Career and School Info for Dental Hygienists in Iowa

Schools Concentrating On Dental Hygienists

• Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Des Moines Area Community College, Kirkwood Community College, Hawkeye Community College, and Eastern Iowa Community College District.

Student Body

• Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider University of Iowa.
• Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Western Iowa Tech Community College.
• Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Southeastern Community College.

School Setting

• Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of University of Iowa, Iowa Western Community College, Western Iowa Tech Community College, and Southeastern Community College.
• Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Iowa Central Community College, Iowa Western Community College, University of Iowa, and Western Iowa Tech Community College.

Excellence

• SAT: For students with high SAT scores, look at University of Iowa.
• Class Size: For small class sizes, look at University of Iowa.

Working as a Dental Hygienist in Iowa

Dental hygienists work with dentists to diagnose specific dental conditions, repair and care for teeth, and educate patients about dental care. Read a detailed Dental Hygienist job description and schools overview.

State chapters of professional associations include the Iowa Dental Hygienists Association and Iowa Dental Association.

State Requirements

The Iowa Board of Dental Examiners requires dental hygienists to be licensed. Licensure requirements are:

• Graduation from an accredited school of dental hygiene
• Completion of the National Board exam administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations
• Completion of the clinical examination of the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) or the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) if taken after Jan. 1, 2001
• Completion of a jurisprudence exam administered by the Iowa Board
• Make separate application for issuance of a local anesthesia permit prior to administering local anesthesia

Dental hygienists who are planning to move to Iowa, and are currently practicing in another state, can apply for a license by credentials. The applicant must be a graduate of an accredited school, have three years professional experience and pass a clinical exam.