Dental Hygiene Completion Program

The Dental Hygiene Program distinguishes itself by masterfully preparing oral health professionals, both intellectually and practically, for a broad and robust career in dental hygiene. 

The Dental Hygiene Program endeavors to improve the oral health of individuals and communities by graduating students who place meaningful value on life-long learning, and who have the desire and motivation to achieve beyond their self-imposed limitations. The faculty strives to stimulate student development of intellectual curiosity and professional expertise through collaborative participation in an academic environment that fosters interprofessional education.

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, interprofessional education, and upper-division electives. 

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.

*Additional elective credit will be required if transfer coursework is less than 85 credits.

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

View Technical Standards (PDF)

The Dental Hygiene Completion Program offers students the opportunity to:

• Explore compassionate and competent dental hygiene care founded on evidenced-based scientific knowledge, as an essential component of comprehensive interprofessional health care and community-based health care.
• Demonstrate effective decision-making skills through the use of the critical thinking process.
• Explore the complexities of ethical decision-making as it relates to professional expectations and social responsibility.
• Commit to leadership, scholarship, and life-long learning to respond to an ever changing healthcare environment and growing profession. 
• Utilize oral healthcare technology (Health Informatics)  to enhance patient care and communication abilities for use in the professional and practical arena.

For students transferring from another institution, a minimum of 36 credits in attendance is required for a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene. You must take at least 36 credits at UNE. 

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. 

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 complete the UNE admissions application.

See Undergraduate Admissions for more 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.