Since 1972, Montgomery County Community College has trained dental hygienists. This college's highly-competitive program awards an associate in applied science degree in dental hygiene, and also prepares students seeking to continue working toward a bachelor's at another school. Coursework combines in-class learning in anatomy, pharmacology and preventative oral health with hands-on clinical instruction that includes dental emergency training. Students must complete 70 credit hours within a four-year period. Small class sizes personalize the education while also helping students prepare for the licensing exam. Enrollment requires a number of prerequisite courses in the sciences, a valid CPR certification and minimum SAT or ACT scores (the college notes that meeting these benchmarks will not guarantee admission). The school's Blue Bell, Pennsylvania campus lies about a half-hour drive from Philadelphia.
Montgomery County Community College
340 Dekalb Pike
Blue Bell, PA 19422-0796
215-641-6623
mc3.edu
The University of Pittsburgh boasts the only program in Pennsylvania that enables students to study dental hygiene at a university with a school of dentistry and a medical school. While there, students can work toward a certificate in dental hygiene. Coursework lasts for two years (full time) and includes classes in microbiology, anesthesiology and radiology coupled with four full terms of clinical training in dental hygiene. Once students have completed the two-year certificate program, they can continue attending the university to earn a bachelor's degree while also working as a professionally employed dental hygienist. Admission requires a high school background in the sciences (with a minimum "C" grade), a minimum 1,100 SAT score, a valid CPR certification and a current hepatitis B inoculation.
University of Pittsburgh
School of Dental Medicine
B-82 Salk Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261-1937
412-648-8432
dental.pitt.edu
Harcum College's dental hygiene program awards associate of applied science degrees in dental hygiene. Students must complete 82 credit hours over two years of study with a mandatory summer term and three semesters of clinical duties. These clinical duties include working at Philadelphia's VA hospital (mandatory rotation), Harcum's on-campus dental center and a variety of other locations such as dentist offices, hospitals and community clinics. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, dental histology and radiology. Additionally, Harcum's liberal arts heritage also requires a number of electives plus the first-term Harcum Colloquium. Admission requires a high school background in math and science (grades of "B" or higher), a minimum 900 SAT score, a valid CPR certification, current hepatitis B inoculation and a criminal background and child abuse clearance.
Harcum College
750 Montgomery Ave.
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010-0000
610-526-6110
harcum.edu