Dental hygienists are licensed members of the dental health care team who strive to improve the oral health of the public through preventive services and education. They have special clinical and educational skills, an aptitude for science and a genuine concern for people. The pre-dental hygiene area of concentration usually involves two years of study at UMBC. Students then will complete professional studies and a bachelor’s degree at another institution and will not receive a degree from UMBC. The Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising can assist students interested in pursuing the pre-dental hygiene curriculum.

The program description below meets the requirements for most nationally accredited dental hygiene programs. Students should become familiar with the requirements of the school(s) from which they eventually wish to obtain the bachelor’s degree to plan a program that will best use time spent at UMBC.