Category: Finance | Title: Dental Hygienist Schools in Knoxville TN: Programs, Costs, and Licensing Requirements | Tag: Dental Hygienist Schools | Meta Description: Find accredited dental hygienist schools in Knoxville TN, including program costs, admission requirements, licensing steps, and career outlook data...
Accredited Dental Hygienist Programs in Knoxville TN
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Dentistry in Memphis is the primary public pathway for dental hygienist education in Tennessee, with students from the Knoxville area frequently enrolling in its Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and requires completion of prerequisite science courses before admission. UTHSC Dental Hygiene Program typically admits a limited cohort each year, with competitive GPA and prerequisite grade requirements.
Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville offers an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene that is also CODA-accredited and designed for direct entry into clinical practice. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on patient care at on-campus clinics and affiliated dental offices. Pellissippi State Community College Dental Hygiene emphasizes preventive care, radiography, and periodontal therapy skills within a two-year curriculum.
Admission Requirements, Costs, and Financial Aid
Admission to dental hygienist programs in the Knoxville TN area generally requires a high school diploma or GED, completion of biology, chemistry, and anatomy prerequisites, a minimum cumulative GPA, and submission of standardized test scores or placement exams. Both UTHSC and Pellissippi State require background checks, immunization records, and CPR certification before clinical rotations begin. American Dental Education Association provides a centralized overview of program-specific prerequisites and application timelines.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, Pellissippi State tuition for Tennessee residents is approximately $4,200 per year, with additional fees for clinical materials and licensure exams. UTHCS out-of-state tuition for the dental hygiene bachelor's program is significantly higher, and students should consult the university's financial aid office for current cost estimates. Federal Pell Grants, Tennessee Promise, and institutional scholarships are available to eligible students at both institutions.
Licensing, Certification, and Career Outlook for Dental Hygienists in Knoxville TN
Graduates must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a clinical licensing exam administered by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry to practice in Knoxville TN. The Tennessee Board of Dentistry requires applicants to submit official transcripts, exam scores, and a completed application with fees. Tennessee Department of Health Board of Dentistry publishes current application forms, fees, and renewal requirements online.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that dental hygienists in Tennessee earned a median annual wage of approximately $77,000 to $81,000 in recent data, with employment growth projected to remain faster than the national average through 2032. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook lists dental hygienists among the fastest-growing healthcare occupations, driven by increased recognition of oral health's connection to overall health. Knoxville TN dental practices, including chains and private clinics, continue to hire graduates from both CODA-accredited programs in the region.