Dental Hygiene
Dental hygienists are highly-skilled, licensed health professionals who help promote, develop and maintain oral health.
The rigorous MCPHS Forsyth Dental Hygiene program is recognized for clinical and academic innovation and leadership. The foundation for the program began with the former Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists at the Forsyth Institute which started educating dental hygienists in 1916. MCPHS is committed to continuing this tradition of excellence by providing an exceptional educational environment at its new and state-of-the-art Esther M. Wilkins Forsyth Dental Hygiene Clinic completed in 2005.
The program provides students with the knowledge, technical skill, clinical competencies and values required to practice as a licensed dental hygienist in the 21st century. Instruction in dental hygiene is provided in small classes by highly-qualified dental educators, through clinical experience on-campus at the Forsyth Dental Hygiene Clinic, and in community-based rotations in a variety of settings. A sense of ethical and community responsibility as well as preparation for traditional and non-traditional practice settings are overarching goals of the program.
Dental Hygiene Programs:
- Full-time, 33-month program
- For incoming freshmen and transfer students who wish to become licensed dental hygienists
- Includes courses in general education and basic sciences; core classes in dental hygiene and clinical practice; plus independent study in dental hygiene theory and practice, an internship, and electives in areas of interest
- Full-time, 16-month program
- Includes courses in dental hygiene theory and clinical practice
- For students with an earned bachelors degree from a regionally accredited college or university and wish to become licensed dental hygienists
- 21-month program is completed online, two to three courses per semester
- Ideal for licensed dental hygienists who wish to earn a BSDH while continuing to practice
- Includes courses in dental hygiene and clinical practice; also an independent study in advanced dental hygiene theory and practice, internship, and electives in areas of interest