Two female dental hygiene students working on a patient.

Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene

The Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene advances the knowledge and skills of a wide range of dental hygiene professionals.

Oral Health is Pivotal to Overall Health

As we find more and more connections between oral disease and systemic health issues, the role of the dental hygienist has become increasingly important. At the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at MCPHS—the longest continually operating dental hygiene program in the country—we work to ensure our students are prepared for this increased responsibility. Our state-of-the-art clinics provide an in-depth experience in the development of skills and procedures integral to the evidence-based practice of dental hygienists.

Strategic Advantages to the Study of Dental Hygiene at MCPHS

At MCPHS, we have aligned our programs and facilities with the best-practices and most advanced technologies in the field. We believe in learning by doing, and all our degree programs are action-oriented, supported by rigorous classroom study.

State-of-the-art facilities

Recognized as one of the most exceptional dental hygiene clinics in the New England region, the Esther M. Wilkins Forsyth Dental Hygiene Clinic is equipped with advanced technology and provides students with diverse and comprehensive patient experiences. Esther M. Wilkins, DH ’39, for whom the clinic is named, was the founding author of the top resource text for dental hygiene students. Dr. Wilkins set the benchmark for the standards in the practice of dental hygiene, and we continue her legacy in the Forsyth program.

In-depth experience in the field

Students learn to provide all aspects of dental hygiene care during clinical courses and at external clinical site locations. Partnerships with dental practices and community health centers in surrounding areas enable students to gain exposure and increase their readiness to enter the dental hygiene profession after graduation.

Programs that fit every student’s level of expertise

Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene (BSDH) have more opportunities available to them after graduation. An associate’s degree in dental hygiene pathway is limited to private practice, while a BSDH graduate can enter sales, education, and public health in addition to private practice.

Stats and Facts

MCPHS adds up to be a strategic choice for a career in dental hygiene.

9%

increase in demand

A 9% increase in demand for dental hygienists projected by 2031 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

#12

100 Best Health Care Support Jobs

Dental hygienists rank #12 in the list of 100 Best Health Care Support Jobs (U.S. News & World Report, 2022)

#1

school of dental hygiene in the country

MCPHS has the oldest continually operating school of dental hygiene in the country

News and Features

Keep up with the latest news from the School of Dental Hygiene at MCPHS.

Inside the MCPHS Dental Hygiene Experience

Our on-site dental hygiene clinics are equipped with leading-edge equipment and technology. Students work closely with faculty on real patients so they have ample professional experience the day they graduate.
 Dental hygiene student with patient.

Faculty with a Passion for Teaching

At MCPHS, scholarship activity and professional affiliations go hand in hand with instruction and mentoring.

Dianne Smallidge

Dianne Smallidge

Professor/Dean

Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene

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Linda Boyd

Professor & Associate Dean of Graduate Studies

Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene

Irina Smilyanski

Irina Smilyanski

Associate Professor

Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene

See all Dental Hygiene Faculty