Dental Hygiene

Study mode:Online Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 34.2 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 34.2 k / Year(s)  
StudyQA ranking:9927 Duration:

Photos of university / #ubridgeport

The Dental Hygiene program at the University of Bridgeport is a comprehensive undergraduate pathway designed to prepare students for a successful career in oral healthcare. This program combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical experience, ensuring graduates are well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation necessary for effective patient care. The curriculum covers essential subjects such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, radiography, periodontology, and community dental health, providing students with a solid understanding of the human body and oral health sciences. Emphasis is placed on developing proficiency in preventive dental procedures, oral health education, and patient communication, fostering the ability to educate diverse populations on maintaining optimal oral hygiene. Through state-of-the-art laboratories and simulated clinical sessions, students gain practical skills in performing dental cleanings, taking radiographs, and managing patient care efficiently and compassionately. The program also encourages research and critical thinking, allowing students to engage with current advancements in dental materials and techniques. Experienced faculty members, many of whom are practicing professionals, mentor students throughout their academic journey, ensuring a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Additionally, the program prepares graduates to sit for national certification examinations, which are required to become licensed Dental Hygienists. The University of Bridgeport’s strong connections with local dental practices and community health organizations provide valuable internship opportunities, giving students real-world exposure and enhancing their professional networks. Upon completion, graduates are prepared for diverse employment settings, including private dental offices, clinics, public health programs, and educational institutions. The program emphasizes lifelong learning, ethical practice, and a commitment to improving community health through preventive care, making it an excellent choice for students passionate about making a positive impact in oral health.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline July 1 is the last date to apply for the Fall Semester which begins late August/early September;November 1 is the last date to apply for the Spring Semester which begins mid-January Tuition fee
  • USD 34245 Year (National)
  • USD 34245 Year (International)
Start date September 2015 Credits 122
Languages Take an IELTS test
  • English
Delivery mode On CampusOnline Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Structure Fully structured Student interaction Individual work/assignments (with online group discussions) Attendance No Attendance Teacher support Continuous support with feedback on request More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

Curriculum and Program Requirements

Admissions Requirements

  • BIOL 113 Anatomy and Physiology I w/lab 4
  • BIOL 114 Anatomy and Physiology II w/lab 4
  • CHEM 113 Introductory Chemistry w/lab 3
  • MATH 105 Intermediate Algebra 3
  • ENGL C101 Composition & Rhetoric 3

Program Requirements

  • DHYG 123 Oral Anatomy and Embryology I 4
  • DHYG 124 Radiology 3
  • DHYG 127 Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist 3
  • DHYG 129 Clinical Practice I 4
  • DHYG 130 Clinical Practice II 4
  • DHYG 140 Introduction to Periodontology 2
  • DHYG 227 Clinical Practice III 5
  • DHYG 230 Local Anesthesia 1
  • DHYG 228 Clinical Practice IV 5
  • DHYG 232 Dental Public Health 4
  • DHYG 233 General and Oral Histo-Pathology 3
  • DHYG 241 Periodontology 2
  • DHYG 250 Dental Materials 3
  • DHYG 301 Dental Hygiene Practice Management 3
  • DHYG 302 Instructional Strategies for the Health Professional 3
  • DHYG 303 Advanced Clinical Concepts
  • DHYG 304 Dental Hygiene Internship 3-6
  • DHYG 305 Dental Hygiene Research I 3
  • DHYG 306 Dental Hygiene Research II 4
  • DHYG 400 Statistical Reasoning
  • DHYG 204 Nutritional Biochemistry 3

Total Hours Program Requirements 68

General Education Requirements includes pre-requisites*

  • BIOL 113 Anatomy and Physiology I 4*
  • BIOL 114 Anatomy and Physiology II 4*
  • BIOL 106 Elementary Microbiology 4
  • CAPS C390 Capstone Seminar 3
  • SOSC C201 Social Science I
  • 3 SOSC C202 Social Science II 3
  • ENGL C101 Composition & Rhetoric 3*
  • FA C101 Fine Arts 3
  • HUM C201 Humanities I 3
  • HUM C202 Humanities II 3
  • MATH 105 Intermediate Algebra 3*
  • SOC 101 Principles of Sociology 3
  • FYS 101 First Year Seminar 3
  • HUSV 201 Introduction to Counseling
  • OR 3 MKTG 305 Principles of Marketing 3
  • Electives 9

Total Hours for General Education 54

Total Semester Hours122

Online Course Descriptions

Dental Hygiene 301 Dental Hygiene Practice Management

This course is designed to enhance the ability of the student to provide optimum patient care while functioning within an interdisciplinary dental team. This is accomplished through students learning skills including communication, teamwork, business and management practices, and patient management.
3 credits

Dental Hygiene 302 Instructional Strategies for the Health Professional

Assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of various instructional methodologies/strategies to facilitate presentations. Fundamentals of instructional theory with practical skill applications.
3 credits

Dental Hygiene 303 Advanced Clinical Concepts

This course expands upon the basic knowledge and skills utilized in the dental hygiene process of care. Students are introduced to advanced clinical concepts through evidence-based practice methods. Oral medicine, advanced periodontology, pain management, current research and technologies are emphasized.
3 credits

Dental Hygiene 304 Dental Hygiene Internship

Direct observation and supervised teaching or field work. Interns complete this practicum in selected sites implementing the skills acquired in Dental Hygiene 302, and other Associate and Baccalaureate courses. Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 302.
By arrangement; 3-6 credits

Dental Hygiene 305 Dental Hygiene Research I

This course will introduce the student to the fundamentals of research design and process. This course will enable Dental Hygiene students to develop skills in the analysis of dental research findings and the evaluation of dental issues through critical analysis. Students will also gain exposure to the development of research protocols to be carried out in Dental Hygiene 306. Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 302.
3 credits

Dental Hygiene 306 Dental Hygiene Research II

Students, working in groups of two or three, will utilize and reinforce acquired Dental Hygiene research concepts from Dental Hygiene 305 while developing advanced assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation skills. Required of all candidates for a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. Prerequisite: Dental Hygiene 302, DH 305.
4 credits

Dental Hygiene 400 Statistical Reasoning

This course will provide a basic overview of statistical analysis and how certain tests can be performed to determine if there is a statistically significant relationship between variables. The student will receive an introduction to the use of Excel for data analysis. 3 credits

Curriculum and Program Requirements

The baccalaureate degree program consists of 120 credit hours:

  • transfer credits from previous academic experience (60-90 credit hours),
  • general education courses (40 credit hours),
  • dental hygiene courses ( 22 credit hours),
  • and elective courses (9 credit hours).

With 60-90 transfer credits, students may be able to achieve a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene in two years. The following courses are required for a B.S. in Dental Hygiene:

Dental Hygiene Courses 22 credits

  • DHYG 301 Dental Hygiene Practice 3 credits
  • DHYG 302 Instructional Strategies 3 credits
  • DHYG 303 Advanced Clinical Concepts 3 credits
  • DHYG 304 Dental Hygiene Internship 3 credits
  • DHYG 305 Dental Hygiene Research I 3 credits
  • DHYG 306 Dental Hygiene Research II 4 credits
  • DHYG 400 Statistical Reasoning 3 credits
  • General Education Courses FA C101 Fine Arts 3 credits
  • HUM C201 Humanities I 3 credits
  • HUM C202 Humanities II 3 credits
  • MKTG 305 Principles of Marketing 3 credits
  • SOSC C201 Social Science Core 3 credits
  • CAPS 390 Capstone/Senior Thesis 3 credits
  • General Electives 9 credits (General Electives are courses that are outside the specific degree requirements and can be fulfilled by courses in other subjects, transfer courses, or other non-traditional credit options accepted by UB.)

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL paper-based test score : 500 TOEFL iBT® test : 61

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Applicants are encouraged to call the appropriate department for information and/or to schedule an appointment. If difficulties are encountered, applicants should call the Office of Admissions at (203) 576-4552 for assistance.

Dental Hygiene

College Prep Biology and Chemistry with lab and two years of high school Math are academic prerequisites. Students without science prerequisites may begin in a pre-clinic curriculum upon advisement of the division director. Clinical students must begin in the fall semester of an academic year and attend full time. Admission is offered to students in the fall semester only and students must maintain full-time enrollment while in the program. As this is a full-time program, students find it extremely difficult to work while enrolled in the two-year program. Two letters of recommendation are required, preferably one from a math or science teacher.

You can demonstrate proof of English Language competency by meeting any one of the criteria listed below:

1. A letter certifying completion of level 6 at the University’s English Language Institute (ELI).
Attainment of a satisfactory score on the University of Bridgeport’s English Language Assessment Battery (ELAB).

2. A minimum TOEFL score of 500 (PBT), 173 (CBT), or 61 (IBT) for undergraduates and a minimum score of 550 (PBT), 213 (CBT), or 80 (IBT) for graduates (post-graduates).

3. A minimum IELTS (Cambridge Testing) Band score of 6.0 for Undergraduates and a minimum Band score of 6.5 for graduates (post-graduates).

4. A transcript from an accredited American university indicating a grade of “C” or better in one semester of college English Composition.

5. Critical Reading SAT score of 400 or above; or ACT English score of 19 or above.

6.An official letter certifying completion of ELS (English Language Service) through level 112.

7.An official letter certifying completion of CSE (The Center for English Studies) through level 7.5.

8. A Michigan English Assessment Battery (MELAB) score of 69 or above for undergraduates and score of 77 or above for graduates.

9. A Prueba de Aptitud Academica (PAA) English achievement score of 500 or above.

10. A level of “Advanced” on the English Language Proficiency Test of the College Board.

11. An official “O” level or “A” level Certificate indicating a grade of “C” or better in English.

12. An EIKEN score of Grade 2A or above for undergraduates and a score of Grade Pre-1 or above for graduates.

13. A score of 4 or better on the “English A” Higher Level examination in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

14. WAEC, WASSE, CXC, etc. – Score of “C” or better on English Language exam.

15. A minimum Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) score of 44 for undergraduates and a minimum PTE Academic score of 53 for graduates (post-graduates).

You must demonstrate English language competency in one of the ways listed above. If you don’t demonstrate English language competency in one of these ways prior to registration, you will be given the University English Language Assessment Battery (ELAB) test upon arrival. If you pass at a satisfactory level, you may begin classes.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

  • Academic Excellence Scholarship

    "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

  • Alumni Study Travel Fund

    Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

  • Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

    The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

The Dental Hygiene program at the University of Bridgeport is a comprehensive educational offering designed to prepare students for successful careers in dental health. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, patient care, and health promotion. Students in this program gain a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pathology, alongside specialized coursework in dental radiography, periodontology, and community dental health. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, enabling students to develop proficiency in delivering high-quality dental hygiene services.

The program's facilities are state-of-the-art, providing students access to modern dental equipment and simulation labs. Clinical training is conducted in university clinics, allowing students to work with diverse patient populations under supervision, fostering confidence and competence in real-world settings. The University of Bridgeport emphasizes a patient-centered approach, preparing graduates to work effectively in multidisciplinary healthcare teams and improve community oral health outcomes.

Admission requirements include a completed application, academic transcripts, and prerequisite coursework in sciences such as biology and chemistry. The program typically leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene, with opportunities for advanced study or specialization in areas like public health or education. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for licensing examinations in various states, meet nationally recognized standards, and pursue careers in dental practices, community clinics, research, or education.

The program also offers resources for career development, including internships, professional networking opportunities, and participation in dental hygiene associations. Through these experiences, students cultivate the skills necessary for lifelong learning and professional growth. The University of Bridgeport’s Dental Hygiene program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment, ensuring that graduates are prepared to serve diverse populations and promote oral health equity across different communities.

Similar programs:
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 415 / Year(s) Foreign:$ 877 / Year(s)
Deadline: Dec 1, 2025 601–800 place StudyQA ranking: 4289
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 13.7 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 28 k / Year(s)
StudyQA ranking: 11932
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 34.2 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 34.2 k / Year(s)
StudyQA ranking: 8178
Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 11.3 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 11.3 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Aug 1, 2026 StudyQA ranking: 4633