Exploring colleges for aspiring dental hygienists

I'm thinking about potentially becoming a dental hygienist and was wondering which colleges are considered the best for this path. Are there specific programs or schools I should be looking into?

Absolutely! It's wonderful you're considering a career in dental hygiene. Based on academic rigor, reputation within the field, and student feedback, here are a few colleges that offer excellent dental hygiene programs:

1. University of Southern California, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry: USC offers one of the most prestigious dental hygiene programs. One unique aspect of USC's program is its comprehensive approach to oral healthcare, with an emphasis on prevention and education.

2. University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry: This program includes both theory and clinical practice components. The dental hygiene program has very high board exam pass rates and exceptional job placement rates post-graduation.

3. New York University, College of Dentistry: NYU offers an excellent dental hygiene program. The curriculum is well-rounded and includes studies in the liberal arts and sciences, as well as in-depth dental hygiene courses.

4. Ohio State University, College of Dentistry: OSU's dental hygiene program features intensive study in dental hygiene and related disciplines, community service, and diverse patient care settings.

5. University of Michigan, School of Dentistry: UM’s dental hygiene program prioritizes interprofessional collaboration in both their curriculum and their externship opportunities, which allow students to work in dental public health, hospital dentistry, or specialty clinics.

Remember it is important to choose a program not only on its rank but also on how it fits with your career goals, financial situation, and personal preference. You should evaluate each program thoroughly and even consider a visit or virtual tour to get a feel for what it's like to be a student there. Reach out to faculty or enrolled students to gain more perspectives. You can also consider job placement rates and board pass rates as metrics for evaluating these programs. Good luck as you navigate this exciting journey in dental hygiene!