The University of New Mexico (UNM), located in Albuquerque, boasts the only dental hygiene program located within a university's school of medicine in the United States. The university offers both bachelor's and master's degree programs in the field of dental hygiene. Applicants to the bachelor's program must complete three semesters of a pre-professional program before entering the dental hygienist specialization while potential students in the graduate program need a bachelor's degree in a related field, a minimum 3.0 GPA and letters of recommendation. The curriculum of both programs emphasize intensive courses and training followed by firsthand experience under faculty supervision. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, and graduates of UNM's dental hygiene program are on track to becoming licensed health care practitioners.
San Juan College, in Farmington, offers an associate of applied science (AAS) in dental hygiene, with job placement for students in the profession of over 98 percent. The program requires a background in basic science and humanities courses, and applicants are ranked for admission based on their GPA, residency and statement of purpose. Students spend their time in both courses and clinical training, with over 600 hours of experience in a dental clinic. The program is recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Located in Las Cruzas, Doña Ana Community College offers a limited entry program for an AAS in dental hygiene. Applicants are required to complete a short regimen of general education courses in science and humanities. Students must maintain a C average in the program's 69 mandatory credit hours, including courses in oral anatomy, dental hygiene theory, principles of practice and pharmacology.
Applicants to Eastern New Mexico University at Roswell's dental hygiene program must complete a significant course load, totaling 38 credit hours in the humanities, science and dental studies. The associate program entails over 40 additional credit hours in specialized dental hygiene courses, including oral pathology, periodontology, local anesthesia and clinical dental health. Students will also gain experience as a part of the school's dental hygiene clinic, operated out of the New Mexico Rehabilitation Center.