Dental Hygiene
Certificate Program
Minimum Requirements for Admission
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, a school of dental medicine, and a major medical center. The program offers a two-year full-time (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.
The University of Pittsburgh Dental Hygiene Program:
- Offers a high quality dental school-based education;
- Provides experience in didactic, clinical, and research activities;
- Provides extensive experience in specialty dental clinics and university-based hospitals;
- Provides a Bachelor of Science degree through the College of General Studies (http://www.cgspitt.org/academics-majors.cfm) for those individuals wishing to pursue the degree completion option;
- For more information on the Program, please visit the following Web site:
Minimum Criteria for Admission:
Admission into the Dental Hygiene Program requires the following:
- High School diploma or GED equivalency
- Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT I) scores. Individuals must achieve a combined score of 1100 or greater on the critical reading (verbal) and the quantitative (math) sections. In lieu of a minimum SAT I Score of 1100, the Program will accept 24 post-secondary college credits with a minimum QPA of 2.7. This must include College Algebra or Trigonometry with a grade "B" or above. Intermediate Algebra is accepted.
- High school or post-secondary chemistry with a lab component, with a minimum grade of "C" (75%).
- High school or post-secondary biology course, with optional lab, with minimum grade of "C" (75%).
- High School QPA of 2.70 or above.
- Minimum combined QPA of 2.70 at all post secondary academic institutions attended.
- College level English Composition and Introduction to Sociology courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. It is strongly recommended that these courses be completed prior to entry into the program.
- Results from personal interview with Admissions Committee.
- Results from written interview questions.
- Results from a minimum of three professional or academic references (ie: teachers, employers, guidance counselors, etc.).
- Applicant Essay.
- Completed application packet or on-line application.
The criteria are not weighted
THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO APPLY:
1. Electronic submission requires completion of both the University of Pittsburgh Admissions Data application and the Dental Hygiene Program electronic application:
University of Pittsburgh Admissions Data Form
Dental Hygiene Program Electronic application2. Print 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 15261University of Pittsburgh Admissions Data Form
Dental Hygiene Program Application
Professional Reference Forms (Print out three)3. Call (412) 648-8432 for an application package to be sent to you.
Your application is considered complete for review and will be sent to the Admissions Committee when we have received the following items:
1. Four-page Dental Hygiene Application (includes personal essay).
2. University of Pittsburgh Admissions Data Form.
3. $ 45.00 application fee in check or money order made payable
to the "University of Pittsburgh" (non-refundable and subject to
change). Please note that current University of Pittsburgh students
are not required to pay the application fee.
4. Official transcripts from all high school and post-secondary
institutions attended.
5. SAT I scores.
6. Three completed Professional Reference forms.
Once the Admissions Committee has reviewed your completed application, and if you meet the minimum criteria for admission into the program, you will be invited for a personal interview. Personal interviews are conducted during the Applicant Seminars, which are offered in late fall and early spring. Out of state applicants may be eligible for phone interviews.
Application Deadline
The University of Pittsburgh Dental Hygiene Program practices a rolling admissions policy, which means that we do not hold to a specific deadline by which applicants must apply. The program offers admission to qualified applicants on an ongoing basis until the class is full. Please note that the program admits one class (36 students) per academic year beginning in the fall term. Therefore, it is highly recommended that those seeking admission into the program apply early.
November 1st Early admissions review for Fall Applicant Seminar
February 1st Secondary admissions review for Spring Applicant Seminar
Tuition:
Pennsylvania Residents: $ 7,419.00 per trimester
$ 22,257.00 per year
Out-of-State Residents: $ 12,281.00 per trimester
$ 36,843.00 per year
Mandatory Health Insurance: $ 85.00 per term
Mandatory Student Activity Fee: $ 80.00 per term
Mandatory Security and Transportation Fee: $ 90.00 per term
Mandatory Computer Network Service Fee: $ 175.00 per term
Housing:
University Housing Services: Dormitory rates are available at www.pc.pitt.edu/housing/index.html. You may also contact a Pitt Housing Representative at (412) 648-1100.
Resident Meal Plans: (2011-2012)
More information is available at http://www.pc.pitt.edu/dining/index.html.
Expenses:
Matriculation Fees
Mandatory Hepatitis B Inoculation
to be initiated by student: Fee established by provider
CPR Certification/Recertification: Fee established by provider
**Proper documentation must be submitted to the program prior to the first day of class.
Program Expense:
Books: $ 1,000.00 per year
Uniforms: $ 200.00
Supplemental Instrument Kit*: $2,364.00
* (Includes Instrument Management Fee— Fall Term Invoice)
Clinic Procedures Manual: $53.00
Dental Hygiene Computerized National Board Examination: $265.00
Northeast Regional Board Examination: $925.00
ALL COSTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE !
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 of 2013
Educational Background
- High School - 11
- Post-Secondary - 20 total; 15, with >30 cr; 5, with <30 cr.
- Baccalaureate Degree - 5
Gender
- Male - 1
- Female - 30
Residency
- In-State - 28
- Out-of-State - 3
Grade Point Averages
- High School - 3.53
- Post-Secondary - 3.61
Age Range
- 18 - 32
Race
- African American - 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 Preclinic | 2.0 | Dorer |
| 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 | Ball |
| Microbiology Laboratory | 0.0 | Baker |
| Dental Hygiene Seminar 1 | 1.0 | Dorer |
| Dental Materials | 2.0 | Folino Gallo |
| Dental Hygiene Clinic 1 | 2.0 | Dorer |
| Third Term | Credits | Faculty |
| Introduction to Clinical Periodontics | 3.0 | Seyedain |
| General & Oral Pathology | 3.0 | Summersgill |
| Biological Sciences 3 | 3.0 | Vergona |
| Anesthesiology for the Dental Hygienist | 2.0 | Giovannitti Ambrosino Folino Gallo |
| Radiology 2 | 1.0 | Ball |
| Dental Hygiene Seminar 2 | 1.0 | Dorer |
| Dental Hygiene Clinic 2 | 3.0 | Dorer |
| Fourth Term | Credits | Faculty |
| Pharmacology | 2.0 | Folan |
| Public Health Dentistry | 3.0 | Green |
| Dental Hygiene Seminar 3 | 1.0 | Ambrosino |
| Dental Hygiene Clinic 3 | 4.0 | Ambrosino |
| Ethics for the Health Care Professional | 3.0 | Ball |
| Special Needs Dentistry | 1.0 | Taiclet |
| Health Promotions Through the Lifespan | 3.0 | Wassilchalk |
| Fifth Term | Credits | Faculty |
| Introduction to Research Analysis | 3.0 | Wassilchalk |
| Dental Health Education, Methods and Practicum | 4.0 | Green |
| Dental Hygiene Seminar 4 | 1.0 | Riccelli, Ambrosino |
| Dental Hygiene Clinic 4 | 5.0 | Ambrosino |
| Sixth Term | Credits | Faculty |
| Basic Psychology | 3.0 | Westcott |
| Advanced Clinic Dental Hygiene Practice | 2.0 | Ambrosino |
| Advanced Dental Hygiene Practicum | 0.0 | Riccelli |
Total Credits - 86.0
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 dental hygiene education, research, business, and sales. For more information please access:
http://www.cgspitt.org.
A distinct advantage of the Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene is that dental 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 39 credits:
English Composition or Writing - 6 credits
Mathematics - 3 credits
Humanities - 6 credits (1000 level)
Social Sciences - 3 credits (1000 level)
Literature - 3 credits
History - 3 credits (1000 level)
International Perspective - 6-9 credits (1000 level)
Electives - 3 credits
Dental Hygiene Track: Health Management, Education or Research 3-6 credits (1000) level.
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 who has completed the first year of a 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 University of Pittsburgh;
- Maximum of $500.00 per term.
Director, Dental Hygiene Program
Angelina Riccelli
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
http://www.adha.org/ioh/programs/scholarships.htm
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.
What is the tuition for the Dental Hygiene Program?
Undergraduate tuition is currently $7,419.00
per term for Pennsylvania residents and $12,281.00
per term for out-of-state students.
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, earning 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 or an ACT composite score of 24.
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.