Become Dental Hygienist in Connecticut
There are over 3,120 people employed as dental hygienists in Connecticut. Growth prospects in this state and nationwide are promising. [Seguir leyendo en español]
The demand is expected to grow in the 10 years to 2028 by 12% for dental assistants in Connecticut and by 7% nationally. And 12% for dental hygienists. You can therefore anticipate a good number of job openings each year for the foreseeable future. (Want to become a dental assistant in CT?)
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What do dental hygienists do?
Dental hygienists remove plaque, tartar and stains from teeth; take x-rays; apply sealants and fluoride treatments; and provide patients with information on how to practice good oral hygiene. They also chart the conditions of patients’ teeth and gums, take dental impressions and make models of teeth.
Requirements for Dental Hygienist in Connecticut
To obtain a license as a dental hygienist in Connecticut , you must:
- Graduate from an ADA accredited dental hygiene program, AND
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, AND
- Pass one of these clinical exams: North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners, Inc., Southern Regional Testing Agency, Central Regional Dental Testing Service or Western Regional Examining Board.
Accredited dental hygiene programs in Connecticut are listed below. After successfully passing the National Board exams students will obtain a Connecticut Dental Hygienist Licensure
Dental Hygienist Salaries in Connecticut by Area
The average salary for Dental Hygienists in Connecticut in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $87,540, or an hourly wage of $42.09. There are around 3,120 dental hygienist jobs in Connecticut and around 35% of these are in the Hartford area. Salaries in Hartford are above average for the State.
The following table shows the average annual salary for dental hygienists in Connecticut’s major cities.
| Area | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | 940 | $40.03 | $83,260 |
| Danbury, CT | 210 | $35.72 | $74,300 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 1,300 | $42.27 | $87,910 |
| New Haven, CT | 750 | $38.50 | $80,090 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | 280 | $36.66 | $76,260 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 630 | $38.39 | $79,860 |
| Waterbury, CT | ** | $38.95 | $81,020 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 690 | $39.72 | $82,620 |
Dental Hygiene Schools in Connecticut
Dental hygiene programs will typically contain courses on topics like anatomy, physiology, nutrition, chemistry, pharmacology and radiography. Students will also complete clinical training rotations in order to gain hands-on experience to improve their knowledge and skills. Some programs may offer specializations, such as periodontics or dental education. Most will incorporate some general education courses.
Here are the accredited dental hygienist schools in Connecticut as of 2021. The following programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education:
Goodwin University – East Harford. Goodwin University’s Associate in Dental Hygiene program is centered on evidence-based learning and leads to an Associate in Science degree. The program makes use of a state-of-the-art dental lab and equipment and a functional dental office.
Tunxis Community College – Farmington, CT. Tunxis Community College also offers an associate degree in dental hygiene, which is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The program is offered in conjunction with the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and employs UCONN School of Dental Medicine’s facilities as well as federal, state and local hospitals, and community health clinics. Graduates are eligible to take the national board exam.
University of Bridgeport – Bridgeport, CT. The University of Bridgeport’s School of Dental Medicine offers Associate, Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Dental Hygiene at their Bridgeport campus. At the Bachelor and Master level there is also the opportunity to complete the program online if you are already a licensed dental hygienist having completed an associate’s degree from an accredited dental hygiene program. The Masters program expands the students career into education and public health. Students gain theory and practical experience from faculty experts from UB’s Fones School of Dental Hygiene. These are some of the few online programs offered nationwide.
University of New Haven – West Haven, CT. The University of New Haven offers both an associate and bachelor’s degree program, as well as bachelor’s degree completion program for students who already have an associates degree. Students are taught the latest advances in dental hygiene standards and infection control while gaining experience with modern treatment stations and techniques, including modern digital radiology and dental materials laboratories.
Check the accreditation status of any college before applying with the United States Department of Education.