Offered at the University of Maryland's Dental School in downtown Baltimore, the dental hygienist program has a prerequisite of 57 college credits and leads to a bachelor's of science degree. This degree in dental hygiene takes two years for full-time students and three years for part-time students. Applicants for the program need a 3.0 grade point average and a strong science background, plus eight hours of practical observation of a professional dental hygienist. Professional and personal recommendations are also required. Students gain practical knowledge at the university's dental clinic and are sent into the Maryland community for further training. Financial aid is available.
The western Maryland campus of Allegany College is a two-year institution offering multiple programs. The goal of its dental hygiene curriculum is to graduate students with strong communications and clinical skills, and a desire to work in the community to improve personal dental care. Accredited, the college provides a program structure leading to licensing exams in all states, and its graduates earn an associate in applied science degree. Two summer sessions are required. Allegany County residents receive preferential tuition rates, and there is a program to help Maryland residents lower their fees. Financial aid is available.
Baltimore City Community College offers a dental hygiene program leading to an associate in applied science degree. The school is accredited, and students graduate with the skills and knowledge to take the National Board Examination and the Northeast Regional Board Examination. The Liberty Campus on-site dental clinic provides practical instruction for the dental hygienist major, in addition to the labs and classroom work. Students must be admitted to the pre-dental hygiene program before entering the full dental hygiene course. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of high school algebra and science courses, and college-level math proficiency demonstrated in a placement test administered by the college. Financial aid is available.
The dental hygienist program at the Dundalk Campus of the Community College of Baltimore County blends in-class instruction, lab work and practical experience leading to an associate in applied science degree. The two-year accredited program includes a summer session. Admission criteria are separate from the college's general admission guidelines and require a strong background in science and math. Three letters of recommendation and 16 hours of professional observation are also required. A "Test of Essential Academic Skills" must be taken as part of the admissions portfolio. Financial aid is available.