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Dental and Dental Hygiene Schools in Illinois

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General Dentist

A general dentist (DDS or DMD) is the primary care dental provider. The general dentist diagnoses, treats, and manages the overall oral health of their patients. Treatment may include fillings, crowns, bridges, gum care, root canals, simple tooth removals, and removable appliances (dentures and partials). To become a dentist, you must have a college bachelor’s degree and graduate from an accredited dental school. There are three dental schools in Illinois. Learn more about a career in dentistry here.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of dentists is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The demand for dental services is expected to increase as the population ages and as research continues to link oral health to overall health.

Pay

The median annual wage for dentists was $159,200 in May 2019.

Schools

University of Illinois at Chicago
College of Dentistry at the Medical Center
801 South Paulina St. Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 996 -7000

Southern Illinois University
2800 College Ave., Building 286
Alton, IL 62002
618) 474-7170

Midwestern University
College of Dental Medicine-Illinois
555 31st St. Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 515-6171

Registered Dental Hygienist

A dental hygienist will clean teeth, take X-rays, evaluate for gum infection and periodontal disease, and apply sealants and fluoride treatments. Providing home care instructions for dental care is also an important part of the dental appointment. To become a dental hygienist, you must graduate from a college dental hygiene program. There are 13 colleges in Illinois with dental hygiene programs. Learn more about a dental hygiene career here.

Job Outlook

Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 6% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for dental services is expected to increase as the population ages and as research continues to link oral health to overall health.

Pay

The median annual wage for dental hygienists was $76,220 in May 2019.

Schools

Carl Sandburg College
209 E. Main St.
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 345-3500

College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd.
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599
(630) 942-2800 (Main)
(630) 942-3000 (Student Services)

College of Lake County
19351 W. Washington St.
Grayslake, IL 60030-1198
(847) 543-2000

Illinois Central College
5407 N. University St.
Peoria, IL 61571
(309) 694-5422

City Colleges of Chicago, Malcolm X
1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 850-7285

Lake Land College
5001 Lake Land Blvd.
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 234-5202

Lewis & Clark Community College
5800 Godfrey Road
Godfrey, IL 62035
(618) 468-4413

Parkland College
2400 W. Bradley Ave.
Champaign, IL 61821-1899
(312) 440-4653

Prairie State College
202 S. Halsted St.
Chicago Heights, IL 60411
(800) 621-8099, ext. 4653

Rock Valley College
3301 Mulford Road
Rockford, IL 61080
(815) 921-3235

Southern Illinois University
School of Allied Health
College of Applied Science & Arts
1365 Douglas Drive
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 453-7211

William Rainey Harper College
1200 West Algonquin Road
Palatine, IL 60067
(312) 440-4653