Key Takeaways
- Augusta University offers the only CODA-accredited dental hygiene program located directly in Augusta, GA.
- Programs in nearby cities such as Aiken Technical College and Athens Technical College provide strong alternative pathways within driving distance.
- Georgia dental hygienists earn a median salary of approximately $75,000 to $80,000 per year, with steady job growth projected.
- Accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is essential for licensure in Georgia.
- Choosing the best program depends on career goals, budget, class size preference, and clinical training opportunities.
Why Augusta Is a Strong Choice for Dental Hygiene Education
Augusta, Georgia is home to one of the state's most reputable health science institutions and sits within a growing healthcare corridor. For aspiring dental hygienists, the area provides access to accredited education, clinical partnerships, and strong employment demand.
Dental hygienists in Georgia must graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, and meet state licensing requirements through the Georgia Board of Dentistry. Choosing the right educational program is the first and most important step.
Top Dental Hygiene Programs in and Near Augusta, Georgia
1. Augusta University – Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Location: Augusta, GA
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH)
Accreditation: CODA accredited
Institution Type: Public research university
Augusta University offers the only dental hygiene program physically located in Augusta. Housed within The Dental College of Georgia, it provides students with immersive clinical training in a respected academic health center.
Program Highlights
- Comprehensive four-year bachelor’s degree
- Extensive clinical rotations at The Dental College of Georgia
- Training in preventive, restorative, and community dental health
- Small cohort sizes for focused instruction
- High National Board exam pass rates
Admission Requirements
- Completion of prerequisite science courses
- Minimum GPA requirement
- Competitive application process
- Observation hours may be recommended
This program is ideal for students seeking leadership roles, public health opportunities, or future graduate study. A bachelor’s degree also provides broader career mobility compared to associate-level programs.
2. Aiken Technical College – Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
Location: Aiken, SC (approximately 20 minutes from Augusta)
Degree: Associate in Applied Science
Accreditation: CODA accredited
Located just across the Georgia border, Aiken Technical College offers a well-established dental hygiene associate degree. Many Augusta residents choose this option due to proximity and affordability.
Program Strengths
- Two-year professional phase after prerequisites
- Hands-on patient care in campus clinic
- Lower tuition compared to many four-year universities
- Strong local employer relationships
This pathway is ideal for students who want to enter the workforce quickly. Graduates are eligible to sit for national and regional board exams required for Georgia licensure.
3. Athens Technical College – Dental Hygiene Program
Location: Athens, GA (approximately 2 hours from Augusta)
Degree: Associate degree
Accreditation: CODA accredited
Athens Technical College is another respected option within driving distance. The program focuses heavily on community oral health and clinical competency.
This option may appeal to students seeking competitive tuition and strong board exam preparation within Georgia’s technical college system.
Program Comparison at a Glance
SchoolDegree TypeLocationApprox. DurationBest ForAugusta UniversityBachelor’sAugusta, GA4 yearsLeadership and advancement opportunitiesAiken Technical CollegeAssociateAiken, SC2-3 yearsFaster workforce entryAthens Technical CollegeAssociateAthens, GA2-3 yearsAffordable in-state option
Dental Hygienist Salary and Job Outlook in Georgia
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists earn a median annual salary above $80,000 nationwide. In Georgia, wages typically range from $70,000 to $85,000 depending on experience and location.
Georgia continues to experience steady demand for dental hygienists due to:
- Population growth in metropolitan areas
- Increased emphasis on preventive dental care
- Expanded access to oral healthcare services
Graduates from Augusta-area programs often find employment in:
- Private dental practices
- Public health clinics
- Pediatric and specialty dental offices
- Educational institutions
Licensing Requirements in Georgia
To practice as a dental hygienist in Georgia, candidates must:
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited program
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
- Pass a regional or clinical examination
- Apply for licensure through the Georgia Board of Dentistry
Some graduates also pursue certifications in expanded duties or local anesthesia to increase earning potential.
How to Choose the Best Dental Hygiene Program for You
1. Degree Level and Career Goals
If you plan to pursue education, research, or management roles, a bachelor’s degree from Augusta University may offer long-term advantages. If your goal is fast entry into clinical practice, an associate degree may be more efficient.
2. Tuition and Financial Aid
Compare in-state versus out-of-state tuition and explore aid options through Federal Student Aid. Technical colleges often provide lower overall program costs.
3. Clinical Experience
Look for programs with modern simulation labs and strong patient flow to ensure you graduate with confidence.
4. Board Exam Pass Rates
High first-time pass rates are an indicator of curriculum quality and preparation.
5. Location and Flexibility
Consider commute time, class scheduling, and whether prerequisite courses can be completed online.
What Makes Augusta University Stand Out?
Augusta University differentiates itself through:
- Integration within a major academic health center
- Access to interprofessional education with dental and medical students
- Strong institutional reputation across Georgia
- Competitive admissions that maintain program quality
For students seeking long-term growth within dentistry or public health, the bachelor’s pathway provides strategic advantages beyond clinical practice alone.
Is There an Online Dental Hygiene Program in Augusta?
Entry-level dental hygiene programs require in-person clinical training. There are currently no fully online CODA-accredited entry-level programs in Augusta. However, licensed hygienists may find online degree completion programs if pursuing advanced education.
Career Advancement Opportunities After Graduation
A dental hygiene degree can lead to roles beyond chairside care, including:
- Public health coordinator
- Dental sales representative
- Clinical instructor
- Practice manager
- Graduate study in dental therapy or public health
With strong regional healthcare infrastructure and an accredited dental school environment, Augusta remains one of the most strategic locations in Georgia to begin a dental hygiene career.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Hygiene Programs in and near Augusta, GA
Is Augusta University the only CODA-accredited dental hygiene program in Augusta, GA?
Yes. Augusta University offers the only Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)–accredited dental hygiene program located directly in Augusta, GA. Nearby accredited options include Aiken Technical College in South Carolina and Athens Technical College in Georgia, both within driving distance.
How much do dental hygienists earn in Georgia?
Most dental hygienists in Georgia earn about $70,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and work setting. This range is similar to the national median reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and may rise with added skills like local anesthesia or expanded duties.
Why is CODA accreditation important if you want to work in Georgia?
To get a dental hygiene license in Georgia, you must graduate from a CODA-accredited program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, and meet state exam and application requirements through the Georgia Board of Dentistry. Without CODA accreditation, you are not eligible for licensure in the state.
Should you choose a bachelor’s or associate degree in dental hygiene?
If you want options in leadership, teaching, public health, or future graduate study, a bachelor’s degree, such as the program at Augusta University, can give you more flexibility. If your goal is to start working as a clinical dental hygienist as soon as possible, an associate degree from a technical college may be a better fit and often costs less overall.
Are there fully online dental hygiene programs in Augusta?
No. Entry-level dental hygiene programs require in-person labs and clinical care with patients, so they cannot be fully online. Once you are a licensed hygienist, you may be able to complete an online bachelor’s degree or take online continuing education through accredited schools or professional groups such as the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.
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