Dental Hygiene Programs
Colorado has eight dental hygiene programs, with additional program planning accreditation in the next year. Graduates from all Colorado programs will obtain an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. The programs do have some variation in program length and prerequisite requirements. Please contact the programs individually to learn more about their requirements.
Pueblo, CO
The PCC Dental Hygiene faculty has over 100 years combined experience in the profession. Our members have extensive experience working with a diverse patient population, are active members in their professional association and believe in continually serving the public through numerous community service projects.
The Dental Hygiene program operates a modern community clinic that offers excellent preventive dental care to the general public at substantially reduced rates. The clinic offers you the opportunity to gain extensive hands-on experience under the supervision of our excellent instructors.
Our students have a record of high success rates on licensing exams and are highly sought after in the profession.
Visit at: www.pueblocc.edu
Rangley, CO
Established in 1962, this nationally-acclaimed program consists of five semesters of instruction and clinical training and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Successful candidates for acceptance must have completed 19 specific prerequisite credit hours. CNCC offers several Guaranteed Admission Programs designed not only to prepare students to enter the program, but to guarantee them a spot in the program.
Visit at: www.cncc.edu
Denver, CO
The dental hygiene program at the Community College of Denver (CCD) was established in 1996. Located on the Lowry campus of CCD, it is one of the most highly rated programs in the state. Students are educated to become preventive oral health professionals who provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services in dentistry. Dental hygienists perform procedures such as oral prophylaxis, application of preventive agents, exposure of dental radiographs, patient education, and nutritional counseling.
Visit at: www.ccd.edu
Edwards, CO
CMC’s unique program offers hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art dental hygiene skills lab and an oral health clinic. Upon successful completion of the dental hygiene program, written and clinical board examinations, graduates will be eligible for state licensure and employment.
Visit at: www.coloradomtn.edu
Colorado Springs, CO
Dental hygiene at PPSC prepares you to be a licensed healthcare professional that is skilled and an essential member of the dental health care team in the delivery of preventive & therapeutic dentistry. The educational requirements for licensure are an associate degree from a CODA accredited institution and successful completion of a national and a clinical board examination.
Visit at: www.pikespeak.edu
Aurora, CO
The dental hygiene program is an Associate of Applied Science degree program. The curriculum is designed to blend theory with hands-on application in both lab and clinical settings. You will learn to work within dental practices to provide cleanings, perform screenings and take x-rays. Your training will also prepare you to provide education on at-home care to patients, as well as act as an important source of information for the dentist, alerting them to problems or changes in a patients’ dental health.
Students pursuing the dental hygiene associate degree program may be able to earn their degree in as few as 17-months.
Visit at: www.concorde.edu
Fort Collins, CO
FRCC’s AAS in dental hygiene is the first and only Dental Hygiene program north of the Denver metro area. This program prepares you to take national and regional licensing exams to either work as a dental hygienist and/or pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. You will receive state-of-the-art, hands-on training in FRCC’s Dental Clinic and be taught by dental professionals.
Visit at: www.frontrange.edu
Grand Junction, CO
CMU Tech is currently in the process of CODA accreditation for their dental hygiene program. While the program has not yet been officially announced, CODHA will update our program page as soon as we receive confirmation that the program is approved to launch.
Visit at: www.coloradomesa.edu/tech
Bachelor’s Completion Programs in Dental Hygiene
RDH Program News
📚 Steps to Applying for a Dental Hygiene Program
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Earn a High School Diploma or GED
Strong grades in science courses—especially biology and chemistry—are highly recommended. -
Complete Prerequisite College Courses
Most programs require prerequisite courses such as:-
Anatomy & Physiology
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Microbiology
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Chemistry
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English and Communication
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Psychology or Sociology
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Research CODA-Accredited Programs
Explore accredited dental hygiene programs in Colorado to find the best fit. Each school may differ in requirements, deadlines, and delivery format (on-campus, hybrid, or online). -
Submit an Application
Applications typically include:-
Transcripts
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Personal statement or essay
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Letters of recommendation
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Application fee
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Complete an Interview or Aptitude Assessment (if required)
Some programs may require an interview, others may use an entrance exam or aptitude test instead. Be sure to check the admissions criteria for each school. -
Gain Dental or Healthcare Experience (recommended)
While not always required, shadowing a dental hygienist or working in a dental office can strengthen your application and confidence in choosing this career.
Every program is unique—be sure to visit each school's website or contact their admissions office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
