University of New England

Degree: Associate in Science with a major in Dental Hygiene

College: Health Professions

Department: Dental Hygiene

Contact: Bernice Mills, RDH, MS, BS (Director)  bamills@une.edu

To provide state of the art training and instruction in the field of dental hygiene; to produce the highest quality registered dental hygienists.

The University of New England offers associate and bachelor degrees in dental hygiene on the Westbrook College Campus. In their clinical coursework students work under the close supervision of experienced faculty in the on-site dental hygiene clinic providing direct dental health care to diverse patients.

The associate degree fully prepares students to take the licensure exams to become a registered dental hygienist. It also prepares students for the bachelor of science program (see Dental Hygiene-Bachelor Degree) for details. Internships and additional clinical experiences are gained in area schools, nursing homes, community agencies, and in private practices.  Dental hygiene students observe dentists in preventive, periodontic, and other specialty areas of dentistry while in the program.

Admissions Requirements

1. A high school diploma or the equivalent with a better-than-average achievement record in a college preparatory program including: chemistry (must include laboratory); biology (must include laboratory); mathematics (two mathematics courses - algebra required, geometry preferred); English (three years required - four years preferred).        
2. Academic transcripts must reflect an overall high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.5, in addition to a GPA of 2.5 in all science and math courses. College GPA will be considered only if applicant has completed at least 15 semester hours.        
3. Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) scores must be submitted.        
4. A health record must be submitted which indicates specific findings regarding applicant's complete physical exam.        
5. Documentation of 20 hours of observation of a dental hygienist is required, prior to enrollment.
6. Complete the UNE admissions application.

See University Undergraduate Admissions also.

Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing
All previously completed university core requirement courses from an accredited college that applies to this associate degree with a grade of C- or better will count as transfer credit.  Accredited college level science and dental hygiene courses that are reasonably close to the scope and content of UNE's courses will be considered for transfer credit.  Science and dental hygiene courses must also have been  taken within the past five years and with a grade of C- or better.  Other options and restrictions apply. 

See University Undergraduate Admissions also.

A minimum grade of "C-" is required in all BIO, CHE, and DEN prefix courses and a "C-" must be achieved in all prerequisites for these courses.  See Academic Policy and Regulations also.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2006-2007 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2006.

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.