Dental Hygiene Completion Program

Degree

Bachelor of Science with a major in Dental Hygiene - Completion Program
Westbrook College of Health Professions (WCHP)
Department of Dental Hygiene

Contact

Marji Harmer-Beem, R.D.H., M.S.
Program Director, Department of Dental Hygiene
mharmerbeem@une.edu

 

Mission

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.

Major Description

The SWAGÊÓƵ offers a Bachelor of Science with a major in Dental Hygiene 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 common 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.

Curricular Requirements

Dental Hygiene Degree CompletionCredits
Maximum Transfer Credits85
WCHP Common RequirementsCredits
BIO 309 – Pathophysiology3
MAT 120 – Statistics3
One (1) 276 or 278 Human Traditions with the following prefix: ARH, ENG, HIS, LIL, PHI, PSC, or REL3
One (1) Advanced Studies Course3
One (1) Creative Arts Course3
One (1) Social Global Awareness Course3
Total Credits18
Program Required CoursesCredits
DEN 406 – Current Concepts in Dental Hygiene3
DEN 422 – Leadership2
DEN 490 – Internship/Experiential Learning3
IHS 310 – Ethics for Interprofessional Practice3
Professional Electives (300-level or higher)*6*
Total Credits17
Minimum Total Required Credit120

*Additional elective credit will be required if transfer coursework is less than eighty-five (85) credits.

Academic and Technical Standards

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)

Learning Outcomes

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.

Transfer Credit

For students transferring from another institution, a minimum of thirty-six (36) credits in attendance is required for a bachelor of science degree with a major in dental hygiene. You must take at least thirty (36) credits at SWAGÊÓƵ. 

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. 

Admissions

Admission Requirements: Associate Degree with a major in Dental Hygienist

  • 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 SWAGÊÓƵ admissions application.

See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

Financial 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.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This catalog outlines the academic programs, degree criteria, policies, and events of the SWAGÊÓƵ for the 2024–2025 academic year and serves as the official guide for academic and program requirements for students enrolling at the University during the Summer of 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 semesters.

The information provided is accurate as of its publication date on April 26, 2024.
The SWAGÊÓƵ reserves the right to modify its programs, calendar, or academic schedule as deemed necessary or beneficial. This includes alterations to course content, class rescheduling, cancellations, or any other academic adjustments. Changes will be communicated as promptly as possible.

While students may receive guidance from academic advisors or program directors, they remain responsible for fulfilling the requirements outlined in the catalog relevant to their enrollment year and for staying informed about any updates to policies, provisions, or requirements.