Concorde University Dental Hygiene Program: A Comprehensive Overview

Concorde University offers comprehensive dental hygiene programs designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes necessary for a successful career as a registered dental hygienist. These programs combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on training, preparing graduates for licensure and entry-level employment.

Campuses and Locations

Concorde University's Dental Hygiene programs are available at multiple campuses across the United States, including:

Aurora, CO
Dallas, TX
Garden Grove, CA
Grand Prairie, TX
Kansas City, MO
Memphis, TN
Orlando, FL
San Antonio, TX
San Bernardino, CA
San Diego, CA
Tampa, FL
Fort Myers, FL (opening in fall 2025)

This broad geographic distribution allows students to access Concorde's dental hygiene education in various locations, catering to diverse student populations and regional needs.

Program Overview

The Dental Hygiene program at Concorde University is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in dental science, practical skills, and patient care. The curriculum covers general education, dental science, and practical skills, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the profession.

Core Components of the Program:

Comprehensive Examination of the Oral Cavity: Students learn to conduct thorough oral examinations to assess patient health and identify potential issues.
Radiography: Training in taking and interpreting dental radiographs is a crucial component of the program.
Prophylaxis: Students gain expertise in performing professional teeth cleanings to remove plaque and tartar.
Fluoride Treatments: Application of fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth and prevent decay is taught.
Patient Education: An emphasis is placed on educating patients about oral hygiene practices and preventive care.
Preventive Services: Students learn to provide a range of preventive services to maintain and improve oral health.

Concorde incorporates real-world training and off-site clinical experiences in its programs. Concorde San Diego offers a dental hygiene clinic open to the public where students get supervised hands-on training.

Read also: Career College Accreditation

Program Duration

The Dental Hygiene program at Concorde can be completed in as little as 17 months but this varies by location. The Dental Hygiene (Associate of Applied Science) program can be completed in as little as 18 months, but this also varies by location. Students who enroll in the BSDH program are licensed hygienists and will transfer in block credit of 60 hours, earning another 60 hours with Concorde. There are two options for this program, Full-Time (70 weeks) and Part-Time (100 weeks).

Blended Learning Format

The Dental Hygiene program is delivered in a blended format, combining online coursework with in-person lab classes and clinical settings. This approach allows for flexibility in learning while ensuring hands-on experience and practical skill development.

Accreditation and Licensure

Accreditation and licensure are vital components of Concorde's academic programs. Concorde schools are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

CODA Accreditation

The Dental Hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. CODA accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous standards of quality and prepares graduates for successful careers in dental hygiene.

The Dental Hygiene program has been granted the accreditation status of "approval without reporting requirements" or "initial accreditation" depending on the campus.

Read also: Your Path to a Healthcare Career

State Approval

Concorde Fort Myers Campus is provisionally licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education.

Licensure Requirements

Graduates of the Dental Hygiene program will be eligible to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Passing this exam is typically required for employment as a dental hygienist in most states. Concorde also prepares students to take an optional state licensing exam which better qualifies them for employment.

Admission Requirements and Application Tips

Admission requirements vary according to the program and institution. Students looking to pursue dental hygiene training will need a 2.5 GPA or higher in prerequisite subjects, but some programs may require or accept SAT or ACT scores.

Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite courses needed for dental hygiene programs include foundational subjects such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, psychology, microbiology, and English. Students need a minimum GPA of around 2.5 or higher in these courses. Other subjects, such as nutrition, sociology, and math or statistics, may also be helpful. Students should note that prerequisite science courses need to be completed within the last five years before applying to dental hygiene school.

Admission Tests

Applicants may need to complete the Admission Test for Dental Hygiene or the Dental Hygiene Assessment Exam, also known as the Health Education Systems Incorporated Entrance Test, published by Evolve/Elsevier. These are standardized national exams used to assess the skill levels of prospective dental hygiene students.

Read also: Your Path to Healthcare

Other Requirements

Many programs may require or recommend cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification, recent immunizations, and background checks, depending on the institution.

Tips for a Successful Application

Dental hygiene programs in the United States are generally considered competitive, particularly for the best-known universities or accelerated online training programs. Here are some tips for improving your chances of a successful application:

Start planning early, and create a timeline for completing prerequisites and gathering your application documents.
Aim for a GPA above 2.5, but ideally closer to 3.0, especially in science courses.
Gain as much work experience as you can in health care or dental settings.
Prepare thoroughly for any required entrance exams, such as the ADTH.
Ask for strong letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your academic abilities and potential as a dental hygienist, such as science teachers (biology, chemistry, physics), dentists you have shadowed, and previous employers.
Apply to multiple programs to increase your chances of getting accepted.
Focus on attention to detail in your application, and ensure you meet all application deadlines.

Personal Statement

An effective personal statement may make all the difference. This is your opportunity to go beyond academic achievements and showcase unique personal qualities, motivations, and experience relevant to the role. Getting this right may increase your chances of acceptance. Include the following details:

Demonstrate your unique personal characteristics and why they're beneficial for the role.
Discuss your passion for oral health and commitment to patient care.
Use specific, personal anecdotes.
Share your experience in the dental industry.
Focus on depth over breadth (quality over quantity).
Be unique and authentic.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

Concorde ensures that students have access to comprehensive information and guidance in navigating the financial aid process. Concorde offers financial aid and scholarship programs to those who qualify. For program-specific tuition information, please see the campus catalog.

Career Outlook

Dental hygienist job openings should grow as more people seek dental services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienist roles are projected to grow by 7% from 2024-2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Nationwide, employment of dental hygienists and dental assistants is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. In states where Concorde has multiple campuses, the demand is significantly higher.

Where Can a Dental Hygienist Work?

Dental hygienists can find employment in a variety of settings, including:

Private & Group Practices
Specialty Practices
Public Health
Hospital Dental Clinics

The Role of a Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienists are licensed, professional oral clinicians and dental health educators who prevent and treat oral disease, promote and encourage preventive aspects of dental care, and assume responsibility for patient care in the dental office. They provide a variety of services to patients, including comprehensive examination of the oral cavity, radiographs, prophylaxis, fluoride treatments, patient education, and preventive services. They are required to pass written and clinical examinations before they apply for licensure to practice. Dental Hygienists are integral members of the dental team who use their dental, clinical, and social sciences to aid individuals in achieving optimum oral health.

As a Dental Hygenist, you'll work in a dental office, educating patients about oral hygiene, interacting with a range of patients, providing routine preventive care and early gum disease management, and much more. Dental Hygenists can enjoy a flexible work schedule and have the opportunity for career advancements.

Dental care is a necessity to have proper oral health and to keep healthy overall. Therefore, the demand for dental services is expected to rise as the population ages. Becoming a Dental Hygenist comes with many perks as well as being able to promote oral health and overall body health.

Dental hygienists work within dental practices to provide cleanings, perform screenings and take x-rays. They also provide education on at-home care to patients.

Essential Skills and Qualities

Dental Hygiene students must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviors deemed essential for the practice of dental hygiene. Intellectual abilities requiring reason, analysis, problem solving, critical thinking, self-evaluation and lifelong learning skills are required. Students must be able to learn, integrate, analyze, and synthesize data. Comprehension of three-dimensional and spatial relationships is necessary.

Somatic sensation and functional use of all senses is required. Exteroceptive (i.e., touch) and proprioceptive (i.e., position, pressure, movement) is mandatory. Students must also be able to observe demonstration at a distance and close at hand; performance of procedures in the classroom, lab, and clinic is required. Students must be able to see fine detail, focus at several distances, and discern variations in color, shape, and texture to differentiate normal and abnormal structures. Students must be able to use tactile sense to perceive and interpret vibrations associated with clinical procedures. Visual and intellectual ability is necessary to acquire information from documents such as charts, radiographs, computer images, and other modes of delivery.

Sufficient fine and gross motor function is required to perform a variety of clinical procedures essential to providing dental hygiene care for patients. Examples of essential motor skills include manipulation of small objects and materials, palpation, percussion, auscultation and other maneuvers. Fine motor ability is a critical necessary skill. Gross motor ability is required in order to perform functions such as basic life support, transfer and position of patients as well as the operator position around the patient and dental chair.

Students must be able to communicate effectively with patients, peers, faculty, and guests. Individuals must have sufficient command of the English language to retrieve information from textbooks, lectures, exams, etc.

Students must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, exercise of good judgment, and prompt completion of all responsibilities associated with the care of patients. The development of mature, sensitive, professional relationships with patients is essential. Professionalism, compassion, integrity, empathy, and respect for patients are all personal qualities that are necessary for the dental hygienist. Students must be able to endure physically taxing workloads and function effectively under stress.

Community Involvement and Partnerships

NHTIâs practicum opportunities foster hands-on learning in community dental health. Students develop awareness of the dental hygienistâs role in improving oral health while applying knowledge and skills in the NHTI Dental Clinic and various public health settings. Students must demonstrate sufficient emotional stability to withstand the stresses that characterize the dental professionalsâ responsibilities with patients and/or agency clients. Dental Hygiene students apply their skills in the NHTI Dental Clinic, serving more than 7,000 patients. They learn the importance of access to oral healthcare and experience the role of the dental hygienist in community health.

Concorde has a partnership with Heartland Dental to help address Heartland Dental-supported practices' significant demand for dental hygienists and dental assistants in specific markets. Heartland Dental has collaborated with Concorde for several years to address its need for dental hygienists, including student scholarships, company-sponsored dental hygiene labs on campus and graduate pinning ceremonies. The company also supports Concorde's pediatric community events that offer free dental services.

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