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Dental hygiene schools

Dental Hygiene Schools in Iowa

Iowa has 6 dental hygiene programs at 6 schools. All 6 offer an associate degree. Each school is in a different city.

In-state tuition and fees run from $4,872 to $6,780 a year (2023–24, whole school, not program cost). Together they reported 103 dental hygiene graduates in 2023–24.

Dental hygiene programs in Iowa

6 programs · 6 schools
Dental hygiene schools in Iowa
SchoolCityDental hygiene degreesIn-state tuition*Out-of-state*Graduates (2023–24)
Des Moines Area Community CollegeAnkenyAnkeny
  • Associate
$5,550$11,10023
Hawkeye Community CollegeWaterlooWaterloo
  • Associate
$6,308$6,59816
Indian Hills Community CollegeOttumwaOttumwa
  • Associate
$4,872$6,12017
Iowa Central Community CollegeFort DodgeFort Dodge
  • Associate
$5,376$7,66815
Iowa Western Community CollegeCouncil BluffsCouncil Bluffs
  • Associate
$6,780$6,93014
Kirkwood Community CollegeCedar RapidsCedar Rapids
  • Associate
$5,980$7,96818

* Tuition and fees for full-time undergraduates, 2023–24, for the whole school, not the dental hygiene program, which adds instruments, uniforms, and exam fees. Source: IPEDS, which also supplies degrees and graduates (2023–24, CIP 51.0602). Confirm accreditation on CODA's program finder.

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FAQ

Dental hygiene school in Iowa: FAQ

How many dental hygiene schools are in Iowa?

Iowa has 6 dental hygiene programs at 6 schools, based on IPEDS 2023–24 completions data checked against official program pages.

How long is dental hygiene school in Iowa?

It depends on the degree. ADEA reports the average associate program takes 2 years (84 credit hours) and the average bachelor's takes 4 years (120 credit hours). Most programs also require prerequisite courses first, so plan on about 3 years in total for an associate path.

ADEA: dental hygiene programs
How much does dental hygiene school cost in Iowa?

In-state tuition and fees at Iowa schools with a dental hygiene program run from $4,872 to $6,780 a year (median $5,765, IPEDS, 2023–24). That's whole-school tuition, not program cost. Dental hygiene programs add instruments, uniforms, and exam fees, so ask each program for its total cost.

Are there online dental hygiene programs in Iowa?

Not for your first license. Entry-level programs include hands-on clinical training with patients, so you attend in person, though some schools teach part of the coursework online. Online degree-completion (RDH to bachelor's) programs are for hygienists who are already licensed.

How do I become a dental hygienist in Iowa?

Finish an accredited dental hygiene program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a clinical exam Iowa accepts (ADEX or CRDTS), then apply for your Iowa license. Iowa also requires a jurisprudence exam.

Iowa dental hygienist license requirements

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