University of New England

Degree: Bachelor of Science with a major in Dental Hygiene

College: Health Professions

Department: Dental Hygiene

Contact: Bernice Mills, RDH, MS, BS 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 at the bachelor of science level; to graduate contributing members of the health care community who are prepared for a broader range of careers in dental hygiene, community health, administration, research, or teaching;  and to establish a foundation for graduate study.

The University of New England offers associate and bachelor degrees in dental hygiene on the Westbrook College Campus. The Bachelor of Science program is intended for students already holding the Dental Hygiene-Associate Degree.  (See Dental Hygiene-Associate Degree if you are just beginning your career in dental hygiene or if you have credits in dental hygiene without a completed degree).

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 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.  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.

The bachelor of science degree program builds upon the knowledge obtained at the associate level with core curriculum courses in the arts and sciences and upper division courses in dental hygiene, management, health care, science or psychology. In addition, students have the opportunity to engage in the College of Health Professions' innovative Integrated, Interdisciplinary Health and Healing Initiative. This program is designed to prepare students to meet the challenge of the changing health care delivery system and to establish a foundation for graduate study.

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

Admission Requirements: Dental Hygienist with an Associate Degree

1. Must be a graduate of a dental hygiene program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.
2. Must have completed the requirements for a Dental Hygiene (Associate Degree) with at least a 2.5 GPA.
3. Must have a written recommendation from the director of the Dental Hygiene Program from which the student is a graduate.
4. Must submit official college transcripts reflecting an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5, in addition to a GPA of 2.5 in all science and math courses.
5. Must submit official high school transcripts.        
6. Must submit a health record indicating specific findings regarding applicant's complete physical exam.
7. Must complete the UNE admissions application (1-7 must be completed also by all UNE graduates who have not attended UNE for one year or more).  

See University Undergraduate Admissions also.

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.

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.   

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2007-2008 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2007.

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.