Pitt Dental Medicine is actively addressing the shortage of dental care providers in Pennsylvania by building educational and patient care programs that bring highly-qualified dental providers into those communities.
One of our first Regional Training Centers is in Titusville, Pa., and comprises hybrid educational programs offering residents an opportunity to earn a degree in Dental Hygiene or certificate in Dental Assisting.
The Hybrid Dental Hygiene Bachelor’s Degree Program track leverages the strengths of the existing residential Dental Hygiene Program with the flexibility of a hybrid education model—meaning you can earn your degree without having to relocate to Pittsburgh.
The Hybrid Program follows the same mission of graduating highly-skilled practitioners who provide the highest-quality, evidence‐based patient treatment; provide preventive dental health education; are active in community service; and are committed to lifelong learning and the promotion of dental research to advance the profession.
Educational components involve hybrid classes complemented by in-person clinical experiences at one of our regional training centers with guidance and evaluation from dental school faculty.
Didactic coursework will be delivered asynchronously, with content mimicking what is offered in an in-class lecture, but students will engage using interactive, state-of-the-art, online educational activities leveraged to promote knowledge acquisition. This knowledge will be reinforced with scheduled, synchronous, instructor-led, online activities to facilitate application and synthesis of the knowledge acquired through the asynchronous online activities.
Clinical education will start with in-person simulation laboratory experiences to build foundational skills and demonstrate appropriate progression in the acquisition of clinical skills to assess, diagnose, develop appropriate treatment plans, deliver the technical components of care included in the delivery of dental hygiene services, and assess outcomes in a safe and ethical manner. The second semester of the program will introduce students to the clinical care of patients at a local dental center.
By combining asynchronous, synchronous, and hands-on activities, students will prove acquisition of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for dental hygiene clinical practice.
Do you want to know how you can earn your degree at the Pitt Dental Medicine Regional Training Center at Titusville without having to relocate?
Application Process
Applications for the Pitt Dental Medicine Titusville Regional Training Center Hybrid Dental Hygiene Program are accepted beginning in October, 2025, for the Fall 2026 Term that begins in August, 2026.
Applicants should consider the following key dates before making their application.
May 2025
Enroll for the prerequisites needed for the Fall 2026 Term
October 2025
Apply to the Hybrid Dental Hygiene Program through ADEA/DHCAS (will need link to this/these)
January 2026
The prerequisites that you applied for in May will begin in January.
April 2026
Acceptance offers for the Hybrid Dental Hygiene Program will be sent to applicants
August 2026
Classes begin for the Hybrid Dental Hygiene Program Fall 2026 Term
Required Prerequisites
Applicants must successfully complete the following courses with a final minimum grade of B- before applying to the program. A total of 31 credits are required.
- Foundations of Biology 1
- General Chemistry 1 with Lab
- Anatomy and Physiology 1
- Anatomy and Physiology 2
- Microbiology with Lab
- English Composition
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Communication/Speech
Basic Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Prerequisite Coursework: Successful completion of required courses (listed above with final minimum grade of B-)
- 15 Hours of Job Shadowing: complete at least 15 hours of job shadowing with a practicing dental hygienist
- Virtual Personal Interview: after a thorough review of applications, selected candidates will be invited for a virtual personal interview with the Admissions Committee
- Three Professional References: applicants must submit three professional references who can speak to your qualifications and potential for success in the program
- Applicant Essay: a personal essay outlining non-cognitive skills that will support your pursuit of a career in dental hygiene
- University Supplemental Application Fee: a non-refundable fee of $35.00