Fones School of Dental Hygiene Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
BS Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
A Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the Fones School, the world’s first, with two entry tracks and community outreach serving more than 9,000 people a year.
Opportunity awaits with a BS in Dental Hygiene
Two tracks toward your bachelor’s degree
Whether you already hold an associate degree in Dental Hygiene or are entering the field for the first time, achieving your bachelor’s begins a new chapter in your career. In addition to a higher earning potential, dental hygienists with bachelor’s degrees enjoy opportunities across public and private dental care.
Track 01
Beginning as a Pre-Dental Hygiene student
When you begin as a Pre-Dental Hygiene student, you embark on a four-year path to professional success. Starting with the fundamentals, you will deepen your knowledge in mathematics, science, and other essential subject areas.
After successfully finishing your first year of studies, you can apply for full admission to the program. Time to completion may vary by student.
Track 02
Starting with your AS in Dental Hygiene
Licensed dental hygienists with an AS in the field can take a two-year track to their BS degree.
You can complete your BS on ground, using UB’s Dental Hygiene Clinic, or complete it 100% online. If you have not completed your associate degree, you can transfer up to 90 credits from an accredited program.
Minors
Choose a minor area of study
Achieving your bachelor’s degree gives you the freedom to choose a minor such as Psychology, Human Services, or Education.
Earning your BS also helps refine sought-after skills like communication and collaboration, helping you establish yourself as a well-rounded professional.
Study at the world’s first school of dental hygiene
As the world’s first recognized school of Dental Hygiene, the Fones School is the premier place to pursue your studies. With expert instruction, state-of-the-art equipment, and hands-on opportunities at our on-site clinic, you will hone the knowledge and skills employers look for. Dental and dental hygiene professionals recognize the name of the Fones School as standing for excellence in the education it provides to future dental hygienists and, most notably, for its outreach and public health services, which are considered innovative and models for other dental hygiene schools across the country.
Admission
What you need to apply
Application materials
- Completed University of Bridgeport application
- Fones School of Dental Hygiene supplemental application
- Transcripts from any colleges or universities attended
- Proof of high school completion or its equivalent
- Personal statement
- Two recommender forms
Academic requirements
- Cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher
- Successful completion of required prerequisites within 7 years with a C or better
- English Composition, Intermediate Algebra, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2
- International applicants should consult our international admission requirements, or contact an admissions officer with specific queries.
Curriculum
What you will study
The bachelor’s curriculum builds on clinical practice with coursework in instructional strategy, community health, and research, preparing you for roles beyond private practice.
Clinical practice
Hands-on opportunities at UB’s on-site Dental Hygiene Clinic with state-of-the-art equipment.
Instructional strategies
Instructional Strategies for the Health Professional prepares you to teach in dental hygiene and dental assisting programs.
Dental Hygiene Internship
An internship experience in education or community locations, in an alternative practice setting rather than private practice.
Scientific inquiry
Apply scientific inquiry to foster critical thinking and reflective reasoning in all initiatives.
Service learning and internships
Care for the community while you learn
The community service component of the Fones School is renowned among dental hygiene programs. Its purpose is to continue the community outreach philosophy of Dr. Alfred C. Fones, applying the theories and concepts of public health when providing oral health care to community populations. Fones students and faculty provide oral health education, screenings, preventive services, and referrals to more than 9,000 people annually in Southwestern Connecticut and adjacent regions.
Clinical treatment sites
Fones Dental Hygiene Health Center, the Integrative Clinic in UB Clinics, Yale-New Haven Hospital Hamden Dental Center, Norwalk Hospital Dental Clinic, Southwest Community Health Center, and Jettie S. Tisdale Elementary School.
Community education
K-12 school children, Head Start and day care children, pregnant adolescents, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, homeless shelters, nursing homes, senior centers, and adult day care centers.
Internship affiliations
Stratford CT Health Department, Porter and Chester Institute, Community Health Centers of CT, Middlesex County College, North Hampton Community College, Centrix Dental, and Open Door Family Medical Center.
Areas of focus
Student teaching in dental hygiene and dental assisting programs, community and hospital health clinics, dental product companies, local health departments, and dental research companies.
Learning outcomes and careers
Where a bachelor’s degree takes you
A career in dental hygiene offers multiple employment opportunities in a variety of settings. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association acknowledges that completion of a bachelor’s degree enhances the hygienist’s ability to succeed in the following fields.
Continue to the MS in Dental Hygiene
Our bachelor’s degree-completion program prepares you to advance your career options further through UB’s Master of Science in Dental Hygiene. UB also offers continuing education for hygienists maintaining credits for licensure.
Related programs
Start your application
Choose the track that fits where you are now, on ground or fully online.