Overview

The Dental Hygiene programme at The University of New Mexico provides students with the essential clinical skills and scientific knowledge required for a successful career in oral healthcare. This Bachelor of Science degree is designed to prepare graduates for the complexities of modern dental practice through rigorous academic study and supervised clinical experience.

The curriculum follows a structured path, beginning with a three-semester pre-professional college phase. Once admitted to the professional stage, students undertake a five-semester sequence that includes a mandatory summer session between the junior and senior years. This intensive schedule ensures that all participants meet the high standards expected in the field of dentistry.

Why Dental Hygiene at The University of New Mexico?

The University of New Mexico offers a distinctive learning environment through its School of Medicine, providing students with access to high-level health science resources. The programme is recognised for its integration of clinical rotations at various off-campus sites, ensuring students gain diverse experience in different community settings.

Facilities are designed to replicate professional dental environments, allowing students to master the operation and maintenance of cleaning equipment and radiology tools. The institution emphasises professional standards and prepares students for the specific requirements of state licensure and national board examinations.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 398 per credit
National fee: USD 398 per credit
Local fee: USD 398 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Dental Anatomy
Microbiology
Pathology
Dental Hygiene Theory and Techniques
Cleaning Equipment Operation and Maintenance
Dental Materials
Radiology
Patient Education and Counselling
Office Management
Clinical Training
Professional Standards

Careers with Dental Hygiene

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to enter the healthcare workforce in various capacities. The primary career path is becoming a registered dental hygienist, a role that involves cleaning teeth, applying preventive materials, and identifying oral pathologies. This occupation is currently identified as having a bright outlook with significant growth potential.

Beyond clinical practice, the degree prepares individuals for roles in oral health education and treatment counselling. Some graduates may also pursue careers as health specialties teachers in postsecondary education. The programme provides the foundational knowledge necessary to manage dental hygiene practices and lead community health initiatives.

Employment opportunities are typically found in private dental practices, community health centres, and educational institutions. Because the curriculum covers office management and professional standards, graduates are also prepared for administrative responsibilities within the dental industry.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Clinical Instruction

Biology for Health Related Sciences

Dental Public Health

Elements of General Chemistry

Oral Medicine

Key information

Duration

Part-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

Online

Campus Location

Albuquerque, United States

Disciplines

Dentistry View 13 other Bachelors in Dentistry in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.4

English requirements

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

In order to apply to the program students must:

Complete or be enrolled in all of the Pre-Requisite coursework, which can be found in the Entry Level Curriculum found here.
Earn an overall grade point average of 2.4 or above on a 4.0 scale is required. Applicants without at least a 2.4 GPA will not be considered. A 2.4 GPA does not guarantee acceptance into the program, however.
Complete 20 hours of shadowing with a Dental Hygienist.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11940 USD / year

≈ 11940 USD / year
Out-of-State

11940 USD / year

≈ 11940 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11940 USD / year

≈ 11940 USD / year

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Dental Hygiene.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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