Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Phoenix

Key Takeaways

• Phoenix offers some of Arizona’s top CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs with strong licensure pass rates and career placement.
• Best choices include Phoenix College, Mesa Community College, and Rio Salado College for affordability, clinical training, and flexible learning.
• Program costs range from $12,000–$30,000 depending on residency status and institution type.
• Most degrees are Associate in Applied Science (AAS) and can be completed in about two years of full-time study.
• Graduates are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and Arizona state licensure exams.

Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Phoenix

Dental hygienists are essential to modern oral healthcare, providing preventive and therapeutic services that support long-term dental health. If you are considering a career in dental hygiene and live near the Phoenix metropolitan area, you have access to several top-tier accredited programs offering hands-on clinical training and pathways to licensure. Below, we evaluate the leading dental hygiene schools in Phoenix based on accreditation, curriculum quality, facilities, affordability, and job outcomes.

Top CODA-Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs in Phoenix

SchoolProgram TypeLengthTuition (Approx.)AccreditationHighlightsPhoenix CollegeAAS in Dental Hygiene2 years$12,000 (in-state)CODAHigh NBDHE pass rates, on-site dental clinic, community outreachMesa Community CollegeAAS in Dental Hygiene2 years$13,500 (in-state)CODAState-of-the-art facilities, small class sizes, strong faculty mentorshipRio Salado CollegeAAS in Dental Hygiene (hybrid)2 years$14,000 (in-state)CODAFlexible online coursework with clinical rotations in PhoenixFortis College – PhoenixAssociate in Dental Hygiene21 months$29,000 (private)CODAAccelerated program, career placement support, modern simulation labsNorthern Arizona University (NAU) – Phoenix Biomedical CampusBSDH Completion Program1–1.5 years (post-AAS)$10,000 (residents)CODADesigned for licensed hygienists seeking a bachelor’s degree

Program Features and Curriculum Overview

All CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs in Phoenix follow a rigorous blend of classroom theory, laboratory technique, and supervised clinical practice. Students study oral anatomy, periodontology, radiography, patient management, and community health. The final semesters typically involve live patient care under licensed supervision at dental clinics affiliated with each college.

Hands-on training is a hallmark of these schools. For instance, Phoenix College operates a community dental hygiene clinic that allows students to treat local patients at reduced costs while gaining practical experience. Mesa Community College’s dental clinic offers comprehensive patient services, giving students exposure to diverse cases before graduation.

Admissions and Prerequisites

Because dental hygiene programs are competitive, meeting minimum entry requirements is essential. Applicants typically need:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Prerequisite college coursework (e.g., anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry)
• Minimum GPA (commonly 2.5–3.0)
• CPR certification and up-to-date immunizations
• Admission exam or interview (varies by college)

These programs often maintain limited class sizes, so completing prerequisites early and maintaining strong grades improves chances of acceptance.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Affordability

Public community colleges like Phoenix College and Mesa Community College offer the most affordable pathways to licensure, especially for Arizona residents. Tuition for in-state students averages around $12,000–$15,000 total, compared to approximately $28,000–$30,000 at private institutions.

Financial aid options include federal Pell Grants, state scholarships, and the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation scholarships. Many students supplement their costs with part-time employment or employer tuition reimbursement programs available through dental clinics.

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is the gold standard for dental hygiene education. Accreditation ensures that schools meet national curriculum and clinical standards. Graduates from these programs qualify to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and the Arizona State Board Clinical Licensure Exam.

Programs such as Phoenix College consistently report NBDHE pass rates exceeding 95%, demonstrating effective exam preparation and clinical readiness.

Clinical Experience and Community Engagement

Every top dental hygiene program in Phoenix includes substantial clinical experience. Students treat real patients in supervised settings to build confidence and skill competency. Many programs extend their impact through community dental events, public health screenings, and partnerships with local nonprofit clinics.

For example, Rio Salado College’s hybrid program collaborates with community dental centers across the Phoenix metro area, allowing flexibility while ensuring on-site clinical exposure. Mesa Community College integrates a community rotation module where students educate the public about oral hygiene and preventive care.

Job Placement, Outcomes, and Career Growth

Phoenix’s dental industry is expanding rapidly, creating strong demand for licensed hygienists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dental hygienists is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. In Arizona, the average annual wage exceeds $92,000, especially in metropolitan areas.

Career services offices at Phoenix-area colleges provide resume workshops, recruiter connections, and mock interviews. Many graduates secure positions within months of earning their licenses, often in general dentistry practices, pediatric clinics, or community health settings.

Flexible and Online Learning Options

Students needing adaptable schedules can choose hybrid or partially online programs. Rio Salado College leads this category, offering didactic coursework online combined with hands-on clinical sessions held at partner dental facilities. Northern Arizona University’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene completion program also offers online upper-division courses tailored for working licensed hygienists.

Student Support, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Phoenix dental hygiene programs invest in simulation labs, digital radiography units, and sterilization training rooms that mirror real-world dental settings. Beyond academics, colleges provide student support services such as tutoring, counseling, and professional development workshops to ensure each cohort’s success.

How to Choose the Right Dental Hygiene School in Phoenix

When selecting a dental hygiene school, consider the following criteria:

1. Accreditation: Always verify CODA approval.
2. Clinical requirements: Assess patient quotas and clinical rotation sites.
3. Licensure pass rates: Look for programs with consistent success above 90%.
4. Cost-to-value ratio: Weigh tuition against job placement and facility quality.
5. Learning format: Choose traditional, hybrid, or completion programs based on your schedule and career stage.

Students aiming to continue their education may start with an associate degree and later transfer credits to NAU’s bachelor’s program or similar online completion degrees.

Expert Insight

Dr. Linda Anderson, a licensed dental hygienist and adjunct faculty member at a local college, emphasizes the value of community-based learning: “Students entering today’s dental hygiene field must balance strong clinical technique with patient communication skills. Schools in Phoenix do an excellent job integrating both through community outreach clinics and interprofessional learning.”

Local Outlook for Dental Hygienists in Phoenix

Phoenix’s growing population, extensive retirement communities, and expanding dental offices ensure a steady demand for preventive dental care professionals. Graduates can pursue roles in clinical practice, education, research, and public health. Additionally, licensed hygienists may advance into roles as clinical educators, dental hygiene coordinators, or practice managers with additional credentials or continuing education.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Hygiene Schools in Phoenix

What are the top CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs in Phoenix?

In the Phoenix area, leading CODA-accredited options include Phoenix College, Mesa Community College, Rio Salado College, Fortis College – Phoenix, and Northern Arizona University’s Phoenix Biomedical Campus (for bachelor’s completion).

How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Phoenix?

Most associate-level dental hygiene programs in Phoenix take about two years of full-time study. A bachelor’s completion program, taken after your associate degree, usually adds about 1 to 1.5 years.

How much do dental hygiene programs in Phoenix cost?

Program costs usually range from about $12,000 to $15,000 at public community colleges for in-state students, and around $28,000 to $30,000 at private schools, not including books, fees, or supplies.

What requirements do you need to get into a dental hygiene program in Phoenix?

You typically need a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite college courses like anatomy and chemistry, a minimum GPA (often 2.5–3.0), current CPR certification, proof of immunizations, and sometimes an admission test or interview.

Will a Phoenix dental hygiene program prepare you for licensure?

Yes. CODA-accredited programs in Phoenix are designed to prepare you for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and the Arizona clinical licensure exams so you can apply for a dental hygiene license.