Degree programs
Ashley Perkins ’07
"The dental field has always been of interest to me. Throughout my high school career, I worked in a dental office and an orthodontic office assisting with various procedures and general clinic upkeep. The role of dental hygienist was introduced to me by my own dental hygienist, and from there my goal was to attend college for this profession. Looking more into dental hygiene, I saw the personal and financial benefits that come with the field. Knowing that the dental profession was of interest to me, I wanted to attend a college that would feed my interest. I discovered UNE through my academic counselor during my junior year of high school. Looking through the course outline of the Dental Hygiene program, I felt the best choice for me was the University of New England.
"I enjoyed attending the University of New England for many reasons. The professors and instructors of the Dental Hygiene program are very kind and are willing to help with any aspect of the dental field. I find that attending a smaller university, the student-to-instructor ratio is a lot smaller and more personal. I enjoyed having an academic relationship with my professors and instructors, and I took comfort in knowing that I could always turn to them for advice and instruction.
"I enjoyed my final year in the Dental Hygiene program at UNE. I felt it gave me an extra edge on understanding the link between systemic heath and dental hygiene. I also feel that the final year in the program helped me understand different types of people and their specific cultural differences. This has helped me as a dental hygienist to educate patients and to address their specific needs. On a personal level, I feel as though I have become more open minded and will go the extra mile to connect with my patients."
The professors and instructors of the Dental Hygiene program are very kind and are willing to help with any aspect of the dental field. I find that attending a smaller university, the student-to-instructor ratio is a lot smaller and more personal.
Dental Hygiene by the numbers
patients served each year at our on-campus dental hygiene clinic
number of dental chair stations in our clinic, along with five X-ray operatories
average hours per week third- and fourth-year students spend providing care to patients
The UNE Portland Campus for the Health Sciences
For decades, UNE’s Portland Campus has been home to many of the University’s health professions programs including PA, PT, OT, pharmacy, nursing, dental medicine, and more. In 2025, UNE’s College of Osteopathic Medicine will move from the Biddeford Campus into the new Harold and Bibby Alfond Center for Health Sciences in Portland. By bringing our health professions programs together into one interprofessional learning community, we will establish UNE’s Portland Campus for the Health Sciences as the center of health care education in Northern New England.
Learn about exciting changes on UNE’s Portland Campus for the Health Sciences
Maine’s Leading University for the Health Professions and Sciences
Beautiful locations
As a student in our Department of Dental Hygiene, you first study on UNE's scenic Biddeford Campus, where the waters of the Saco River flow into the Atlantic Ocean. Recently named the youngest city in Maine, Biddeford and its twin city, Saco, boast an up-and-coming, hip downtown offering delicious eateries, exciting social and cultural events, and more. With the transformation of the old Biddeford/Saco mills into restaurants, breweries, housing, fitness facilities, salons, and retailers, there is something for everyone to explore in downtown. Looking to try a new type of food, grab a coffee, or shop for locally-made clothes? Biddeford/Saco has it all.
Once you enter the clinical phase, you study on our historic Portland Campus. Located in a quiet neighborhood that is a 10-minute drive from downtown Portland, campus is close to major clinical sites, shopping, nightlife, cultural events, restaurants, the beaches, the harbor, walking and biking trails and much more. Named “America’s Most Livable City” by Forbes and “Foodiest Small Town in America” by Bon Appetit, Portland is the city on every list. A rustic port hosts a cool cultural scene — with outdoor adventure all around.
Biddeford Campus
Portland Campus
U.S. News and World Report
U.S. News and World Report ranked Dental Hygienist the 32nd best profession in its "100 Best Jobs of 2021."
Accreditation
UNE is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards.
CODA Solicitation of Comments
90 Day Notice for Solicitation of Comments
The Commission establishes a seven-year cycle for accreditation review. The approximate date for the next validation review of the Dental Hygiene Program by CODA will be September 24–25. The Commission requires the Dental Hygiene Program to solicit third-party comments through the notification of communities of interest and the public, faculty, students, program administrators, specialty and dental-related organizations, patients, and consumers at least ninety (90) days prior to their site visit. The notice should indicate the deadline of sixty (60) days for receipt of third-party comments in the Commission office and should stipulate that comments must be signed. Comments must relate to standards and policies. The deadline for comments is July 24, 2024. Signatures will be removed before being forwarded to the school.