Community College
Firstly, Honolulu is home to the above-average public college Kapi’olani. It is a small university with 1,997 undergraduate students.
Furthermore, 100% of applicants gains acceptance into Kapi’olani. Liberal arts and humanities, hospitality dental hygiene and tourism management, and the natural sciences are popular majors.
Lastly, Alumni from Kapi’olani graduate in 28% of cases, and their starting pay is $30,800.
3. University of Hawaii – Maui College
In Kahului, Hawaii, there is a public university called UH-Maui College.
Also, They have 843 undergraduate students, making it a small school. The acceptance rate for UH – Maui College is 100 percent.
Furthermore, Popular majors include Licensed Practical Nurse Training, dental hygiene, Culinary Arts and Food Service, and Liberal Arts and Humanities (LPN).
Alumni of UH – Maui College earn a starting salary of $26,700, with graduation rates of 25%.
4. Hawaii Medical Training Center
Phlebotomy and medical assistant professionals have been actively trained and produced by Hawaii Medical Training Center for some time now.
They are among the top 20 schools nationwide and one of the best schools in Hawaii.
This school is proud of how much it values its students.
Many exceptional students find employment right away after finishing one of their courses.
Clinical Labs of Hawaii, Diagnostic Labs, Blood Bank of Hawaii, Bio-metric screening businesses, and dialysis businesses are a few of the places where their students work.
5. Healthcare School of Hawaii, LLC
The 2001-founded Healthcare School of Hawaii has a long history of producing top-notch medical and nursing professionals.
Here, instructors instruct students on appropriate bedside etiquette and other critical skills that will advance their careers in healthcare.
Learning is greatly facilitated by their engaging and dynamic educational programs.
It’s a comprehensive course designed to teach students the proper way to treat patients.
Years of experience in this industry are shared by their excellent staff.
Many students commend them for their highly interactive teaching style.
6. Heald College – Honolulu
Heald College is a great place to begin a new career in the trade industries and receive training from the best in the field because it is focused on a bright and practical future.
Following graduation, you have an assurance of having a high chance of landing a job thanks to the educational board’s careful selection of the programs and courses to meet the demands of the labor market and industries.
In addition to the cozy dorms, the campus is warm and friendly, making it the ideal place to unwind and meet lifelong companions.
7. Hawaii Medical College
Hawaii Medical College is a fantastic place to begin a new career in the medical field and acquire skills that will last a lifetime, regardless of your prior education or training.
Veterans are welcome at the school, which also offers a variety of grants and scholarships to help you get the most out of your education without worrying about money.
The educational board is extremely cutting-edge and expert, and they will assist you in selecting the best program for your professional goals, the best financing options, and the best job after graduation.
8. HDAA Hawaii Dental Hygiene & Assisting Academy
The Hawaii Dental hygienist & Assisting Academy is a great place to begin a new career in this exciting, demanding, and well-paying industry. The academy is one of the top resources for this profession in the state of Hawaii.
The educators and trainers are renowned for their dedication and professionalism, and they will make sure you have all the abilities and knowledge required to launch a remarkable career.
The program is patient-centered, and you will have the rare opportunity to apply to a partner clinic and launch an incredible career in just a few months.
9. Hawaii school of dental arts
Honolulu, Hawaii is home to the Hawaii School of Dental Arts. This institution offers two courses that prepare students for a single qualification, such as Dental Assistant Certification (CDA).
This educational training will take three months to complete. Most reviewers asked how they paid for their training said, “I paid for it myself.”
In addition to “Good teachers” and “Affordable,” respondents also highlighted “Helpful career services” and “Positive environment” as noteworthy benefits of attending Hawaii School of Dental Arts.
Five reviews of the Hawaii School of Dental Arts have been published with an overall rating of 4.5. Approximately 80% of reviewers said they would refer a friend to Hawaii School of Dental Arts.
10. Hawaii Community College
Originally known as the Hawai’i Vocational School, Hawai’i Community College joined the University of Hawai’i System in 1970.
Currently, Hawai’i CC enrolls over 2,600 students. 26 associate and certificate programs are available at the college to help students get ready to transfer to four-year institutions and start working.
Academic counseling, help with job searches, and career counseling are all ways that Hawai’i Community College helps students. Additionally, the college offers resources for in-state students, veterans, and disabled students.
The University of Hawai’i System’s other institutions as well as private colleges both inside and outside the state all maintain transfer relationships with Hawaii Community College.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges has granted Hawai’i CC regional accreditation.
11. Leeward Community College
As the first community college in the University of Hawaii System that did not start out as a vocational school, Leeward CC opened its doors in 1968.
Around 7,000 students are served by the associate and certificate programs that Leeward CC offers in 20 different fields each semester.
Additionally, Leeward Community College maintains transfer routes for particular programs in business, social sciences, engineering, information and computer science, teacher education, and plant biology.
Through free tutoring sessions, career counseling and job placement, personal and academic counseling, and health and wellness services, Leeward CC helps students succeed.
The college also offers a writing center, open computer labs, and a laptop loan program. 13 completely online and 10 hybrid degrees and certificates are available to distance learners.
How much do Dental Hygienist make in Hawaii
Dental hygienists in Hawaii receive higher pay than their counterparts nationwide.
Dental hygienists in Hawaii earned an average of $41.59 per hour or $86,520 per year in 2020, according to the BLS.
This was higher than the national median income of $37.06 per hour or $77,090 per year in that same year.
With a predicted increase in dental hygienist employment of 7% by 2028, the employment outlook for Hawaiian dental hygienists is favorable.
Dental hygienists are employed in greater numbers in urban Honolulu than anywhere else in the state of Hawaii, but they are paid more in the Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina and Hawaii/Kauai Nonmetropolitan areas.
No matter where you live in the state, a career in dental hygiene is a wise choice due to its excellent pay and positive employment growth.
Although becoming a dental hygienist in Hawaii is difficult due to the stringent licensing requirements, the rewards are worthwhile.
How do I become a Dental Hygienist in Hawaii
Anyone who wants to work as a dental hygienist in Hawaii must complete a training course that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Hawaii has strict laws governing the practice of dental hygiene (CODA).
Education, pre-certification in specific skills, and passing numerous exams are all required steps in the licensure process.
After receiving their licenses, dental hygienists in Hawaii are required to enroll in CE classes.
Best Paying Dental Hygiene Jobs in Hawaii with Salary
- Hospitals dental hygienist earns $70,000-$89,000 per year
- Dental hygienist in Dental offices earns $50,000-$66,000
- Nursing homes dental hygienist earns $65,000-$82,000
- Personal facility dental hygienist earns $37,000-$40,000
- Schools and institutions dental hygienist earns $63,000-$80,000
- medical facilities dental hygienist earns $36,000
Frequently Asked Questions
You must complete a two-year training program and earn an Associate in Applied Science degree before you can work as a dental hygienist. The Hawaii Dental Hygienists Association is where dental hygienists can submit an application for licensing.
In order to obtain a license in Hawaii, a candidate must be at least 18 years old and have completed a CODA-accredited training course. Additionally, the candidate must possess certification in infiltration local anesthesia and intra-oral block anesthesia from an accredited institution.
First-year applicants from Hawaii and the United States are expected to maintain a high GPA and place in the top 40% of their high school graduating class, though there is no minimum GPA requirement for them. Foreign applicants for freshmen should have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Conclusion
You must obtain at least an associate’s degree in dental hygiene from a dental hygiene school that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) before you are qualified to apply for licensure as a dental hygienist in Hawaii.
You must submit an official transcript from this school when requesting licensure.
Programs in dental hygiene can result in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
References
- Niche.com – 2023 Top Colleges for Dental Studies in Hawaii
- Prepler.com – Best dental hygiene colleges & universities in Hawaii