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Undergraduate Dental Hygiene
Improving oral health
Hygienists provide essential services in the traditional dental office setting. You'll also find them in specialty centers, hospitals, long term care facilities, correctional settings, dental sales, education and even policy-making in community health settings.
Majors
Dental Hygiene: Bachelor of Science
As a dental hygiene student, you'll have numerous opportunities outside the classroom for professional development, clinical experience and socializing with other students in the program, including the following:
- Interdisciplinary experiences with students and faculty in a wide variety of health professions
- Providing oral cancer screenings at area health fairs and assisted living facilities
- Giving oral health presentations at day care centers, schools, nursing homes and other organizations
- A summer internship providing clinical experience in several practice settings
- An opportunity for student membership in the local chapter of the American Dental Hygienists Association, which sponsors activities throughout the year promoting community service and the dental hygiene profession
Four Year Program Guide
The Classroom & Beyond
Student Organization
Our students are eligible to become members of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA). You'll have opportunities for personal and professional development as a student member.
Eligibility Requirements
Before entering the Dental Hygiene program students need to complete prerequisite courses and other requirements. Learn more about eligibility to apply for our program.
Selection Criteria
Our program admits 32 students each year. Learn more about the criteria we look at when making our student selection.
After Graduation
Potential Careers
In addition to traditional clinical settings, you'll find USD graduates in the following areas:
- Teaching
- Corporate dentistry
- Health literacy and advocacy
- School-based practice
- Administrative positions
- Research
- Public health settings
- Interprofessional practice