Dental Hygiene Program

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UNMC College of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program

Length of Program: 2 years
Application Opens: October 15
Application Deadline: February 1
Start Date: August 
Class Size: 24
Degree Awarded: BS 
Locations: Lincoln, Nebraska and Gering, Nebraska


Program Details

The UNMC College of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Completion of our Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene fulfills educational requirements for eligibility for licensure examinations, which ultimately leads to licensure in all US states and territories. [See complete licensure disclosure.]

The curriculum is organized into a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Preparation for admission to the dental hygiene program consists of approximately two academic years of study and this course work must be completed at any accredited college. 

After selection into the dental hygiene program, the next two academic years and one summer session are spent at the College of Dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska, or the West Division campus in Gering, Nebraska.


Why study dental hygiene?

Dental hygienists experience the satisfaction, privilege and joy of building relationships with their patients and helping them lead healthier lives by protecting their oral health. Dental hygiene is a rewarding and challenging career that offers a wealth of benefits, including competitive salaries, educating patients about the importance of oral health, working as part of a team, and helping to eliminate oral health disparities. The need for new dental hygienists is rapidly increasing; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental hygienists will grow nearly 20% by 2026.


Why the UNMC College of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program?


Core Topics Covered

Clinical Techniques, Clinical Dental Radiology, Community Dental Health, Dental Anatomy, Dental Materials, Oral Pathology, Research Methodology, Sedation


Skills Students Develop

Critical thinking and problem-solving, oral health assessments and preventative treatment planning, clinical hand skills and techniques, patient communication, research and sedation.


Career Opportunities

Private Practice (working with general dentists and dental specialists), Public Health (public health agencies, community health clinics and schools), Research, Teaching


Contact Us

Gwen Hlava, RDH, MS, Program Director
ghlava@unmc.edu

Hannah Evans, Admissions
haevans@unmc.edu, Phone 402-472-1433

Address
UNMC College of Dentistry Department of Dental Hygiene
Room 2117
4000 East Campus Loop South
Lincoln, NE 68583-0740