Last Updated on January 17, 2023
Your mouth and teeth are two of the most important parts of your body, and keeping them healthy and clean is very important. Dental hygiene is a necessity, which is why you can find many dental hygiene schools in any state or city in America (and even around the world). In this article, we’ll review the top 17-month dental hygiene programs from around the United States!
17-Month Dental Hygiene Programs: What You Can Expect
If you’re looking for a career in the dental industry, consider a dental hygiene program that can get you working as a professional in just 17 months. These programs focus on providing students with the education and hands-on training they need to start their careers as quickly as possible.
What Is A 17-Month Dental Hygiene Program?
A 17-month dental hygiene program is an accelerated version of a typical two-year associate’s degree program. These programs are designed to allow students to complete their education in less time than it takes to complete the traditional program. Many schools now offer these accelerated programs to help students graduate sooner and start working in their new careers.
The curriculum for these programs is similar to that of traditional programs, but the courses are offered through condensed semesters and classes are taught back-to-back without breaks between them. Students who choose this type of program will have a busy schedule, but they will be able to graduate much faster than those who choose the traditional two-year option. The programs are still accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, so graduates can sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and apply for licensure in any state.
WHICH PROGRAM / TRACK IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
I want to move through the program as quickly as possible and I can go full-time.I missed the fall deadline and still wish to start in the spring.I have many possible transfer credits for previous colleges.I need to go part-time.I have a dental degree from another country.I do not have the pre-requisite courses.I need financial aid.Should I apply for the AAS or four-year BS degree?I hold a Bachelor’s degree from another institution. Why should I enroll in the AAS degree program?
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Program is comprised of 128 credits, which can be completed either along a “typical” four-year college track (Track A) or through a degree completion track (Track B). Track A is a four-year dental hygiene program (PDF) which allows the student to obtain the BS degree while also receiving dental hygiene education. Track B (degree completion (PDF)) is for students who have already completed an accredited program in dental hygiene and now wish to pursue a BS degree. Additionally, an Accelerated Track A (PDF) for students with possible transfer credits is available.
All BS tracks include unique internship opportunities in specialized areas of focus, such as education, research, public health and healthcare management. Two required internships (100 hours total) must be completed and are carefully selected by the student with faculty advisement. The classes offered within these tracks are unique in that they familiarize the students with varied aspects of healthcare beyond the clinical scope of practice. In the field of dental hygiene, a BS degree will create more innovative employment opportunities within the field of dentistry and dental hygiene.
Track AAccelerated Track A (for Transfer Students)Track B (Degree Completion)
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree Program in Dental Hygiene is comprised of lecture courses in dental and health sciences along with clinical and hands-on experience. The 78 credit curriculum is offered as a “fast-track” 17-month program (PDF), a two-year day program (PDF) or a three-year day program (PDF). Dental hygiene students are prepared to perform competently in providing preventive and therapeutic patient oral health care. The dental hygiene program, located within the NYU College of Dentistry, allows students to work side by side with dental (DDS) students, dental faculty and dental hygiene faculty in the clinical portion of the curriculum. By working in these clinical settings with culturally diverse patients, dental hygiene students gain invaluable knowledge and experiences.New Advanced Standing Track”Fast Track” 17-Month ProgramTwo-Year Daytime TrackThree-Year Daytime Track
The NYU dental hygiene program is further enhanced by clinical rotations and outreaches. As part of the clinical requirements, students rotate through specialty areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and hospital clinics, while improving their clinical expertise. Domestic and international outreach opportunities in underserved areas are available to students in their second year. Selected students continue to work closely with dental students and other faculty members, providing comprehensive dental treatment to those who may not have access to care.
Upon completion of the 78 credit curriculum, students are qualified to take the clinical board examinations and the dental hygiene national boards, which are requirements for state licensure.
The programs in dental hygiene are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and have been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. For more information please visit the Commission’s web site.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS INCLUDE PREREQUISITES AS WELL AS THE SEMESTER(S) WHEN EACH COURSE IS OFFERED
AAS Degree Program
PROFESSIONAL COURSES
Board Review (0 cr.)Chemistry for Allied Health
(4 cr.)Dental Materials (3 cr.)General and Oral Pathology
(3 cr.)Human Anatomy and Physiology I (3 cr.)Human Anatomy and Physiology II (3 cr.)Human Microbiology I (3 cr.)Human Microbiology II (2 cr.)Nutrition and Health (3 cr.)Oral Anatomy (3 cr.)Oral Embryology and Histology (2 cr.)Oral Health Education (2 cr.)Pain Management (2 cr.)Periodontics (2 cr.)Pharmacology (2 cr.)Preventive Dentistry and Public Health (3 cr.)Principles of Dental Hygiene I (2 cr.)Principles of Dental Hygiene I Clinic (2 cr.)Principles of Dental Hygiene II (2 cr.)Principles of Dental Hygiene II Clinic (2 cr.)Principles of Dental Hygiene III (2 cr.)Principles of Dental Hygiene III Clinic (2 cr.)Principles of Dental Hygiene IV (2 cr.)Principles of Dental Hygiene IV Clinic (2 cr.)Radiology Lecture and Laboratory (2 cr.)
Liberal Arts Courses
The College of Dentistry and the Paul McGhee Division work cooperatively to offer these courses through NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Students are recommended to take these courses according to their specific track guidelines.Ethics (1 cr.)
The courses listed below are usually offered throughout the academic year.Introduction to Creative and Expository Writing (2 cr.)Introduction to Psychology
(4 cr.)Introduction to Sociology
(4 cr.)Oral Communications (4 cr.)Writing Workshop I (4 cr.)Writing Workshop II (4 cr.)
NOTE: All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed before higher level courses may be taken, unless special permission is given by the Director of the Dental Hygiene Program.
BS Degree Program
BS Track A curriculum also includes all courses listed to the left in the AAS section.
CORE/REQUIRED COURSES
Statistics I (3 cr.)Foundations of Informational Technology (3 cr.)Concepts in Community and Public Health* (3 cr.)Critical Thinking (4 cr.)Cultural Competence (3 cr.)Internship I & II (3 cr. each)Introduction to Health Policy (3 cr.)/Topics in Healthcare Management (4 cr.)Introduction to Research Methods (4 cr.)Introduction to Research (NURSE-UN120) (4 cr.)Pain Management (2 cr.)
Elective Courses
Advanced Allied Dental Education (3 cr.)Advanced Clinical Dental Hygiene Teaching (3 cr.)Forensic Dentistry/Emergency Preparedness (2 cr.)Health Care for the Older Adult (3 cr.)Independent Study (credit varies)Women’s Health (3 cr.)
Additional BS Curriculum Requirements
The College of Dentistry and the Paul McGhee Division work cooperatively to offer these courses through NYU’s School of Professional Studies. Students are recommended to take these courses according to their specific track guidelines.
The courses listed below are usually offered throughout the academic year. **Prerequisites will be defined per class through the School of Professional Studies. Please review prerequisite requirements before enrolling.Math (3 cr.)Foreign Language (3 cr.)History/Culture/Arts Electives (Two 4-credit courses required)
*Concepts in Community and Public Health is currently an elective, but is becoming a core/required course in Spring 2021.
NOTE: All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed before higher level courses may be taken, unless special permission is given by the Director of the Dental Hygiene Program.
CURRENT YEAR REQUIREMENTS
- Fall 2020 – Summer 2021
PREVIOUS YEAR REQUIREMENTS
- Fall 2019 – Summer 2020 (PDF)
- Fall 2018 – Summer 2019 (PDF)
- Fall 2017 – Summer 2018 (PDF)
- Fall 2016 – Summer 2017 (PDF)
- Fall 2015 – Summer 2016 (PDF)
- Spring 2015 – Summer 2015 (PDF)
- Fall 2013 – Fall 2014 (PDF)
- Fall 2010 – Summer 2013 (PDF)
The luxury of being able to afford a 17-month dental hygiene program.
Not everyone has this luxury. For some, it’s a question of whether they can make it through the day on their current income. And for others, it’s a question of whether they’ll even be able to pay their bills this month.
But if you’re in the position to afford a high quality dental hygiene program that costs more than $22,000, you should seriously consider taking advantage of the opportunity. You could learn everything you need to know about how to run your business in a way that will bring you customers for life—and potentially help you achieve financial freedom in the process.
