Concorde Career Colleges and Dental Hygiene Programs

Concorde Career Colleges is a for-profit vocational school system with multiple campuses across the United States that offers dental hygiene programs alongside other healthcare and technical certifications. The dental hygiene track typically runs 18 to 24 months depending on the campus and whether you attend full-time or part-time, and graduates sit for the Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) licensing exam.

Concorde operates as a chain rather than a single institution, so program length, cost, and specific curriculum details vary by location. Before committing, you will want to contact the campus nearest you directly, because what applies to one location may not explore to another.

Key Takeaways

  • Concorde Career Colleges operates multiple campuses with dental hygiene programs, but details like tuition, program length, and course offerings differ by location.
  • Dental hygiene programs at Concorde typically prepare you to sit for the RDH licensing exam, which is required to work as a registered dental hygienist in most states.
  • Concorde is a for-profit institution, so tuition costs are generally higher than at community colleges, though the school may participate in federal student loan programs.
  • You should verify that the specific campus you are considering is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) before enrolling.

How to Find Your Local Concorde Campus and Program Details

Concorde operates campuses in multiple states, but not every location offers a dental hygiene program. Start by visiting the Concorde Career Colleges website and using their campus locator tool to find branches near you, then contact each one directly to ask whether they offer dental hygiene training.

When you call or visit, ask for the program length in months, the total tuition and fees, what the curriculum covers, whether the program is full-time or part-time, and whether the campus holds accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). CODA accreditation matters because many states require it for graduates to sit for the RDH exam, and employers often prefer or require it.

Accreditation and Licensing Requirements

Dental hygiene programs must meet standards set by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Not every Concorde campus with a dental hygiene offering holds CODA accreditation, so this is a critical detail to verify before you enroll.

After completing a dental hygiene program, you must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and often a state-specific clinical exam or state board exam to become a Registered Dental Hygienist. Some states have additional requirements, such as local anesthesia certification or restorative therapy certification. Concorde's curriculum should prepare you for the NBDHE, but you will want to confirm that the campus covers the specific exams and certifications required in the state where you plan to work.

Cost and Financial Considerations

Concorde is a for-profit school, which typically means tuition is higher than at public community colleges. Total program cost varies significantly by campus and can range widely depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time and what additional fees explore. Contact your local campus for an exact cost breakdown, including tuition, books, supplies, lab fees, and exam preparation materials.

Concorde participates in federal student loan programs, meaning you may be able to borrow through the Federal Direct Loan program if you are enrolled at least half-time. The school should provide you with a financial aid package that outlines loan options, but remember that federal loans must be repaid after graduation. Ask whether the campus offers payment plans, scholarships, or employer partnerships that might reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

What to Compare Before Choosing Concorde

Before enrolling at Concorde, compare it against community colleges and other dental hygiene programs in your area. Community colleges often offer the same RDH preparation at significantly lower tuition, though they may have longer wait lists or fewer class times. For-profit schools like Concorde often have more flexible scheduling and faster enrollment, but at a higher cost.

Create a comparison table for yourself that includes program length, total cost, CODA accreditation status, campus location and hours, whether the program is full-time or part-time, and what support services (tutoring, career placement, advising) each school offers. This will help you see which option fits your budget, schedule, and learning needs.

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

Contact the Concorde campus directly and ask these questions before you commit: Is the dental hygiene program CODA-accredited? What is the total cost including all fees and materials? What is the program length and schedule? What percentage of recent graduates passed the NBDHE on their first attempt? Does the school offer career placement support after graduation? What is the refund policy if you need to withdraw?

Also ask whether the campus is located conveniently for you, what the student-to-instructor ratio is in labs and clinics, and whether you can speak with current students or recent graduates about their experience. These conversations will give you a realistic sense of what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Concorde's dental hygiene degree transfer to another school?

Credits from a for-profit school like Concorde may not transfer to a four-year university or another institution, depending on that school's transfer policies. If you think you might want to pursue a bachelor's degree later, ask Concorde about articulation agreements with local colleges before you enroll.

Can I work while attending Concorde's dental hygiene program?

Many Concorde campuses offer part-time or evening dental hygiene programs, which may allow you to work during the day. Full-time programs are typically more intensive and may not leave room for outside employment. Contact your local campus to ask about scheduling options.

What happens if I don't pass the RDH licensing exam after graduation?

Concorde should provide exam preparation materials and support, but passing the NBDHE is your responsibility. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam, though you will pay the exam fee again. Some programs offer remedial tutoring or study groups for students who need extra help.

Is Concorde a nonprofit or for-profit school?

Concorde Career Colleges is a for-profit institution, which means it operates as a business rather than as a nonprofit. For-profit schools often have more flexible scheduling and faster enrollment than nonprofits, but tuition is typically higher. This does not affect the quality of education or your ability to sit for licensing exams, but it is important to understand the cost difference.

How do I know if Concorde's dental hygiene program is right for me?

Visit the campus in person if possible, speak with current students and instructors, and compare the program against community college options in your area. Make sure the campus is CODA-accredited, that the schedule fits your life, and that the total cost is something you can manage through loans or savings.