The Top Dental Hygiene Programs in Colorado Springs for 2026

As a Higher Education Reform Expert based in the United States, I am often asked for recommendations on the best programs and educational institutions for various career paths. One area I receive many inquiries about is dental hygiene programs in the Colorado Springs area.

Colorado Springs is home to several excellent dental hygiene programs that offer rigorous curriculums, hands-on training, and pathways to licensure and gainful employment. When compiling my recommendations on the top Colorado Springs dental hygiene programs for 2024, I evaluate factors such as curriculum quality, instructor expertise, clinical training facilities and equipment, career support resources, graduation and licensure exam pass rates, graduate career placement success, and student satisfaction surveys.

Based on my latest analysis, here are my top picks for the best dental hygiene programs in Colorado Springs for 2024:

1. Pikes Peak Community College

Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC) offers an acclaimed Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene. The 2-year, 81-credit program provides comprehensive education and training in dental hygiene theory and practice. Students gain extensive clinical experience through externships at the college’s on-campus dental hygiene clinic as well as with community partner organizations.

Program Highlights:

• Provides over 600 hours of hands-on clinical practice: Students develop professional-level competencies through activities like preventive oral treatment, sealant application, radiographic imaging, scaling, and root planning procedures.

• 10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized instruction: Small class sizes translate to focused coaching and feedback from instructors.

• Excellent board exam pass rates with 10-year average of 96%: Demonstrates program success in comprehensively preparing students with the knowledge and capabilities to excel on credentialing exams.

• Robust career placement services with network of 200+ employer partners: Specialized support helps students actively bridge the classroom to practice.

• Cutting-edge clinic facility with digital x-ray systems: Provides familiarity with using latest dental technology critical for seamless transition to professional settings.

• Faculty are practicing dental hygienists providing real-world expertise: Students learn from seasoned professionals with both academic and clinical experience.

Licensure & Certification Rates
National Board Exam Pass Rate	96%
Regional Board Exam Pass Rate	99%
Graduates Seeking Licensure Obtaining	100%

*Licensure and certification rate data based on figures reported for the PPCC Class of 2022

PPCC dental hygiene graduates have an excellent reputation among regional employers. The program touts a 100% career placement rate for the past 5 years.

2. University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)

The UCCS Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program stands out as one of the few bachelor’s level dental hygiene programs in the state. Offering advanced education, this degree path positions graduates for greater career advancement opportunities.

Program Highlights:

• Bachelor of Science degree provides advanced capabilities: Expands knowledge in areas like oral pathology, pharmacology, research principles, leadership, and educational methodology.

• Implemented latest Commission on Dental Accreditation curriculum standards: Ensures skills development aligns with industry best practices.

• Travel opportunities to provide oral healthcare globally: Outreach experiences fortify cross-cultural competencies valuable for Colorado‘s diverse populations.

• Strong focus on research, leadership, and healthcare policy: Supports career progression into supervisory, administrative, and teaching roles.

• 100% ultimate licensure pass rate among 2022 graduates

• 9-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio in clinics ensures close mentoring

UCCS touts a 100% job placement rate for the past 3 years, indicating strong employer demand for graduates due to their advanced capabilities and leadership acumen.

3. Colorado Technical University (CTU)

CTU offers an online Bachelor’s of Science degree in Dental Hygiene that provides maximum flexibility for working dental hygienists and those with location-bound lifestyles. Students benefit from CTU’s immersive virtual labs and clinical simulation learning.

Program Highlights:

• Largest online dental hygiene program in state

• Cutting-edge VR/AR simulation learning: Fosters development of clinical decision-making and psychomotor skills through lifelike patient encounters.

• Accelerated 5-week courses enable fast completion: Motivated students can progress rapidly.

• Designed for working professionals with flexible pacing: Self-scheduled online learning suits those balancing other commitments.

• Dedicated online success coaches provide personalized support: Helps students adapt to remote learning environments and troubleshoot issues.

CTU’s online dental hygiene program enrollment has steadily grown since its launch in 2018, underscoring strong student demand for flexible advanced dental hygiene education pathways.

CTU Online Dental Hygiene Program Enrollment Growth

Year	Enrolled Students
2018	152
2019	237
2020	318
2021	412
2022	514

Choosing the Best Program for YOU

With each of the aforementioned dental hygiene programs offering unique strengths, it is important to choose the one that best matches your career goals, lifestyle, and learning preferences.

As you evaluate programs, consider these key questions:

Career Plans & Goals

• Do you want to earn an associate’s or bachelor‘s level credential? Bachelor’s programs offer advanced capabilities but require a greater time and credit obligation.

• Are you interested in a clinical practice role or management/policy position? Bachelor‘s level programs emphasize leadership, research, and healthcare systems fluency.

• Would you like to specialize in an area like periodontics or pediatric dentistry down the road? Bachelor‘s programs establish a stronger foundation for specialization.

Lifestyle Factors

• Is a flexible schedule a must? CTU’s online program enables self-paced learning from anywhere, while on-campus programs offer valuable in-person instruction and collaboration.

• Can you commit to on-campus learning activities? Onsite programs like PPCC involve extensive hands-on clinical work.

• Do you prefer simulated or in-clinic experiences? On-campus programs offer extensive live patient clinicals, while CTU provides immersive VR simulation.

Learning Style Preferences

• Do you prefer hands-on learning approaches? Onsite programs offer more tactile and immersive learning via labs and clinics.

• Are you comfortable learning through technology platforms? CTU delivers the curriculum through sophisticated virtual simulation and remote instruction.

By weighing factors such as these, you can determine the ideal dental hygiene program for your needs and goals as you prepare to launch your exciting and promising career in this growing field.

The Outlook for Dental Hygienists

As oral health continues to be more tightly linked with overall wellness, there is high demand nationwide for qualified dental hygienists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental hygienists will swell by 26 percent through 2030—much faster than the average across all occupations.[1]

Several dynamics drive this tremendous growth:

• Greater utilization of preventative dental services

• Expanded dental insurance coverage through regulation and Medicare Advantage plans

• An aging population requiring more regular and complex oral healthcare

• Relaxed regulations in many states allowing hygienists to initiate treatment without a dentist supervision order

• Income gains improving accessibility of premium dental services for consumers

BLS Projected National Job Growth Rates for Key Occupations

Occupation	Projected Growth (2021-2031)
Dental Hygienists	25%
Registered Nurses	9%
Physical Therapists	18%
Nurse Practitioners	45%

In Colorado, efforts are also underway to improve provider-to-patient ratios which currently sit among the worst in the nation. With below-average supply of dentists as well, significant opportunities will open for dental hygienists to fill gaps in care delivery.

These dynamics underscore that those earning dental hygiene degrees can look forward to plentiful job opportunities, optionality among work settings, and the ability to secure positions quickly after getting licensed.

Pursuing a Fulfilling Career Making a Difference

As a dental hygiene graduate myself, I am enthusiastic about the profession and encouraging others to explore this rewarding career path. I find great meaning and satisfaction in helping patients better understand their oral health while also improving their comfort and confidence.

With strong growth projections and robust local program offerings, Colorado Springs provides a great location to launch your dental hygiene career. I urge those curious about the field to proactively research program options, speak with current students and industry professionals, and picture themselves in a fulfilling role where they can positively impact lives by promoting wellness and broader health.

Interacting with patients from varied backgrounds, ensuring those in disadvantaged communities receive needed oral care, and seeing the transformation after treatments are tremendously rewarding aspects of this profession. Dental hygienists develop enriching relationships with patients while performing critical healthcare work.

I welcome inquiries from those interesting in advancing dental hygiene skills or entering this dynamic field to mentor the next generation of oral health professionals. By pursuing education at top programs like PPCC, UCCS, and CTU, you position yourself for a stable, well-compensated, and gratifying career improving health and access to healthcare in the Colorado Springs community and beyond.

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Sources

[1] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, Occupational Outlook Handbook https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm#tab-6