Dental Hygiene

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. 

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.

The Dental Hygiene Program faculty welcomes the opportunity to educate future oral hygienists in both the traditional and newly evolving skills required for entry into the profession.

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 B.S. in Health Sciences.

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

See Technical Standards (PDF).

The Dental Hygiene Program offers students the opportunity to:

1. Provide the public with compassionate and competent dental hygiene care founded on evidence-based scientific knowledge, as an essential component of comprehensive interprofessional health care and community-based health care.
2. Demonstrate effective decision-making skills through the use of the critical thinking process.
3. Explore the complexities of ethical decision-making as it relates to professional expectations and social responsibility.
4. Commit to leadership, scholarship, and life-long learning to respond to an ever-changing healthcare environment and growing profession.
5. Utilize oral healthcare technology (Health Informatics) to enhance patient care and communication abilities for the professional and practical arenas.
6. Successfully gain access to dental hygiene licensure in the state of choice by completing the national and regional board examinations.

Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program. Transferred courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the required courses offered at UNE in order to count as exact equivalents. Otherwise, they may transfer as general electives. All courses completed must be no older than five years. Other restrictions apply. See Undergraduate Admissions also.

Admissions Requirements

Students applying for undergraduate admissions will be required to submit:

• A completed application.
• An official secondary school transcript.
• Forty ($40) dollar application fee.

Students are also highly recommended to submit the following:

• The SAT or ACT scores (optional, see below).
• Extracurricular involvement.
• The essay or personal statement.
• Two Recommendations.
• Qualified students with equivalency certificates are also considered for admissions.

The University of New England supports efforts of secondary school officials and governing bodies to have their schools achieve regional accredited status in order to provide reliable assurance of the quality of the educational preparation of applicants for admission.

Admission 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. Transfer students should have an overall college grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 and a 3.0 in math and science.
3. Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) scores are optional but highly recommended.
4. A health record must be submitted which indicates specific findings regarding applicant's complete physical exam.
5. Complete the Application.

More information about the test-optional policy

See 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.