Dental Hygiene

The Department of Dental Hygiene  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 foster interprofessional education. 

The Department of Dental Hygiene  faculty welcomes the opportunity to educate future oral hygienists in both the traditional and newly evolving skills required for entry into the profession.  The faculty also looks forward to developing professional qualities and leadership  capabilities in each student by providing opportunities for critical thinking and logical decision-making.

This dynamic 4-year program begins with the students becoming fully engaged during their first four semesters in the building of a foundation of knowledge in the sciences and liberal studies, while simultaneously being introduced to interrelated disciplines within the health professions. The students begin their academic experience on the Biddeford campus, which will provide them with the opportunity to enjoy full participation in clubs, seminars, sports and intercollegiate activities.

The last four semesters are delivered on the Portland campus where students are immersed in both the study of dental hygiene theory and professional clinical practice. Dental hygiene students will have the opportunity to engage in interprofessional educational experiences with students and faculty in undergraduate and graduate level health professions programs within the University setting. The dental hygiene baccalaureate program is designed to provide the student with expanded professional opportunities, therefore, skill development in the areas of critical thinking, ethical decision-making and leadership are enhanced.

“A student in the dental hygiene major may elect to pursue a bachelor’s degree in health sciences.  This degree is only open to matriculated students at the University of New England.  Special permission from the student’s advisor and the Dean of the Westbrook College of Health Professions is required for enrollment in the BS in Health Sciences”. 

A minimum grade of "C" is required in all BIO, CHE, MAT and DEN prefix courses, IHS 220 and professional electives.  A "C" or higher must be achieved in all prerequisites for these courses.

See Technical Standards.

The Department of Dental Hygiene 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.

 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 Common Application

See University Undergraduate Admissions also.

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.