Dental Hygiene Associate Degree
Train to be a licensed dental hygienist through small classes and real patient care in our on-campus James Kadel Dental Hygiene Clinic — a CODA-accredited program that prepares you for licensure and immediate work in oral health.
Program Overview
Whether you’re just beginning your college journey or ready to advance in healthcare, Shawnee State’s Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene prepares you for a meaningful, high-demand career — right here in our region. You’ll learn in small, hands-on classes and train in our on-campus Dental Hygiene Clinic, working directly with real patients under expert faculty guidance.
At Shawnee State, your path to becoming a dental hygienist is rooted in experience. From day one, you’ll develop clinical skills that translate to immediate career opportunities — all while building confidence, community connections, and leadership in patient care.
Career Outcomes
How to Apply
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Start your application
Free, takes about 15 minutes.
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Send transcripts
Have your high school guidance counselor send them to admissions@shawnee.edu
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Send Admissions your ACT/SAT scores
If you have a copy of your report, email it to admissions@shawnee.edu. Your high school counselor may also be able to include your ACT/SAT score on your transcript. You may also contact ACT or College Board to have your scores officially sent to Shawnee State. If you listed Shawnee State at the time that you took your test, we will receive your scores automatically.
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Submit the Selective Admission Application
Submit before the deadline to be considered.
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File the FAFSA
School code 009942. Required for Free Tuition.
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Get your decision
Most decisions in under 7 days.
At A Glance
Dental Hygiene Associate Degree (Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science degree)
Degree
A.A.S.
Format
On campus, full-time, cohort
Length
Sequential, typically completed in 2 years
Class Size
12:1
Location
Main Campus, Health Sciences Building, James Kadel Dental Hygiene Clinic
Why Study Dental Hygiene Associate Degree (Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science degree) at Shawnee University
Real patients, real clinic. Most of your clinical work happens in the James Kadel Dental Hygiene Clinic on campus, serving the local community.
CODA-accredited curriculum that prepares you to sit for licensure exams and step directly into work. Small cohorts and direct attention from faculty who have practiced in the field.
Modern, industry-standard equipment so you train on the tools you'll use on the job.
Shawnee State is one of two public universities in Ohio designated an Opportunity College by the Carnegie Foundation, paired with affordable tuition and scholarships.
The curriculum is sequenced — each semester builds on the last, blending classroom instruction with lab and clinical work.
- Oral and dental anatomy
- Dental materials and radiography
- Pharmacology
- Periodontology
- Clinical dental hygiene practice in the James Kadel Clinic
Clinical work in the James Kadel Dental Hygiene Clinic is the heart of the program. You'll treat a range of patients under faculty supervision, building the clinical competence you'll be tested on at licensure and that employers expect on day one.
By graduation, you'll be able to:
- Provide comprehensive dental hygiene care to patients
- Educate patients on oral and overall health
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
- Apply current scientific knowledge and clinical skills
- Sit for the licensure exams required to practice
On campus in the Health Sciences Building. Clinical work takes place in the James Kadel Dental Hygiene Clinic on the Portsmouth campus.
Graduates work as licensed dental hygienists in:
- Private dental practices
- Dental specialty offices (periodontics, pediatric, orthodontics)
- Community health and public health clinics
- Hospital dental departments
- Dental sales and education roles
Dental hygienists are in steady demand across the region and nationally.
Free Tuition and Financial Aid
Shawnee State's tuition is among the lowest in Ohio, and the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee keeps your rate flat for four years. Scholarships including Choose Ohio First and the Pell-Eligible Free Tuition Program may also apply.
See if you Qualify for Free Tuition
Ohio students can apply to receive a $1,500 scholarship up to full-tuition when you apply and are accepted.
Learn More about Choose Ohio FirstDental Hygiene Associate Degree (Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science degree) Frequently Asked Questions
The Dental Hygiene A.A.S. admits a new cohort each fall. Admission is selective and based on prerequisite coursework, GPA, and other criteria.
Yes. The cohort moves through coursework, labs, and clinical rotations together full-time. Part-time enrollment isn't available because of how clinicals are scheduled.
Yes. You'll need to complete required courses (including foundational science) and meet GPA and testing standards before applying. The program's admissions page lists current requirements.
Program handbook
Refer to the Dental Hygiene Program Student Manual for policies, clinical procedures, and academic requirements.
Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene A.A.S. is accredited by CODA. Learn more about this programs accreditation.
Shawnee State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
