20 Best Dental Hygiene Programs in Honolulu, HI (2026)

ByCharlene Farwell

Seeking a quality dental hygiene program in Honolulu, Hawaii can be an overwhelming task with so many options to consider. This guide features the top 20 dental hygiene schools and colleges in Honolulu, highlighting key details to help you find the right fit.

Whether you‘re looking to earn an Associate‘s or Bachelor‘s degree, take prerequisite courses for dental school, or pursue a dental hygiene career, Honolulu offers excellent opportunities. Read on for an in-depth look at each of these exceptional dental hygiene programs.

1. University of Hawaii Mānoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene

The University of Hawaii (UH) Mānoa‘s dental hygiene program has been continually accredited since 1967 and is highly respected. Students get intensive clinical experience through externships at over 40 partnered clinics and facilities.

Bachelor‘s and Associate‘s degrees are available, both taking 28 months for full-time students. The Bachelor’s program includes additional coursework in areas like microbiology, management, research and health promotion.

UH Mānoa dental hygiene grads consistently score higher than national averages on board exams. Small class sizes ensure personalized support and mentoring. State-of-the-art facilities provide cutting edge technical training.

2. Hawaii Community College Dental Assisting

Operating since 1941, Hawaii CC offers a Certificate of Competence in Dental Assisting to train students for careers supporting dental hygienists and dentists.

The intensive 1-year program includes courses in oral anatomy, microbiology, radiology, infection control protocols, clinical procedures and office operations. Students get a well-rounded education and job-ready skills through lectures, labs and clinical experience.

Externships provide real-world experience in local dental clinics and settings. Graduates can sit for the national Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam and are prepared to excel as dental assistants.

3. Honolulu Community College Dental Assisting

Honolulu Community College (HCC) offers an Accredited Certificate of Achievement program to gain chairside dental assisting abilities.

The rigorous curriculum covers dental sciences, lab techniques, radiology, infection control protocols, office administration basics and hands-on clinical training. Students apply skills during a semester-long practicum under professional guidance.

Many HCC dental assisting grads have a 100% first-time pass rate for the national CDA exams. Alumni praise the knowledgeable instructors and lecture/lab class structure equipping them for professional success.

4. Kapi’olani Community College Dental Assisting

Kapi’olani CC has over 45 years’ experience providing accredited dental assistant training on O’ahu. The program includes in-demand skills like digital radiography, CAD/CAM systems, electronic patient record-keeping and 3D imaging software mastery.

Students develop professionalism, infection control competency, and clinical techniques through didactic, lab and live patient practice. The curriculum meets national Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards.

5. Med-Assist School of Hawaii

Med-Assist offers the only civilian program in Hawaii training Expanded Duty Dental Assistants (EDDA) qualified to perform reversible chairside basic restorative care. Students master EDDA duties plus basic assisting and front office skills.

The intensive combined lecture/clinical program includes 1,000+ hours instructor-led training and lab work using industr-standard equipment. Students gain experience through externships in private practices and clinics. Graduates can immediately seek EDDA certification and employment.

6. Remington College – Honolulu Campus

Remington College Honolulu offers a Diploma in Dental Assisting with current CODA accreditation status. Students gain hands-on abilities in digital x-rays, intraoral camera usage, four-handed chairside techniques and more.

The curriculum covers all aspects of dental care delivery and business office functions. Students apply skills during clinical experience in the campus’s dental clinic using industry equipment prior to graduating career-ready.

7. Hawaii Institute of Hair Design

  • Address: 441 Niu St, Honolulu, HI 96815
  • Phone: (808) 536-4988
  • Website: https://hihdt.com

The Hawaii Institute of Hair Design offers a part-time Dental Assisting program teaching support skills for hygienist and dentist offices. Students learn dental sciences, lab protocols, x-ray techniques, sterilization processes, patient treatment record systems and chairside assisting.

Hands-on practice is emphasized, both on-campus and during clinical experiences in established dental offices. Flexible schedules allow students to work while training. Graduates can apply for entry-level assistant positions.

8. Heald College – Honolulu

  • Address: 1500 Kapiolani Blvd Suite 1105, Honolulu, HI 96814
  • Phone: (808) 951-6740
  • Website: https://www.heald.edu

Heald College has offered accredited dental assisting training in Hawaii for over four decades. Students learn dental office operations and clinical abilities for careers supporting dentists or hygienists.

The program includes hands-on practice with industry technologies and simulations. Students develop professionalism through Heald’s career services resources and externships arranged with partner offices. Flexible schedules are available to accommodate students’ needs.

9. PCCTI Dental Assisting School

Operating since 2009, PCCTI offers a high-quality accredited dental assisting program taught by experienced dental practitioners. Students gain career-ready competencies in just 8 months during convenient day, evening or weekend sessions.

Modern professional equipment is utilized to develop clinical digital x-ray, intraoral photography, instrumentation handling and infection prevention abilities. Externships arranged with reputable dental clinics provide practical experience. Graduates have consistently high CDA exam pass rates.

10. Australian American College

Australian American College provides accredited training to gain dental assisting and administrative abilities for supporting hygiene and dentistry practices. Students develop clinical skills using up-to-date equipment and software applications during hands-on lessons.

Instructors bring real-world experience to help students excel. The training program is structured for completion in just 7 months by mid-career changers or high school grads seeking dental careers. Externships provide practical on-the-job experience prior to entering the field.

11. Century Dental College

Located on the windward side of O’ahu, Century Dental College offers an accredited program teaching dental assisting and front office capabilities since 2002. Both classroom and clinical training utilize professional equipment to gain hands-on abilities.

Students master four-handed chairside techniques, lab procedures, x-ray processes, sterilization protocols and patient record software under expert guidance. Field experience and job placement assistance are included to begin careers after graduation.

12. Dental Assistant School of Hawaii

Conveniently located on O’ahu’s southeastern shore, Dental Assistant School of Hawaii delivers accredited training for dental assistants since 2011. The hands-on program includes classroom instruction plus clinical experience to build essential career skills.

Under professional supervision, students gain abilities in chairside basics, lab protocols, x-ray methods, taking patient impressions and other vital areas. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention and training on the latest dental equipment and software.

13. Hawaii Dental Hygiene Professionals Association

The Hawaii Dental Hygiene Professionals Association provides continuing education, training, advocacy and other resources for licensed hygienists. Membership options are available for currently enrolled students as well as industry professionals seeking skill-building opportunities.

The HDHP offers seminars, study clubs, conferences and events that allow Honolulu-based hygienists stay updated on regulations, cutting-edge products/services and best practices in patient treatment. Student scholarships, networking and mentoring offer growth.

14. University of Hawaii Maui College Dental Hygiene

Accredited since 1972, Maui College’s dental hygiene program produces highly skilled clinicians. Students gain intensive theoretical knowledge and hands-on abilities using the newest technologies found in modern clinics and practices.

The Associate of Science degree program includes liberal arts, biomedical sciences and rigorous clinical coursework to develop ethical, analytical professionals ready to begin hygiene careers.

15. University of Hawaii West Oahu Dental Hygiene

As UH West Oahu‘s newest addition, the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program launches in 2024 pending accreditation. This cutting-edge program aims to increase skilled dental providers in rural and underserved locations using distance learning options.

The planned four-year hybrid curriculum will combine online instruction with teaching at the Pearl City urban campus plus neighbor island and remote area clinic rotations. Graduates will gain upper-level abilities to treat special needs and geriatric patients, elevating Hawaii‘s oral health access and outcomes.

16. Windward Community College

Windward CC hosts presentations, clinics and events like Children’s Dental Health Month informational fairs open to aspiring dental professionals. Guest lectures feature topics on the latest industry innovations in areas like periodontics, orthodontics and pediatric dentistry from experts.

Free oral cancer screenings, sealant application clinics and similar hands-on activities provide great learning opportunities for enrolled students. Future degree program plans focusing on dental hygiene and STEM are slated to further serve O‘ahu‘s windward side.

17. Straub Medical Center

Associated with HAPI clinics across Hawaii, Straub Medical Center offers dental residents, hygienists and assistants training opportunities to develop advanced skills. State-of-the-art technology paired with knowledgeable providers gives exposure to the newest technical approaches.

Straub participates in clinical trials, research studies and develops progressive treatment protocols that team members can be part of. Updated dental equipment plus electronic health records training are implemented to excel region-wide. Employee education grants, workshops and cross-training options.

18. Ko‘olauloa Health Center

Serving Windward O’ahu and North Shore communities, Koolauloa Health Center delivers quality dental care including preventive dental hygiene treatments. Partnerships with organizations like Hawaii Smiles provide access for low-income, uninsured and underserved populations.

The KHC dental clinic relies on pro bono dentists, volunteer hygienists/assistants, and charitable donations to fund staffing and supplies. Those wishing to gain experience treating high-need groups can inquire about contributing services. Collaborations with local schools and non-profits also educate the next generation of providers.

19. Wahiawa General Hospital

Wahiawa General Hospital‘s dental clinic delivers low-cost preventive, restorative and denture treatments to central O’ahu communities through staff dentists, volunteers and partnerships. The facility provides quality in-house practice experience for dental students/residents when available.

The hospital also conducts free oral cancer screenings, dental care workshops and other outreach supporting uninsured and underprivileged populations lacking access. Prospective hygienists/assistants can potentially gain skills through community service hours.

20. Hawaii State Department of Health Oral Health Program

The Department of Health Office of Oral Health administers programs improving consumer education, access and workforce development statewide while overseeing regulations. Initiatives like Hawaii Smiles provide no-cost dental care for qualifying residents through partnered providers including hygienists.

Prospective students can contact DOH managers to learn about scholarship/loan options, licensure requirements, continuing education needs and scope of practice guidelines in Hawaii. Info is offered on oral injury prevention, cancer screening and infection control as well. Valuable knowledge can be gained volunteering with DOH community outreach events.

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