UNE's Dental Hygiene Program celebrates 50 years since graduation of first class; on campus clinic serves estimated 5,000 people of all ages each year

University of New England's Dental Hygiene program celebrated 50 years since the graduation of its first class in 1963. A reception was held on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, on the Portland campus in the Eleanor DeWolfe Ludcke Audiorium, hosted by Dental Hygiene Program Director Bunny Mills from the Class of 1976. The event featured a video researched and coordinated by Lauren Cummings of the Class of 2013.

Accredited by the American Dental Association, students of UNE's Dental Hygiene program are provided with an education that prepares them for distinctive dental hygiene careers. Third and fourth year students, under the close supervision of quality faculty, spend 12-16 hours per week providing direct patient care in the on-campus clinic to approximately 5,000 patients of all ages each year.

UNE offers both a four-year bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene and a bachelor of science completion degree program where students develop a thorough knowledge of dental hygiene theories and practices, study the important aspects of dental hygiene care and learn how to prevent oral disease. The program is part of UNE's Westbrook College of Health Professions.