Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Little Rock (2026 Guide)
Choosing the right dental hygiene program is the most important step toward launching a stable, high-paying healthcare career. Little Rock, Arkansas offers accredited, clinically focused programs that prepare graduates for licensure and immediate employment across the state. This guide provides a structured comparison of the top dental hygiene schools in Little Rock, including admissions, tuition considerations, clinical training, career outcomes, and how to choose the best fit.
Key Takeaways
- Little Rock is home to accredited, high-quality dental hygiene programs with strong clinical training.
- Top programs include the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Lyon College School of Dental Medicine.
- Accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is essential for licensure.
- Graduates in Arkansas benefit from strong job demand and competitive salaries.
- Choosing the right program depends on cost, prerequisites, clinical access, and long-term goals such as bachelor’s completion or specialization.
Top Dental Hygiene Schools in Little Rock
The following schools represent the leading options for aspiring dental hygienists in Little Rock based on accreditation, reputation, clinical experience, and career preparation.
SchoolDegree OfferedAccreditationClinical TrainingBest ForUAMSUniversity of Arkansas for Medical SciencesBachelor of Science in Dental HygieneCODA AccreditedOn-site dental clinic with diverse patient baseStudents seeking strong clinical exposure and medical campus experienceLyon College School of Dental MedicineDental Hygiene Pathway (Pre-professional track)Accredited Dental SchoolClinical integration with dental programsStudents considering long-term dental careers
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
Why UAMS Is the Leading Choice
UAMS is the most established and recognized dental hygiene program in Little Rock. As part of a medical sciences campus, students train in a collaborative healthcare environment, working alongside dental and medical professionals.
Program Overview
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
- Length: 2 years professional program after prerequisites
- Format: Full-time, on-campus
- Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
Clinical Experience
Students treat patients in the UAMS dental clinic under faculty supervision. The program emphasizes preventive care, periodontal therapy, radiography, patient education, and community outreach. Early and consistent clinical exposure strengthens competency and confidence before graduation.
Admissions Requirements
- Completion of prerequisite science courses such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry
- Competitive GPA, typically 2.5 to 3.0 minimum, with higher averages for accepted students
- Observation hours in a dental setting
- Interview and application review
Career Outcomes
Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and regional clinical boards required for Arkansas licensure. UAMS graduates historically demonstrate strong board pass rates and employment placement across private practices, public health clinics, and specialty offices.
Lyon College School of Dental Medicine
Lyon College has expanded healthcare education offerings in Arkansas, including pathways connected to dental education. While primarily recognized for its dental medicine program, it offers opportunities for students pursuing oral healthcare careers.
Why Consider Lyon College
- Integrated exposure to dental professionals and faculty
- Growing reputation in Arkansas healthcare education
- Strong foundational science curriculum
This option is particularly attractive for students considering long-term advancement in dentistry or leadership within oral healthcare settings.
How to Choose the Best Dental Hygiene School in Little Rock
1. Confirm CODA Accreditation
Graduating from a CODA-accredited program is mandatory to qualify for licensure exams. Without it, you will not be eligible to practice legally in Arkansas.
2. Compare Clinical Hours
Hands-on experience determines how prepared you feel entering the workforce. Look for programs that offer:
- Multiple semesters of patient care
- Diverse patient populations
- Training in local anesthesia and advanced procedures
3. Review Total Cost
Consider tuition, fees, instruments, uniforms, licensing exams, and books. Public institutions such as UAMS often offer lower in-state tuition rates compared to private options.
4. Evaluate Prerequisites and Competitiveness
Dental hygiene programs are competitive. Strong science grades, shadowing experience, and a compelling application improve acceptance chances.
5. Examine Career Support
Ask about:
- Board exam pass rates
- Job placement statistics
- Networking opportunities with local dental offices
Dental Hygienist vs Dental Assistant: Know the Difference
Many prospective students confuse these two roles. Understanding the difference helps ensure you choose the right educational path.
Dental HygienistDental AssistantRequires accredited degreeCertificate or on-the-job trainingPerforms cleanings and preventive careAssists dentist during proceduresHigher earning potentialLower education requirementMust pass national and clinical boardsCertification optional in some cases
If you are seeking greater autonomy, higher income, and long-term career growth, dental hygiene is typically the stronger path.
Local Job Outlook for Dental Hygienists in Little Rock
Dental hygiene remains one of the most stable allied health professions. According to federal labor projections, employment for dental hygienists is expected to grow steadily through 2030 nationwide.
In Little Rock and surrounding Arkansas communities:
- Private dental practices are the primary employers
- Public health clinics provide community-based opportunities
- Specialty practices such as periodontics and pediatric dentistry seek hygienists with strong clinical training
Graduates from Little Rock programs often remain in-state due to regional demand and professional connections formed during clinical training.
Admission Planning Timeline
Step 1: Complete Prerequisite Courses
Enroll at a community college or university to complete biology, chemistry, anatomy, microbiology, and general education courses.
Step 2: Gain Observation Hours
Shadow a licensed dental hygienist to understand daily responsibilities and confirm career fit.
Step 3: Apply Early
Many programs accept a limited cohort each year. Submitting early and ensuring transcripts and documentation are complete improves admission chances.
Step 4: Prepare for Interviews
Programs often assess communication skills, professionalism, and readiness for patient care.
Continuing Education and Advancement Opportunities
After licensure, Arkansas dental hygienists must complete continuing education to maintain credentials. Many pursue additional certifications in areas such as:
- Local anesthesia administration
- Public health dental hygiene
- Expanded functions
- Teaching or research roles with bachelor’s or graduate degrees
Graduates of strong Little Rock programs are well-positioned for leadership roles within dental offices, corporate dental groups, and community clinics.
Is Little Rock a Good Place to Study Dental Hygiene?
Little Rock offers key advantages for dental hygiene students:
- Access to a respected academic medical center
- Growing healthcare infrastructure
- Affordable cost of living compared to many metropolitan areas
- Strong regional demand for oral healthcare professionals
For students seeking a balance of academic rigor, hands-on clinical training, and long-term career stability, Little Rock’s dental hygiene programs provide a compelling and practical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Hygiene Schools in Little Rock
What is the best dental hygiene school in Little Rock?
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is the primary CODA-accredited dental hygiene program in Little Rock and is widely chosen by students who want a bachelor’s degree with strong clinical training on a medical campus.
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Little Rock?
You usually spend about two years on prerequisite courses, then two years in a professional dental hygiene program like UAMS, for a total of around four years before you can apply for licensure.
Do you need a CODA-accredited program to work as a dental hygienist in Arkansas?
Yes. To sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and regional clinical boards required for Arkansas licensure, you must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)–accredited program.
What is the difference between a dental hygienist and a dental assistant?
Dental hygienists complete an accredited degree, provide cleanings and preventive care, and must pass national and clinical boards. Dental assistants usually complete a shorter certificate or on-the-job training and focus on supporting the dentist during procedures.
Is there good job demand for dental hygienists in Little Rock?
Yes. Federal labor data show steady growth for dental hygiene jobs nationwide through 2030, and in Little Rock most opportunities are in private practices, public health clinics, and specialty offices that value strong clinical training.
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