Overview

The Dental Hygiene (Hons) programme at Northern Arizona University offers a comprehensive pathway for students seeking to become leaders in oral healthcare. This nationally recognised degree integrates advanced scientific knowledge with hands-on clinical training to prepare graduates for diverse professional environments.

Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasises public health and community service, ensuring they are equipped to meet the growing demand for dental services. The programme is specifically designed to foster expertise in oral health education and clinical care, particularly for underserved and rural populations across the region.

The academic structure requires the completion of 123 units, including pre-professional requirements and intensive major coursework.

Why Dental Hygiene at Northern Arizona University?

This programme holds a prestigious national reputation and is the only Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene available in the state of Arizona. It is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and recognised by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Students gain unparalleled clinical experience through regular rotations at the NAU Dental Hygiene Clinic and various regional medical centres. These facilities allow students to apply their knowledge of pharmacology, periodontics, and oral pathology directly to patient care under expert faculty supervision.

A distinctive feature of the programme is the mandatory summer externship, which provides opportunities to work in public health facilities. These placements may include international sites or locations serving military and American Indian populations, offering a global perspective on dental hygiene practice.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 29568 per year
National fee: USD 29568 per year
Local fee: USD 11352 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is divided into pre-professional foundations and professional major requirements. Modules may include:

Pre-professional Requirements

Human Anatomy and Physiology
Microbiology
Chemistry
Nutrition
Psychology
Sociology
Statistics

Professional Courses

Oral Pathology
Oral Medicine
Pharmacology
Periodontics
Dental Science
Community Health
Clinical Dental Hygiene

Careers with Dental Hygiene

Graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for roles in private dental practices, public health administration, and independent practice. The curriculum’s strong focus on public health specifically equips students with the skills needed to write grant proposals and lead community health initiatives.

The programme also serves as an ideal foundation for those wishing to pursue advanced studies, such as becoming a dental therapist or entering master’s level programmes. Many alumni find rewarding careers serving in rural communities, military facilities, or international health organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Head And Neck, Oral And Dental Anatomy

Oral Histology And Embryology

Preclinical Dental Hygiene

Professionalism

Oral Health And Disease Prevention

Oral Radiology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

Language

English

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Credits

123 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Flagstaff, United States

Disciplines

Dentistry View 111 other Bachelors in Dentistry in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29568 USD / year

≈ 29568 USD / year
Out-of-State

29568 USD / year

≈ 29568 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11352 USD / year

≈ 11352 USD / year

Living costs

Flagstaff

United States

1010 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Dental Hygiene.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Flagstaff

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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