Best Dental Hygiene Programs in Milwaukee – 2026
Pursuing an education in dental hygiene opens up a rewarding and in-demand career path focused on preventive oral health. With the aging population and expanded dental insurance coverage, employment for dental hygienists is projected to grow 11% from 2022 to 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – much faster than the average across all occupations. In the Milwaukee area specifically, competitve salaries and a large job market create ample opportunities for graduates of local dental hygiene schools.
This guide provides an in-depth look at top dental hygiene programs in the Milwaukee area. It goes beyond basic listings to offer insider details and advice to help you choose the right path and succeed as a dental hygiene student in Milwaukee.
Herzing University
Herzing University offers a cutting-edge 36 month Associate of Science degree program in Dental Hygiene based out of their Milwaukee campus. This program balances rigorous lab and clinical work with small classes of usually less than 20 students.
The recently upgraded on-campus dental hygiene clinic provides modern facilities modeled after real-world healthcare settings. Here students gain practical experience delivering care under instructor supervision. They also participate in community outreach events assisting dentists in providing services to underserved and uninsured patients.
According to Graduate Surveys, 100% of responding Herzing Milwaukee dental hygiene graduates from 2021 and 2022 obtained employment in their field of study. Median annual salaries for these graduates ranged from $55,000 to $65,000.
Herzing University Dental Hygiene students and faculty emphasize the program‘s strengths in preparing confident and competent clinicians ready to enter the workforce. They highlight rigorous training in emerging techniques like laser therapy and air abrasion as well as a strong focus on patient education, communication and comfort.
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) offers both associate degree and technical diploma options for aspiring dental hygienists at a fraction of the cost of private universities. Credits seamlessly transfer between the programs allowing students flexibility.
The technical diploma can be completed in just two years for those focused exclusively on core dental hygiene competencies needed to pass board exams. While the associate degree option builds in additional general education requirements for students considering bachelor‘s programs or careers in dental hygiene education down the line.
MATC partners with local organizations like Children‘s Wisconsin to give dental hygiene students on-site clinical experience providing care for pediatric patients. They also incorporate simulation into lab training for developing skills like patient positioning.
As the largest technical college in the state, MATC offers expertise and connections that rival four year programs. Instructor Tracey Doughty remarks "MATC graduates compete very successfully for local dental hygienist positions thanks to rigorous clinical training and staff guidance with job placement."
Looking Ahead
As technology transforms various healthcare fields, dental hygiene education is evolving as well. Local Milwaukee programs are expanding curriculum in emerging techniques like teledentistry and implementing new technology into hands-on training.
For example, Herzing University recently added intraoral imaging tools providing digital scan capabilities to their on-campus dental hygiene clinic. While MATC incorporates options for gaining experience with CAD/CAM systems for same-day restorations in partner dentist offices.
By choosing a local program keeping pace with innovation in the profession, Milwaukee dental hygiene students can gain expertise that will serve their whole careers. They also access the strong professional network in Wisconsin‘s robust dental industry.
So for those seeking a meaningful and thriving career improving community oral health, Milwaukee offers top-tier dental hygiene programs, modern facilities, and limitless growth opportunities. Reach out to program staff with any questions to find the right option and take the first steps towards success.
