Program structure

The Dental Hygiene Program at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) offers two primary educational tracks:

1. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Dental Hygiene:

   • Structure: This is a 2+2 program where students complete 57 credits of prerequisite coursework at a regionally accredited institution, followed by 65 credits of core dental hygiene courses at UMSOD.
   • Curriculum: The program combines online and in-person learning, encompassing classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical practice. Students engage in diverse patient care experiences and participate in community service throughout Maryland.

2. Dual Degree B.S./M.S. in Clinical Dental Hygiene Leader:

   • Structure: Designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, this track enables students to earn both B.S. and M.S. degrees in dental hygiene.
   • Curriculum: The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in various healthcare settings, emphasizing interprofessional collaboration and advanced clinical education.

Both tracks integrate interprofessional education, allowing dental hygiene students to collaborate with dental students in providing patient care, engaging in research, and participating in community service. This approach fosters a comprehensive understanding of oral health care within a broader health context.

For detailed information on course requirements and program specifics, prospective students are encouraged to visit the Dental Hygiene Program page on the UMSOD website.

Fees and Funding

The Dental Hygiene Program at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) offers a comprehensive education in dental hygiene, with associated costs and various financial aid opportunities to support students.

Tuition and Fees:

Base on the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition and fees for the Dental Hygiene Program are as follows:

• Tuition:

  • Specific tuition rates are subject to change and may vary based on residency status (in-state or out-of-state). For the most current tuition information, please refer to the Student Financial Services page.

• Mandatory Fees:

  • Shuttle Fee: $166.50 per semester for full-time students (9 credits or more); $94.50 for part-time students (8 credits or less).
  • Technology Fee: $10.00 per credit, with a maximum of $60.00 per semester.
  • Additional Fees: These may include equipment purchases, membership fees, board preparation fees, malpractice insurance, and health insurance premiums. Detailed information is available on the Student Financial Services page.

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

UMSOD provides various financial aid options to assist students in managing educational expenses:

• Federal Aid:

  • Federal Pell Grant: For eligible students, offering up to $7,395 per academic year.
  • Federal Direct Loans: Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are available, with amounts varying based on dependency status and financial need. Detailed information can be found on the Financial Aid page.

• Institutional Scholarships:

  • UMSOD offers a range of scholarships based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and community service. Examples include the Dr. Paul Corcoran and Mrs. Jean Corcoran, and Dr. Jeffrey Cooper and Mrs. Jean Cooper Scholarship Endowment, which supports students facing academic or life challenges, and the Fusion Dental Group Scholarship Endowment, awarded to junior and senior students demonstrating clinical excellence and leadership. A comprehensive list of scholarships is available on the Scholarships page.

• State Scholarships:

  • Maryland residents may be eligible for state-funded scholarships, such as the Senatorial Scholarship and Delegate Scholarship. Information on these programs can be found on the Maryland Higher Education Commission website.

Application Process for Financial Aid:

To apply for financial aid, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline of March 1. This application determines eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid programs. Additional information on the application process is available on the Financial Aid page.

Contact Information:

• Student Financial Services Office:
  • Address: University of Maryland, Baltimore, 620 W. Lexington St., Baltimore, MD 21201
  • Phone: 410-706-3100
  • Website: Student Financial Services

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding tuition, fees, and financial aid, prospective and current students are encouraged to consult the UMSOD Student Financial Services website or contact the office directly.

Scholarship Guidance

The University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) offers various scholarships to support students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene Program. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, community service, and to assist those with financial need.

Available Scholarships:

• Fusion Dental Group Scholarship Endowment:

  • Provides support for junior and senior pre-doctoral students who exhibit teamwork skills, clinical excellence, and leadership qualities, preparing them for group practice environments.

• Dr. Paul Corcoran and Mrs. Jean Corcoran, and Dr. Jeffrey Cooper and Mrs. Jean Cooper Scholarship Endowment:

  • Assists students facing academic or life challenges, offering financial support to help them continue their education.

• Dr. Elton P. Maddox, Jr. Scholarship Endowment:

  • Provides support for students who are members of the Student National Dental Association, emphasizing academic achievement and financial need.

• Dr. Leslie E. Grant Scholarship Endowment in Recognition of Mark Reynolds and Wilhelma Garner-Brown:

  • Supports students from historically underrepresented groups in health professions, based on academic achievement and financial need.

Application Process:

To be considered for these scholarships, students must complete the General Scholarship Application during the designated application window, typically from November 1 to January 1. Applicants are also required to request a faculty recommendation, due by January 8. Notifications regarding scholarship selections are usually sent out in early March.

Additional Opportunities:

UMSOD encourages students to explore external scholarships offered by organizations such as the American Dental Association (ADA) Foundation and the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), which provide various grants, awards, and scholarships annually.

Contact Information:

For more details on scholarship opportunities and the application process, students should visit the UMSOD Scholarships page or contact the Office of Student Affairs.

By actively engaging with these resources, dental hygiene students at UMSOD can access financial support to aid in their educational journey.

Admission Requirements

The Dental Hygiene Program at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) offers two primary tracks: the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Dental Hygiene and the Dual Degree B.S./M.S. in Clinical Dental Hygiene Leader. Each track has specific admission requirements to ensure candidates are well-prepared for the rigorous curriculum.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Dental Hygiene:

• Prerequisite Coursework: Applicants must complete 57 credits of prerequisite courses at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. These include science courses such as Anatomy and Physiology I & II with labs, General Biology with lab, Inorganic or General Chemistry with lab, Microbiology with lab, and a higher-level science class with lab. Non-science prerequisites encompass Basic Statistics, Technical Writing, English Composition, Humanities, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Principles of Nutrition, Public Speaking, and Social Sciences. All science courses must have been completed within seven years of application.

• Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of 'C' is required in all prerequisite courses. The recommended minimum cumulative GPA is 3.0, with preference given to higher scholastic averages, especially in science courses.

• Application Materials:

  • Application: Submit through the ADEA Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service (DHCAS) between October 24 and February 15.
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
  • Letters of Recommendation: One from a college-level science teacher and another from a dental hygienist or dentist.
  • Resume: Detailing relevant experience and education.
  • Dental Hygiene Shadowing: Minimum of eight hours observing a registered dental hygienist.

• Additional Requirements:

  • English Proficiency: For non-native English speakers, a TOEFL score between 80-85 iBT, 550 paper-based, or 213 computer-based.
  • Interview: Qualified applicants may be invited for a personal interview with the Admissions Committee.

Dual Degree B.S./M.S. in Clinical Dental Hygiene Leader:

• Prerequisite Coursework: Similar to the B.S. program, with the addition that Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs, Microbiology with lab, and Nutrition must have been completed within the last seven years.

• Application Materials:

  • Application: Submit through ADEA DHCAS.
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
  • Letters of Recommendation: As specified for the B.S. program.
  • Resume: Highlighting relevant experience.
  • Dental Hygiene Shadowing: As specified for the B.S. program.

• Additional Requirements:

  • English Proficiency: As specified for the B.S. program.
  • Interview: As specified for the B.S. program.

For both programs, international applicants must have their foreign transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) and meet the English language proficiency requirements.

For detailed information on application procedures, prerequisite courses, and deadlines, prospective students should visit the UMSOD Dental Hygiene Admissions page.

Application Procedure

The Dental Hygiene Program at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) offers two primary educational tracks:

1. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Dental Hygiene
2. Dual Degree B.S./M.S. in Clinical Dental Hygiene Leader

Each track has specific application procedures to ensure candidates are well-prepared for the curriculum.

1. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Dental Hygiene

Application Process:

• Primary Application:

  • Submit through the ADEA Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service (DHCAS).
  • Application window: October 24 to February 15.
  • Include all supplemental materials:
    • Official transcripts from all attended institutions.
    • Resume detailing relevant experience.
    • Personal statement expressing interest in dental hygiene.
    • Two letters of recommendation: one from a college-level science instructor and one from a dental professional (hygienist or dentist).
    • Completed Dental Hygiene Shadowing Form documenting a minimum of eight hours observing a registered dental hygienist.

• Application Fee:

  • A fee is associated with the ADEA DHCAS application.

• Application Review:

  • The Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee evaluates applications based on:
    • Completion of prerequisite courses.
    • GPA in required science courses and overall academic performance.
    • Quality of personal statement and recommendation letters.
    • Completion of shadowing experiences.
    • Written and verbal communication skills.
    • Professional demeanor and leadership potential.

• Interview:

  • Selected candidates may be invited for an interview with the Committee on Dental Hygiene Recruitment and Admissions.
  • Note: An interview invitation does not guarantee admission.

2. Dual Degree B.S./M.S. in Clinical Dental Hygiene Leader

Application Process:

• Primary Application:

  • Submit through the ADEA DHCAS.
  • Application window: November 15 to February 28.
  • Include all supplemental materials:
    • Official transcripts from all attended institutions.
    • Resume highlighting relevant experience.
    • Personal statement detailing interest in the dual degree program.
    • Two letters of recommendation: one from a college-level science instructor and one from a dental professional.
    • Completed Dental Hygiene Shadowing Form documenting a minimum of eight hours observing a registered dental hygienist.

• Secondary Application:

  • Complete the UMSOD secondary application.
  • Application fee: $80.

• Application Review:

  • The Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee assesses applications based on:
    • Completion of a prior bachelor's degree or anticipated completion by the end of the spring semester before summer enrollment.
    • Completion of prerequisite courses.
    • GPA in required science courses and overall academic performance.
    • Quality of personal statement and recommendation letters.
    • Completion of shadowing experiences.
    • Written and verbal communication skills.
    • Professional demeanor and leadership potential.

• Interview:

  • Qualified applicants may be invited for an interview with the Committee on Dental Hygiene Recruitment and Admissions.
  • Note: An interview invitation does not guarantee admission.

General Guidelines for Both Programs:

• Prerequisite Courses:

  • Must be completed at regionally accredited institutions.
  • Science courses should be completed within seven years prior to application.

• International Applicants:

  • Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
  • Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
    • Required scores:
      • 80-85 iBT
      • 550 paper-based
      • 213 computer-based

• Application Status:

  • Applicants can monitor their application status through the ADEA DHCAS portal.

For detailed information on application instructions, requirements, and deadlines, prospective students should visit the UMSOD Dental Hygiene Program Admissions page.