Dental Hygiene (Associate to B.S.)

Degree

Bachelor of Science with a major in Dental Hygiene
WCHP
Department of Dental Hygiene

Contact

Bernice Mills, RDH, MS, BS 
bmills@une.edu   

Mission

The Dental Hygiene Program improves the oral health of individuals and communities by graduating students who value life-long learning along with the desire and motivation to achieve beyond the limits of self-expectation. Individuals are supported by faculty in an environment that develops both intellectual curiosity and professional expertise.

Major Description

The University of New England offers a bachelor of science completion program for registered dental hygienists already holding an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene. The bachelor of science program advances education in dental hygiene skills and prepares students for a broader range of careers in dental hygiene, community health, administration, research, or teaching.  The bachelor of science degree program builds upon the knowledge obtained at the associate degree level with core curriculum courses in the arts and sciences and upper division courses in dental hygiene, management, health care, and interprofessional education.  This program is designed to prepare students to meet the challenges of the changing health care delivery system and to establish a foundation for graduate study.

Admissions

Admission Requirements: Current UNE Dental Hygiene Students

  • Must currently be maintaining a 2.5 GPA.
  • Must have written approval of the program director.
  • Must have a current physical examination form on file at UNE.
  • Must complete all degree requirements for graduation from the Dental Hygiene (Associate Degree) program at the University of New England.
  • Must submit a "change of major" form.

Admission Requirements: Dental Hygienist with an Associate Degree

  • Must be a graduate of a dental hygiene program accredited by the American Dental Association - Commission on Dental Accreditation.
  • Must have completed the requirements for a Dental Hygiene (Associate Degree) with at least a 2.5 grade point average(GPA).
  • Must submit official college transcripts reflecting an overall GPA of 2.5, in addition to a GPA of 2.5 in all science and math courses.
  • Must submit official high school transcripts.
  • Must submit a health record indicating specific findings regarding applicant's complete physical exam.
  • Must complete the UNE admissions application.

See Undergraduate Admissions also.

Transfer Credit

Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing

For students transferring from another institution, a minimum of 45 credits in attendance is required for a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene. That is, you must take at least 45 credits at UNE. The student's individual course of study may include a mandatory clinical component if the associate degree was awarded more than ten years ago. If there appears to be an area of clinical deficiency, due to time away from clinical practice or the introduction of new technology and knowledge into the practice of dental hygiene, a clinical dental hygiene course may be required.  Other restrictions apply.

Program Academic and Technical Standards

A minimum grade of "C" is required in all BIO, CHE, and DEN prefix courses and professional electives.  A "C" or higher must be achieved in all prerequisites for these courses.

Techincal Standards - Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene Program Academic and Progession Standards.

Curricular Requirements

Core Requirements Credits
BIO 208 - Anatomy and Physiology I or BIO 108 Human Biology I 4
BIO 209 - Anatomy and Physiology II or BIO 109 Human Biology II 4
BIO 242 - Applied Microbiology 4
ARH, ENG, HIS, LIL, PHI, PSC or REL 276 HT: Beginning to Ren 3
ARH, ENG, HIS, LIL, PHI, PSC or REL 278 HT: Ren to Present  3
CHE 130 - Principles of Chemistry 4
CIT 400 - Citizenship Seminar 1
Creative Arts Experience 3
ENG 110 - English Composition 4
Exploration 3
SPC 100 - Speech 3
Advanced Humanities  (2 courses) 6
MAT 120 - Statistics 3
PSY 220 - Sociocultural Context of Human Development I 3
PSY 270 - Sociocultural Context of Human Development II 3
Elective courses 6
Minimum University Core Requirement Credits  57
Major Courses Credits
DEN 101 - Dental Anatomy, Oral Histology, and Embryology 3
DEN 102 - Head and Neck Anatomy 3
DEN 210 - Nutrition 3
DEN 211 - Clinical Dental Hygiene I 4
DEN 212 - Clinical Dental Hygiene II 4
DEN 213 - Radiology 3
DEN 217 - Preservation of Tooth Structure 3
DEN 221 - Concepts of Community Health 2
DEN 301 - Advanced Clinical Dental Hygiene I 5
DEN 302 - Advanced Clinical Dental Hygiene II 5
DEN 305 - General and Oral Pathology 3
DEN 308 - Dental Pharmacology 3
DEN 321L - Community Health Practicum 1
DEN 330 - Periodontology 3
DEN 340 - Clinical Periodontology for Dent Hygienists 3
DEN 436 - Seminar: Current Concepts in Dental Hygiene I 3
DEN 470 - Dental Hygiene Internship 3
Professional Elective(s) - Should be selected with approval of your program director or academic advisor-must be 300 level or higher. 6
Integrated, Interdisciplinary Health and Healing Course 3
Minimum Major Course Requirement Credits  63
   
Minimum Required Total Credits  120

Learning Outcomes

The Dental Hygiene Program offers students the opportunity to:

  1. Competently provide the public with dental hygiene care based on a sound foundation of scientific knowledge and effective decision-making.
  2. Provide individuals and groups with up-to-date dental hygiene care as an essential component of comprehensive, interprofessional health care. 
  3. Explore the complexities of ethical decision-making as it relates to professional situations.
  4. Gain access to dental hygiene licensure in the state of choice by successfully preparing students to complete the national and regional board examinations.
  5. Develop a commitment to life-long learning by continuing with educational plans following graduation.
  6. Demonstrate the knowledge necessary to assess, plan, implement and evaluate community-based oral health programs.
  7. Utilize appropriate communication methods to effectively provide patient care.

Financial Information

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2013-2014 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 12, 2013.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.