Degree Completion for Licensed Dental Hygienists

Dental Hygiene Degree Completion

Curriculum
Direct to Work
Offered 100% Online
Program of Study

CCD offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in dental hygiene completely online!

The BAS in dental hygiene provides registered dental hygienists (RDH) an opportunity to continue their dental hygiene education, earn a baccalaureate degree and expand their career options with special emphasis in public health dental hygiene and elective courses in education.

We also offer a variety of continuing education courses. These courses are designed to expand the knowledge and skills of dental hygienists while fulfilling the requirements of the State of Colorado dental hygiene licensure.

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Available Online

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene program is completely online.

Your first step is to view additional information regarding our CCD Online learning options and to determine if online learning is a good option for you. Discover how online and hybrid environments offer much more flexibility but require more self-direction and self-discipline from you. Certain work habits, learning styles and skills contribute to a successful online or hybrid learning experience.

Online Experience Questions?
303.352.6785 | TLC@ccd.edu

Course & Program Fees

What You Can Expect to Pay as a Student in the BAS Program

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene program is completely online. In addition to tuition and fees, there are a few program expenses that students will encounter. The following serves as an estimate of the expenses associated with the BAS Dental Hygiene program.

Course Fees

The fees listed here are estimated and may change at any time. Please contact your advisor with any questions. This program has additional fees for the following courses: 

Course Description Fee
DEH 301, DEH 302, DEH 326, 
DEH 333, DEH 355, DEH 387, DEH 412,
DEH 479, DEH 481,
DEH 482
High-cost course fee $7.21 (per credit hour)

Program Costs

Costs are subject to change without notice. The fees listed are estimates only. Variations may occur without being posted on this website. This information is meant for planning purposes only.

YEAR 1
FULL-TIME TUITION Review tuition and basic fees.  
SUPPLIES Books $750
Student Member of American Association of Public Health & Dentistry (AAPHD) $40
Student Member of the American Dental Education Association^ $40/NC
YEAR 2
FULL-TIME TUITION Review tuition and basic fees.  
SUPPLIES Books $750
Student Chapter of American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD)+ $40
Student Member of the American Dental Education Association^ $40/NC

*Students completing 12 credit hours per semester or 6 credit hours per 8 week session will be able to complete the program in one calendar year. Program length will be determined at the individual’s Program Plan meeting with the BAS Coordinator.

^CCD is a member of ADEA and fee can be waived

+Student membership in dental/dental hygiene professional organizations is encouraged to be kept aware of changing policies and news within dentistry and dental hygiene. These organizations also offer scholarship and employment opportunities.

Financial Aid Eligibility

This program is eligible for federal financial aid.

Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office to discover how you can afford college. Our dedicated staff and support services help you wade through all the legal language and get you past the first hurdle to completing your educational goals.

In addition, CCD has $1,000,000 available in scholarships. Apply at CCD.edu/Scholarships.

Job Outlook & Salary Information

What Can I Do with My Major?

Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 20 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Dental hygienists who have earned a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in dental hygiene can be employed in a variety of settings beyond the traditional private practice dental setting. Career opportunities are expanded and can include:

  • community dental health clinics
  • public schools
  • clinical and basic science research laboratories
  • state and federal health facilities
  • management
  • dental hygiene education
  • sales and marketing representatives
  • entrepreneurial ventures

As licensed oral health professionals who focus on prevention and control of oral diseases, dental hygienists possess the knowledge and skills to provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services in a variety of dental/dental hygiene settings. In addition to the traditional roles and skills of a dental hygienist, bachelor degree trained dental hygienists can expand their role to develop program plans for public health institutions and organizations, participate in research, educate dental, dental hygiene students and community groups, be employed within dental sales, medical sales, marketing organizations and consulting firms.

Dental hygienists with an entrepreneurial spirit can develop their own unique niche to support dentistry and dental hygiene through continuing education, practice management and publications.

Learn more about this career path by visiting CCD's Career and Transfer Center.

How Much Can I Expect to Earn?

The median annual wage for dental hygienists was $74,070 in May 2018.

The information provided here is by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Program Outcomes

Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene Graduation and Advanced Education

 

Number of Program Graduates*
Percentage of Graduates That Have Gone on to Pursue a Master's*
Institutions Students Chose to Pursue Advanced Degrees*
38
16 percent
Buena Vista University
Eastern Washington University
Idaho State University
Ohio University
Regis University
University of Colorado - Denver

*Reporting data from July 2017 - June 2020.