Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BS)—Predental Track

Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene

Location: Boston
Start Term: Fall, Spring

Earn your bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene and qualify to work as a dental hygienist as you prepare for dental school.

An Exceptional Training Ground for Dental School

You'll spend the first 21 months of this 37-month program, which takes place on our Boston campus, completing your core curriculum and dental school prerequisites. You then will move into the 16-month professional phase, where you’ll have the opportunity to work with experts during clinical experiences in our on-campus clinic and in community facilities. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to sit for the dental hygiene licensing exam and may work as a dental hygienist to gain practical experience before starting dental school. Begin this program in the fall or spring.

Your Four-Year Journey

The core knowledge and clinical experience you gain by studying at New England’s top college for dental hygiene will provide an excellent foundation for dental school. In fact, with far more clinical expertise than many of your peers, you'll be positioned to flourish in dental school.

First-year experience

  • study biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, and physiology and attend associated labs
  • learn the interpersonal communication skills necessary to be an effective health professional
  • explore calculus and expository writing

Second-year experience

  • complete coursework in microbiology, biochemistry, and organic chemistry and attend associated labs
  • develop an understanding of healthcare ethics and American culture and identity
  • learn cultural anthropology and human psychology

Third-year experience

  • begin building knowledge and core competency in critical areas of dental care, including dental anatomy and histology, dental radiology, and dental materials
  • study community oral health and perform oral health research
  • learn the essentials of head and neck anatomy, periodontology, and pain management

Fourth-year experience

  • continue advanced studies in clinical dental hygiene and the process of dental care
  • become familiar with how to manage a dental practice
  • complete a capstone in dental hygiene leadership

The Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at MCPHS

Ours is the longest continually running dental hygiene program in the country.
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Doing well while doing good

Professional success and personal satisfaction go hand-in-hand for MCPHS dental hygiene graduates.

#1 Best School for Pre-Dentistry Studies

As ranked for Bachelor's students in the U.S., as ranked by College Factual.

The MCPHS dental hygiene clinical experience

Work with a diverse patient population from MCPHS and surrounding communities in one of the nation’s preeminent dental clinics.

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$78k average salary

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports dental hygienist salaries ranging from $60k to $100k in 2021.

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The MCPHS Dental Hygiene Clinical Experience

Work with a diverse patient population from MCPHS and surrounding communities in one of the nation’s preeminent dental clinics.

Other Pathways to a Career in Dental Hygiene

MCPHS offers multiple options for undergraduate and graduate students.

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene — Accelerated

Full-time 33-month program on our Boston campus.

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene — Fast Track

Full-time,16-month program on our Worcester campus.

Master of Science in Dental Hygiene

Part-time or full-time online program.

Graduate Certificate in Oral Health Professions Education

9-credit online program.

AS to MS in Dental Hygiene Bridge Program

Fully online.

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene — Degree Completion

Part-time and fully online.

Download a Program Fact Sheet

Download a program fact sheet for a snapshot of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene—Predental Track.

View the Technical Standards and the Exposure Control Plan [PDF] for the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene.