Dental Hygiene
Certificate Program
Admission Requirements
Application Procedures
Projected Costs
Current Class Statistics/Placement
Core Curriculum
BS Degree for graduates of accredited Dental Hygiene programs
Student Loan/Scholarships
Dental Hygiene Directory
FAQ
Certificate Program
The University of Pittsburgh Dental Hygiene Program is the only Dental Hygiene Program in Pennsylvania that is affiliated with a major University, the School of Dental Medicine, and with the UPMC hospitals.
The University of Pittsburgh Dental Hygiene Program:
- Offers a high quality dental school-based education;
- Provides extensive experience in specialty dental clinics and university-based hospitals;
- Provides a Bachelor of Science degree through the College of General Studies for those individuals wishing to pursue the degree completion option;
- Provides experience in didactic, clinical, and research activities.
Admission Requirements
The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine offers a two-year (six consecutive terms) course of studies which leads to a certificate in Dental Hygiene. Preparation for the program should include college preparatory or college level course work designed to ensure a solid background in the basic sciences, as well as successful completion of a college level English Composition course and a college level Introduction to Sociology course.
Approximately 36 students are admitted to the program each year. For information pertaining to admissions, please contact:
Director, Dental Hygiene Program
University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine
3501 Terrace Street, B-82 Salk Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261-1937
Phone (412) 648-8432
Application to the certificate program requires the following:
Prerequisites:
- Successful completion of a chemistry course with a laboratory component;
- Successful completion of a biology course with a laboratory component;
- Successful completion of a college level English Composition and a college level Introductory Sociology course (transfer courses need to be approved by the program);
- Three personal or professional references;
- Personal interview with the Admissions Committee;
- Attendance at the Dental Hygiene Applicant Seminar;
- Submission of application by December 15 deadline for early admission consideration.
Application Procedures
The Admissions Committee seeks a balance of academic preparation, perceptual-manual ability, and leadership potential. Prospective candidates present an average GPA of at least 2.70 overall, as well as in the sciences. Personal references, interviews, minimum SAT I score of 1100, and dental-related experience are also important criteria for admission.
3 WAYS TO APPLY
Electronic submission requires completion of both the University of Pittsburgh Data application and the Dental Hygiene application:
University of Pittsburgh Data application *Electronic submission temporarily unavailable, please print this form and mail it in.
Dental Hygiene applicationPrint out all forms and submit by mail to:
Director, Dental Hygiene Program
University of Pittsburgh
School of Dental Medicine
3501 Terrace Street
B-82 Salk Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261Unversity of Pittsburgh Application Data
Dental Hygiene Program Application Data
Personal Evaluation Forms (Print out 3)Call (412) 648-8432 for an application package to be sent to you.
Projected Costs
Tuition
Pennsylvania residents - $5,684.00 per trimester, $17,052.00 per year
Out-of-state residents - $10,343.00 per trimester,$31,029.00 per year
Mandatory health insurance - $65.00 per term
Mandatory Student Activity Fee - $80.00 per term
Mandatory Security and Transportation Fee - $90.00 per term
Mandatory Computer Network Service Fee - $150.00 per term
Housing
University of Pittsburgh Housing Services: Dormitory rates are available at www.pc.pitt.edu/housing/index.html. You may also contact a University Housing Representative at (412) 648-1100.
University of Pittsburgh Dining Services: Meal plan rates are available at www.pc.pitt.edu/dining/index.html. You may also contact a University Food Service Representative at (412) 648-1120
Expenses
Matriculation Fees:
Mandatory Hepatitis B inoculation (to be initiated by student) - $160.00
CPR certification/recertification - Fee established by provider
Proper documentation must be submitted to the program prior to the first day of class.
Program Expenses
Books - $900.00 per year
Uniforms - $80.00
Supplemental Instrument Kit - $1,195.00 (includes Radiology Lab Fee and Instrument Management Fee - Fall Term Invoice)
Clinic Procedures Manual - $25.00
Dental Hygiene National Board Examination - $145.00
Northeast Regional Board Examination - $725.00
Current Class Statistics/Placement
The University of Pittsburgh Dental Hygiene Program attracts students with a wide variety of backgrounds. As illustrated by the demographics from the most recent class, the University of Pittsburgh Dental Hygiene Program provides men and women of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds the comprehensive education necessary in preparing for a career as a dental hygienist.
Demographic Profiles
Most Recent Class: Graduating Class 2008
Educational Background
- High School - 13
- Post-Secondary - 22 total; 13, with >30 cr; 9, with <30 cr.
- Baccalaureate - 2
- Masters - 1
- PhD - 1
SAT - 1000
Gender
- Male - 0
- Female - 35
Residency
- In-State - 33
- Out-of-State - 2
Grade Point Averages
- High School - 3.38
- Post-Secondary - 3.09
Age Range
- 18 - 42
Race
- African American - 1
- Asian Pacific - 2
- Caucasian - 32
Graduating Class 2007
Educational Background
- High School - 6
- Post-Secondary - 25 total; 20, with >30cr; 5, with <30 cr.
- Associate Degree - 0
- Baccalaureate - 4
SAT- 1014
Gender
- Males - 3
- Females -28
Residency
- In-State - 29
- Out-of-State - 2
GPA
- High School - 3.41
- Post-Secondary - 3.10
Age Range
- 18 - 48
Race
- African Amercan - 1
- Asian Pacific - 1
- Caucasian - 29
| First Term | Credits | Faculty |
| Biological Sciences 1 | 3.0 | Vergona |
| Intro to Dental Hygiene | 3.0 | Bezak |
| Intro to Dentistry | 3.0 | Riccelli |
| Dental Anatomy | 2.0 | Folino Gallo |
| Dental Hygiene Practicum | 2.0 | Ball |
| Survey of Chemistry/Biochemistry/Nutrition | 5.0 | Etzel |
| Second Term | Credits | Faculty |
| Principles of Microbiology | 4.0 | Baker |
| Biological Sciences 2 | 3.0 | Vergona |
| Communication | 3.0 | Shuster |
| Radiology | 2.0 | Gallagher |
| Microbiology Laboratory | 0.0 | Baker |
| Dental Hygiene Seminar 1 | 1.0 | Inks |
| Dental Materials | 2.0 | Kelly |
| Dental Hygiene Clinic 1 | 2.0 | Inks |
| Third Term | Credits | Faculty |
| Introduction to Clinical Periodontics | 3.0 | Seyedain |
| General & Oral Pathology | 3.0 | Collins |
| Biological Sciences 3 | 3.0 | Vergona |
| Anesthesia & Medical Emergencies | 2.0 | Cuddy/Onik |
| Radiology 2 | 1.0 | Kelly |
| Dental Hygiene Seminar 2 | 1.0 | Inks |
| Dental Hygiene Clinic 2 | 3.0 | Inks |
| Fourth Term | Credits | Faculty |
| Pharmacology | 2.0 | Zemaitis |
| Public Health Dentistry | 3.0 | Onik |
| Gerontology | 3.0 | Gallagher |
| Dental Hygiene Seminar 3 | 1.0 | Ball |
| Dental Hygiene Clinic 3 | 4.0 | Ball |
| Ethics for the Health Care Professional | 3.0 | Inks |
| Fifth Term | Credits | Faculty |
| Dental Health Education, Methods and Practicum | 4.0 | Ball/Ambrosino |
| Introduction to Research Analysis | 3.0 | Huber |
| Dental Hygiene Seminar 4 | 1.0 | Ball, Riccelli |
| Dental Hygiene Clinic 4 | 5.0 | Ball |
| Sixth Term | Credits | Faculty |
| Basic Psychology | 3.0 | Westcott |
| Advanced Clinic Dental Hygiene Practice | 2.0 | Ball |
| Advanced Dental Hygiene Practicum | 0.0 | Riccelli |
Total Credits - 85.0
BS Degree for graduates of accredited Dental Hygiene programs
Opportunities for health care professionals are becoming available as a result of the changes in health care delivery formats. To prepare dental hygiene graduates for employment opportunities created by these changes, the University of Pittsburgh College of General Studies and the School of Dental Medicine have developed a course of studies which leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. The degree enhances the already completed professional training and provides important exposure to the liberal arts. The combination of basic sciences, clinical experiences, and liberal arts strengthens the career opportunities for dental hygienists in business, sales, dental hygiene education, and research.
A distinct advantage of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is that hygienists can practice their profession following receipt of their certificate in Dental Hygiene and be employed while completing the requirements for the bachelor's degree. Class schedules can be tailored to work schedules. Classes are available in the evening, during the day, on Saturday, and through the external studies program, which may require only three Saturday workshops while using specially developed course materials. Attendance can be on a full-time or part-time basis.
A minimum total of 120 credits is required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. Of the total, a minimum of 30 credits must be at the junior/senior level. This degree is available to graduates of accredited dental hygiene programs. Applications are reviewed for advanced placement on an individual basis.
1) Individuals who graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine as of 1996 can apply for 82 credits following their Dental Hygiene Program toward the 120 credits required for the Bachelor of Science degree.
The following areas make up the remaining 38 credits:
English Composition or Writing - 6 credits
Mathematics - 2 credits
Humanities - 6 credits
Social Sciences - 3 credits
Literature - 3 credits
History - 3 credits
International Perspective - 6 credits
Electives - 9 credits
Total - 38 credits
2) Individuals who graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Dental Hygiene Program in 1995 or earlier, or from any other college or university, can transfer many of their professional and liberal arts credits toward a bachelor's degree. The number of credits transferred is determined by an individual review of the each applicant's academic credentials. Interested individuals should contact the Director of Dental Hygiene at 412-648-8432.
Requirements are subject to change.
Student Loan/Scholarships
The American Dental Association Endowment and Assistance Fund
- $1000.00 Scholarship;
- Maximum of two awards given per school;
- Based on financial need of $1000.00 and a minimum QPA of 3.0;
- Available to second year dental hygiene students only.
American Dental Hygiene Association Oral Health Institute Scholarship Program
- Awarded to students who have completed a minimum of one year in dental hygiene curriculum;
- Based on a minimum QPA of 3.0 and financial need;
- Must be a full-time student.
Hispanic Dental Association/Procter & Gamble Oral Care Scholarship Program
- Entry-level Hispanic U. S. students;
- $500.00 and $1000.00 scholarships;
- Based on scholastic achievement, community service, leadership skills, and commitment to improving health in the Hispanic community.
The Chi Rho Chapter of Sigma Phi Alpha Scholarship
One $300.00 scholarship presented to the student having the highest QPA after the completion of two semesters in the Dental Hygiene program.
The Diane Mowry Scholarship Fund
- One scholarship of $500.00 will be awarded by the Western Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists' Association.
- Based on financial need and a minimum college QPA of 3.0 after two semesters of Dental Hygiene studies.
Western Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists' Association Loan
- Enrolled in the final year of a Dental Hygiene program;
- Two low-interest loans of $1000.00 each will be awarded;
- Based on financial need and a minimum QPA of 3.0 after two semesters;
- Current SADHA member.
The Margaret Bailey Loan
- Offered by the Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists' Association to a Pennsylvania resident student that has completed the first year of the Dental Hygiene program;
- $1000.00 to one student or $500.00 to two;
- Based on college QPA and financial need;
- Current SADHA member.
The Clark J. Hollister Loan
- Offered by the Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists' Association to a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in a post-entry level degree or graduate completion program;
- $600.00 interest-free loan;
- Based on college QPA.
The University of Pittsburgh Merit Scholarship
- Scholarship based on QPA of 3.75 and above;
- Must submit letter of intent to the financial aid office of the Unviersity of Pittsburgh;
- Maximum of $500.00 per term.
Director, Dental Hygiene Program
University of Pittsburgh
School of Dental Medicine
B-82 Salk Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261-1937
(412) 648-8432
(412)383-8737 FAX
riccelli@pitt.edu
Degree Completion Program
College of General Studies
University of Pittsburgh
407 Cathedral of Learning
Pittsburgh, PA 1 5260
(412) 624-6600
www.pitt.edu/~cgs
Scholarship Information
ADHA
211 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 440-8900
www.adha.org/institute/Scholarship
Parking and Transportation
Ground Floor, Forbes Pavilion
3525 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 624-8800
www.pts.pitt.edu/parking/student
How long is the Dental Hygiene Program?
The program is a 5 ½ term program. A term is 15 weeks. Students attend school year round, five days a week, and classes are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
What is the tuition for the Dental Hygiene Program?
Undergraduate tuition is currently $5,368.00
per term for Pennsylvania residents and $10,042.00
per term for out-of-state.
Is there housing available?
Housing arrangements are made through the University of Pittsburgh Housing Office.
When can I start the Dental Hygiene Program?
A class of 36 is accepted every fall term. The Dental Hygiene Program follows the University of Pittsburgh undergraduate calendar.
What classes should I take in high school to prepare for the Dental Hygiene Program?
Students are required to successfully complete high school chemistry and biology, with a laboratory, and earned a grade of B or better.
What tests should I take before applying for the Dental Hygiene Program?
SAT I with a minimum score of 1100 must be achieved.
What college classes are prerequisite for the Dental Hygiene Program?
Applicants are required to successfully complete college level English composition and an Introduction to Sociology course.