Before applying to the dental hygiene program at Mount Ida, prospective students must have successfully completed college courses in chemistry, anatomy and physiology. The two-year program takes four consecutive semesters to complete, culminating in an Associate of Arts (AA) degree. The curriculum includes specific courses in dental science, lab experience and clinical opportunities. Coursework includes: Dental Hygiene Theory, Periodontology, Dental Ethics and Practice Management, Public Speaking and Principles of Research. Need- and merit-based financial aid is available to qualified students.
Mount Ida College
777 Dedham St.
Newton, MA 02459
617-928-4500
mountida.edu
Students applying to Middlesex Community College's dental hygiene program must have successfully completed Anatomy & Physiology I and II and Chemistry I with a grade of B or higher in the five years prior to applying. College transcripts, a personal essay and three recommendations are also required. The dental hygiene program consists of two years of full-time study at its Lowell Campus. After successfully completing 75 credits, students are awarded an Associate of Science (AS) degree. The dental hygiene curriculum includes courses in head and neck anatomy, nutrition, dental radiology, community health, local anesthesia and an introduction to statistics. Students must also complete four clinical practice units. Approximately 53 percent of Middlesex Community College's students receive financial aid. Eligibility is determined each year and is based on need, registration in an eligible program and availability of funding.
Middlesex Community College
33 Kearney Sq.
Lowell, MA 01852
800-818-3434
middlesex.mass.edu
In Massachusetts, a baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene is available only through the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston. The school offers a 33-month accelerated Bachelor of Science (BS) in dental hygiene, a 16-month BS in dental hygiene for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree in another subject and an online BS in dental hygiene. Prerequisites for the three-year accelerated BS program include standardized test scores (SAT and/or ACT), a personal essay and at least two letters of recommendation. The college favors candidates who have excelled in a minimum of 16 credits of a college preparatory course that focuses on math and science. For the BS degree in dental hygiene, coursework focuses on basic sciences and dental hygiene theory and practice. Clinical experiences in the community and lab work give hands-on, practical education in patient care. University level electives include anatomy and physiology, expository writing, chemistry, microbiology, dental radiology, pathology, pain management, pharmacology and ethics. Financial aid is available from federal, state and college funding. Freshmen are eligible for merit-based scholarships.
Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
179 Longwood Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
800-225-5506
mcphs.edu