Only a few colleges in Alabama offer a degree in dental hygiene. If you enrol full-time in any of the dental hygiene schools in Alabama, the two-year public college associate’s degree program can be finished in five semesters.
There is also a one-year dental hygiene training program in Alabama that you may be eligible for if you have prior dental experience.
Alabama students interested in dental hygiene programs have few options to choose from.
Also, the two options available to students are a government training program, which is only available to dental assistants who are currently employed or obtaining an associate’s degree in the relevant field.
Dental hygiene degree programs include in-class instruction, practical training in a lab environment, and frequently clinical or fieldwork.
Also Read: Best Dental Hygiene Schools In Missouri
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Are there Dental Hygiene Schools in Alabama
The dental hygiene programs at various schools in Alabama meet the state requirements for dental hygienist licensure in the state of Alabama. Some of the schools are listed below:
1. Wallace State Community College – Hanceville
2. Fortis Institute – Birmingham
3. Coastal Alabama Community College
4. Calhoun Community College
5. Lawson State Community College – Birmingham
6. H. Councill Trenholm State Community College
7. Bishop State Community College
8. Samford University
9. Spring Hill College
10. The university of Alabama
11. Montgomery Dental hygienist & Assistant School
12. Birmingham Dental Assistant School
13. Ross Medical Education Center Huntsville
14. Huntsville Dental hygiene & Assistant School
15. FORTIS College in Mobile
Also Read: Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Michigan
How much does Dental Hygiene Schools cost in Alabama
In Alabama, the average cost of tuition at a dental hygiene school is $5,736 for in-state students and $14,632 for out-of-state students.
What are the Requirements for Dental Hygiene Schools in Alabama
By completing the Alabama Dental Hygiene Program while working as a dental assistant in Alabama, you may be able to obtain a license to practice as a dental hygienist (ADHP).
You must: in order to be eligible to take the ADHP;
- age of majority is 18 years.
- possess a GED or have graduated from high school
- a minimum of 24 months of full-time experience working as a dental assistant
- being employed full-time during the training permit’s validity period
- Practice only while being closely supervised by the dentist whose name is on your training permit.
Here’s something Helpful: 15 Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Indiana
What are the Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Alabama
There aren’t many dental hygienist schools in Alabama, so there aren’t many places to study dental hygiene. According to the US Department of Education, the State has just 15 colleges that offer dental hygiene programs.
1. Wallace State Community College – Hanceville
In Hanceville, Alabama, Wallace State is an above-average public university.
It is a small university with 2,349 undergraduate students enrolled. The acceptance rate at Wallace State is 100 per cent.
Popular majors also include Licensed Practical Nurse Training, dental hygiene, Industrial Electronics Technician, and Liberal Arts and Humanities (LPN).
Alumni from Wallace State graduate 51% of their students and start out with a starting salary of $26,900.
2. Fortis Institute – Birmingham
A for-profit university called Fortis – Birmingham is situated in Birmingham, Alabama.
551 undergraduate students are enrolled, making it a small school. Also, the acceptance rate for Fortis – Birmingham is 100 percent.
Dental hygiene, Medical assistant, HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician, and electrician are popular majors.
Fortis – Birmingham graduates earn a starting salary of $22,200. 51% of students graduate.
3. Coastal Alabama Community College
Public college Faulkner State is situated in Bay Minette, Alabama, which is part of the Mobile Area.
It is also a small university with 2,777 undergraduate students enrolled. The acceptance rate at Faulkner State is 100 percent.
Popular majors include nursing, dental hygiene, licensed practical nursing, and liberal arts and humanities (LPN).
Alumni of Faulkner State earn a starting salary of $23,800, with graduation rates of 19%.
4. Calhoun Community College
In the Huntsville Area of Decatur, Alabama, there is a public college called Calhoun.
It is also a small university with 2,558 undergraduate students enrolled. Calhoun accepts 100% of applicants.
Popular majors also include Licensed Practical Nurse Training, dental hygiene, Manufacturing Engineering Technician, and Liberal Arts and Humanities (LPN).
Alumni of Calhoun University graduate in 36% of cases, and their starting pay is $24,000.
5. Lawson State Community College – Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama is home to Lawson State – Birmingham, a public university.
LSCC – Birmingham is a historically black college with a long history of and dedication to the education of African Americans.
It is also a small university with 1,198 undergraduate students enrolled. The acceptance rate for Lawson State in Birmingham is 100 percent.
Liberal arts and humanities, dental hygiene, nursing, and HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician are popular majors.
Lawson State – Birmingham Alumni also earn a starting salary of $20,000 after graduating 28% of students.
6. H. Councill Trenholm State Community College
A public university called H Councill Trenholm State Tech is situated in Montgomery, Alabama.
H Councill Trenholm State Tech is dedicated to the education of African Americans and has a long history of doing so as a historically black college.
642 undergraduate students are enrolled, making it a small school. The acceptance rate at H Councill Trenholm State Tech is 100 percent.
Popular majors also include dental hygiene, Emergency Medical Technician, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Diesel Mechanics (EMT Paramedic).
Alumni of H Councill Trenholm State Tech graduate in 24% of their classes and go on to make a starting salary of $21,800.
7. Bishop State Community College
The mission of Bishop State Community College is to provide students and the community with a well-rounded education that will enable them to succeed in the real world.
Also, four city campuses make up the College, which is devoted to serving the people of Mobile and Washington counties in southwest Alabama.
The College is also a part of the Alabama Community College System, a two-year community, junior, and technical college network supported by the state and open to Alabama residents.
For those who want to start careers immediately, Bishop State’s one- and two-year career programs can help students get on the fast track to satisfying jobs.
Bishop State also offers university transfer programs for students who wish to continue their education at a four-year institution.
The College’s goal is to give its students access to a high-quality, reasonably priced education that gives them the knowledge and abilities necessary to enter the workforce and thrive successfully.
8. Samford University
This is a renowned Christian university that offers liberal arts-based undergraduate programs and various nationally renowned graduate and professional schools.
Samford is also the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the country, having been founded in 1841.
It is also ranked first nationally by The Wall Street Journal for student engagement and 86th overall for best value by US News & World Report.
5,758 students from 30 countries and 47 states are enrolled at Samford.
10 academic institutions: law, nursing, pharmacy, business, divinity, arts and sciences, business, and public health.
Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the historically significant Southern Conference and holds the top national ranking for all NCAA Division I institutions for its graduation success rate.
9. Spring Hill College
At Spring Hill, you’ll discover a welcoming learning environment that will compel you to consider various viewpoints while enabling you to realize your full potential.
SHC offers a broad dental hygiene and liberal arts education that aims to develop the entire person—mind, body, and spirit—and is firmly rooted in our Jesuit, Catholic traditions.
Our goal has always been to offer a top-notch liberal arts education at a surprisingly affordable out-of-pocket price.
In fact, Forbes Magazine lists Spring Hill as one of the Top 10 Colleges for Return on Investment nationally.
10. The University of Alabama
The UA campus consistently ranks among the best in the country.
You are surrounded by dramatic nexuses of traditional architecture and contemporary advancement, from tulips and cherry blossoms in the spring to cascades of golden leaves in the fall.
The University of Alabama is also situated in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a thriving, diverse community just a few hours from many significant cities.
Their ome is one of the best places to live in the Southeastern United States because of our vibrant downtown and small-town atmosphere.
11. Montgomery Dental hygienist & Assistant School
Students at the Montgomery Dental Assistant School receive practical training in dental assisting.
After nine weeks of instruction, students receive their diplomas in a dental office.
Also, the 40-hour Externship, which starts around Class 4, will be completed by students at a nearby dental practice.
Additionally, they can choose a dental practice to extern at or be assigned to a nearby dental practice to finish the externship.
12. Birmingham Dental Hygiene & Assistant School
In just 12 weeks, Birmingham Dental Hygiene & Assistant School can help students launch a new career.
The school also provides hands-on instruction and weekend classes. All of the instructors for the classes, which are held in dental offices, are seasoned dental assistants.
The school aims to give students the knowledge and self-assurance they’ll need to launch successful careers.
Additionally, graduates finish a 40-hour externship in a neighbourhood dental practice.
13. Ross Medical Education Center Huntsville
The Ross Medical Education Center Huntsville campus, which was inaugurated in 2014, provides a range of healthcare education programs, including dental hygiene, nursing and medical assisting.
14. Huntsville Dental hygiene & Assistant School
In just 12 weeks of training, Huntsville Dental Assistant School allows students to launch a new career.
The school also offers practical training at a reasonable cost and holds classes in a dental office. Experienced dental assistants conduct the Saturday training sessions.
15. FORTIS College in Mobile
People who want to begin a new career in healthcare or other skilled-trained industries can do so by enrolling in FORTIS College’s practical training programs.
Day and evening classes are also available in many of their programs, allowing students to choose the one that best suits their schedule.
The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools has granted institutional accreditation to the college (ABHES).
Additionally, the Private School Unit, Alabama Department of Education, and the State Approval Agency for the Training of Veterans have granted it licenses and approval.
How much do Dental hygienists make in Alabama?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for dental hygienists in Alabama in 2020 was $50,260, or $24.17 an hour.
As one might anticipate, Birmingham has the highest number of dental hygienist jobs.
However, the smaller cities of Mobile, Montgomery, and Huntsville account for about a third of all jobs in the state.
How do I become a Dental Hygienist in Alabama?
To practice, dental hygienists need a state license. Through the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners, aspiring dental hygienists in Alabama can obtain a license.
Candidates must pass tests and complete a dental hygiene program approved by the board.
The American Dental Association currently accredits only two dental hygiene programs in Alabama; Wallace State Community College is a public institution, while Fortis Institute – Birmingham is a for-profit university.
The Alabama Board of Dental Examiners also runs a state dental hygiene program. Graduates from all three paths are eligible for licensure.
Best Paying Dental Hygiene Jobs in Alabama with Salary
- Hospital’s dental hygienist earns $70,000-$89,000 per year
- A dental hygienist in Dental offices earns $50,000-$66,000
- Nursing homes dental hygienist earns $65,000-$82,000
- Personal facility dental hygienist earns $37,000-$40,000
- Schools and institutions dental hygienist earns $63,000-$80,000
- medical facilities dental hygienist earns $36,000
Frequently Asked Questions
By completing an accredited dental hygiene degree program or by applying to the Alabama Dental Hygiene Program as a working dental assistant, you can apply for a license through the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama. A passing grade on the Alabama Dental Hygiene Board Exam is also necessary for both career paths.
In Alabama, you must graduate from an accredited college with at least an associate’s degree to work as a dental hygienist. A two- to a three-year degree program in dental hygiene may be required.
The Alabama Dental Practice Act stipulates that dental hygienists must have completed the required training in addition to graduating from a regular senior high school or receiving their GED. possessing a Dental Hygienist license that the Alabama State Board has approved of Dental Examiners
Conclusion
Dental hygienists were listed as one of “Alabama’s Hot 40 Demand Occupations” by the Alabama Department of Labor, with a 3.68 percent annual growth rate predicted between 2010 and 2020.
According to the Department of Labor, Alabama will see an average of 195 new dental hygienist positions open yearly.
In Alabama, dental hygienists must hold a license and are in charge of offering clinical therapeutic, preventive, and educational services.
References
- Niche.com – Top two-year college with dental hygiene
- Dentalcareersedu.org – Dental Hygiene Schools and Education programs in Alabama