A public institution, Baltimore City Community College opened in 1947. The school is home to more than 22,000 students. Before beginning the school's associate degree program in dental hygiene, students must complete a number of prerequisite courses in anatomy, English, microbiology, and biochemistry. In addition, students must either have work experience in a clerical or dental assisting position or complete 15 hours of job-shadowing or observing a hygienist at work. The hygiene program requires four semesters of study to complete, and includes three clinical rotations at the college's dental hygiene clinic. The school participates in state and federal financial aid programs as well as work study. The school's Career Development office offers career fairs and workshops to help students find employment after graduation.
Baltimore City Community College
2901 Liberty Heights Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21215
410-462-7718
bccc.edu
With its main campus in Cumberland, Allegany College of Maryland is a public institution with more than 3,500 students. The school opened in 1961 and grants an Associate of Applied Science degree in dental hygiene. The summer before entering the program, all students must take a course in chemistry and CPR. There are no other admission requirements for the program. Coursework includes classes in English, anatomy, radiology, nutrition, periodontics, community dental education, psychology, sociology, and dental office management. Students complete three dental hygiene clinical rotations, one of which occurs during the summer between the first and second years of the program. Limited housing is available on campus. The school offers financial aid, career advising, and tutoring services.
Allegany College of Maryland
12401 Willowbrook Road Southeast
Cumberland, MD 21502
301-784-5005
ac.cc.md.us
The University of Maryland Dental School is an offshoot of the public Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, which was founded in 1848 as the first dental school in the United States. The school's dental hygiene program grants both bachelor's and master's degrees in the field. For undergraduate students, the University of Maryland offers a degree completion program for licensed hygienists who have associate degrees in the field, as well a traditional program for new students. For traditional bachelor's students, the curriculum includes courses in pediatrics, periodontics, and dental surgery. Classes for the traditional program may be partially completed at the school's satellite branches in Princess Anne and Perryville. The master's program allows students to specialize in hygienist education, dental office management, or community dental health. The university participates in state and federal financial aid programs.
University of Maryland Dental School
650 West Baltimore St.
Suite 6402
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-706-7773
dental.umaryland.edu