A Glimpse Into the Life of a Dental Hygiene Bridge Student

For licensed dental hygienists who earned their associate degree years ago, the idea of going back to school can feel daunting. Between work schedules, family commitments and the demands of daily life, finding time for professional growth often takes a back seat. But what if advancing your education didn't mean putting everything else on hold?

That's exactly what Herzing University's online bridge program was designed to address. This fully online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree allows currently licensed dental hygienists to build on their existing credentials and expand their career possibilities—all while maintaining the flexibility their lives require.

Why Bridge Students Return to School

Every dental hygiene bridge student has their own story, but many share common motivations. Some are looking to move into leadership roles within their practices or organizations. Others want to pivot toward education, teaching the next generation of hygienists. And some are driven by a deeper mission—to increase access to affordable dental care in underserved communities.

Many students pursuing their dental hygiene degree describe being inspired by mentors who demonstrate how the profession can extend beyond traditional practice settings. Working in community centers, schools and even prisons—places where dental care is often scarce but desperately needed—becomes a vision worth pursuing.

For bridge students, returning to school isn't just about checking a box. It's about equipping themselves with the knowledge and credentials to make a bigger impact in the field they already love. They recognize that hygienists play a crucial role beyond cleaning teeth—screening for oral cancer, identifying signs of systemic health issues and serving as a first line of defense for overall wellness.

What Makes the Bridge Program Different

The bridge program experience is uniquely tailored to working professionals who already hold an associate degree from a CODA-accredited program. Because these students bring years of clinical experience to the table, the curriculum doesn't revisit the basics. Instead, it focuses on advanced topics like leadership, technology application, education, management, public health and research.

The program is structured to be completed in about 12 months of full-time study, though many students choose a pace that fits their schedule. With up to 90 semester credit hours transferable, bridge students can leverage their previous coursework and jump straight into the material that will propel their careers forward.

Courses like Dental Hygiene Research, Leadership in Dental Hygiene and Contemporary Issues in Dental Hygiene help students think critically about the profession's future and their role in shaping it. The capstone course ties everything together, allowing students to apply what they've learned to real-world challenges in the field.

Balancing School, Work and Life

One of the most common concerns for working hygienists considering a bachelor's degree is simple: "When will I find the time?" The beauty of an online bridge program is that it meets students where they are. Classes are 100% online, meaning no commuting to campus and no rigid class schedules that conflict with patient appointments or family obligations.

Bridge students often describe their experience as challenging but manageable. They study between shifts, complete assignments on weekends and participate in discussions when their schedules allow. The program's flexibility doesn't mean it's easy—but it does mean it's possible.

Herzing provides robust support services including academic advising, tutoring, technical support and lifelong career coaching. These resources help students navigate their coursework while juggling their professional responsibilities.

Career Growth and New Opportunities

What happens after a dental hygienist earns their bachelor's degree? The possibilities expand significantly. While many continue in clinical practice, the bachelor's degree opens doors to roles in education, public health, research and administration.

Some graduates become clinical instructors at dental hygiene programs or move into practice management positions. Others pursue roles in corporate dental organizations, public health departments or professional associations. The role of a dental hygienist extends far beyond clinical cleaning—and the bachelor's degree provides the credentials and knowledge to explore those varied career paths.

For hygienists interested in advocacy or policy work, the advanced education provides a stronger foundation for influencing change at the organizational or legislative level. And for those who want to stay in direct patient care, the leadership and business skills gained through the program can lead to greater autonomy and higher earning potential.

The Journey to Licensure and Beyond

Bridge students have already walked the path to licensure once before—studying for board exams, passing the NBDHE and meeting state requirements. The bridge program doesn't require retaking those exams, but it does build on that foundation with advanced critical thinking and evidence-based practice.

The experience of being a bridge student is less about proving clinical competency (which has already been established) and more about deepening professional expertise. It's about asking bigger questions: How can technology improve patient outcomes? What does effective leadership look like in a dental practice? How can hygienists address health disparities in their communities?

These are the questions that drive dental hygiene bridge students—and the answers they develop during their studies shape the future of the profession.

Taking the Next Step

For licensed dental hygienists with an associate degree, the bridge program represents an opportunity to grow without starting over. It's a chance to expand your impact, pursue new career directions and invest in your professional development—all while maintaining the career and life you've already built.

The dental hygiene profession is evolving, with increasing recognition of hygienists' roles in education, leadership and public health. Bridge students are positioning themselves at the forefront of that evolution, ready to lead, teach and serve in ways that extend far beyond the operatory.

If you're a licensed dental hygienist considering what's next in your career, the bridge program might be exactly what you're looking for.