Program structure

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program is a comprehensive curriculum combining foundational knowledge, clinical training, and community engagement. The program spans 2+2 years, with the first two years dedicated to prerequisite coursework and the final two years focused on dental hygiene studies.

1. Prerequisite Coursework (57 Credits):

• Must be completed at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
• Includes courses in:
  • Biology (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology)
  • Chemistry
  • Nutrition
  • Behavioral Sciences (Psychology, Sociology)
  • General Education (English, Math, Humanities)

2. Core Curriculum (65 Credits):

First Year:

• Foundations of Dental Hygiene Practice
• Oral Anatomy and Histology
• Preclinical Dental Hygiene
• Radiology and Dental Materials
• Preventive Dentistry and Patient Assessment

Second Year:

• Advanced Clinical Dental Hygiene
• Periodontics
• Community Dentistry
• Research Methods in Dental Hygiene
• Practice Management and Ethics

3. Clinical Training:

• Extensive hands-on experience in patient care, including exposure to:
  • Pediatrics
  • Periodontics
  • Oral Surgery
  • Special Needs Populations
• Training is conducted in state-of-the-art facilities under faculty supervision.

4. Community Engagement:

• Service-learning opportunities addressing oral health disparities.
• Participation in outreach programs throughout Maryland.

5. Capstone and Graduation Requirements:

• A research project or community-based initiative is often included as a capstone requirement.
• Total of 122 credits (57 prerequisite + 65 core credits) required for graduation.

For more details, visit the program structure page.

Fees and Funding

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry entails specific tuition, fees, and offers various funding opportunities to support students.

Tuition and Fees:

• Tuition: The program's tuition rates are subject to change; for the most current information, please refer to the Student Financial Services page.

• Additional Fees: Students are responsible for various fees, including:

  • Student Activities Fee
  • Student Government Fee
  • Campus Center Infrastructure Fee
  • Student Services Fee
  • Shuttle Fee
  • Technology Fee
  • Registration Fees (e.g., equipment purchase, malpractice insurance)
  • Health Insurance Premium (unless proof of equivalent coverage is provided)

For a detailed breakdown of these fees, consult the Student Financial Services page.

Funding Opportunities:

• Federal Aid: Eligible students may apply for federal financial aid programs, including:

  • Federal Pell Grant: Up to $7,395 per academic year.
  • Federal Direct Loans: Subsidized and unsubsidized loan options are available.

• State Scholarships: Maryland residents may qualify for state-funded scholarships, such as:

  • Senatorial and Delegate Scholarships
  • Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program

• University Scholarships: The School of Dentistry offers various scholarships based on academic achievement and financial need. Examples include:

  • Fusion Dental Group Scholarship Endowment
  • Dr. Leslie E. Grant Scholarship Endowment

For more information on these scholarships, visit the Scholarship Opportunities page.

• External Scholarships: Organizations such as the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) provide scholarships for dental hygiene students.

Students are encouraged to explore all available funding options and consult the university's financial aid office for personalized assistance.

Scholarship Guidance

The University of Maryland School of Dentistry offers various scholarship opportunities to support students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene:

1. Fusion Dental Group Scholarship Endowment:

• Awarded to dental hygiene students based on academic excellence and financial need.

2. Dr. Leslie E. Grant Scholarship Endowment:

• Supports students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and dedication to the field of dental hygiene.

3. Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (WSSAG):

• A state-funded scholarship for Maryland residents who commit to working in underserved communities after graduation.

4. Federal and State Financial Aid:

• Federal Pell Grant: For eligible undergraduate students with financial need.
• Maryland Senatorial and Delegate Scholarships: Available to Maryland residents based on residency and academic merit.

5. External Scholarships:

• Scholarships from organizations like the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) and other professional associations.

6. Part-Time Work Opportunities:

• Students can also supplement their education costs through part-time work on campus or in the local community.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Application Period:

• Submit applications between October 24 and February 15 for fall semester admission.

2. Academic Prerequisites:

• Minimum GPA: A recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, with preference given to higher scholastic averages, especially in science courses.
• Prerequisite Coursework: Completion of 57 credits of prerequisite courses at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, including:
  • Science Courses (24 credits):
    • Anatomy and Physiology I & II with labs (8 credits)
    • General Biology with lab (4 credits)
    • Inorganic or General Chemistry with lab (4 credits)
    • Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
    • Higher-level science course with lab (4 credits)
  • Non-Science Courses (33 credits):
    • Basic Statistics (3 credits)
    • Technical Writing (3 credits)
    • English Composition (6 credits)
    • Humanities (3 credits)
    • Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
    • Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
    • Principles of Nutrition (3 credits)
    • Public Speaking (3 credits)
    • Social Sciences (6 credits)
• Grade Requirement: A minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses.
• Science Coursework Currency: Science courses must be completed within 7 years prior to application.

3. Dental Hygiene Shadowing:

• Completion of a minimum of 8 hours observing a registered dental hygienist in practice to gain insight into the profession.

4. Letters of Recommendation:

• Two recommendations:
  • One from a college-level science instructor.
  • One from a dental hygienist or dentist.
• Recommendations must be from non-family members; University of Maryland Dental Hygiene faculty cannot provide recommendations.

5. English Language Proficiency (for non-native speakers):

• TOEFL Scores:
  • Internet-based test (iBT): 80-85
  • Paper-based test: 550
  • Computer-based test: 213
• TOEFL results should be sent to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs (Code: 5848).

6. Additional Application Materials:

• Official Transcripts: From all colleges or universities attended; foreign transcripts require evaluation by WES or ECE.
• Resume: Detailing educational background and relevant experiences.
• In-State Residency Form: For applicants seeking in-state tuition consideration.

7. Application Submission:

• Complete the ADEA Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service (DHCAS) application, ensuring all materials are submitted by the February 15 deadline.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission, as the selection process is competitive. Applicants are encouraged to exceed the minimum criteria to strengthen their applications.

For detailed information, please visit the application requirements page.

Application Procedure

Follow these steps to apply for the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program:

1. Application Timeline:

• Applications open: October 24
• Deadline for submission: February 15
• Admission decisions are communicated on a rolling basis.

2. Application Portal:

• Apply through the ADEA Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service (DHCAS).
  Access the application via ADEA DHCAS.

3. Required Documents:

• Official Transcripts:

  • Submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  • Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators).

• Prerequisite Coursework Completion:

  • A minimum of 57 credits in required prerequisites with grades of C or higher.

• Letters of Recommendation:

  • One letter from a college-level science instructor.
  • One letter from a dental hygienist or dentist.

• Resume:

  • Highlighting educational background, professional experiences, and achievements.

• Motivation and Experience:

  • Proof of 8 hours of shadowing experience with a registered dental hygienist.

• English Language Proficiency (for non-native speakers):

  • TOEFL scores (minimum of 80 iBT or equivalent).

• Residency Documentation (if applicable):

  • Submit an In-State Residency Form for Maryland residents.

4. Application Fee:

• The ADEA DHCAS requires a non-refundable application fee.

5. Selection Process:

• Applications are reviewed holistically, considering academic performance, letters of recommendation, and relevant experience.
• Selected applicants may be invited for an interview.

6. Notification of Admission:

• Admission decisions are communicated after application review. Candidates must accept their offer within the specified timeframe.

For more details on the application process, visit the application instructions page.