University of New England

Dental Hygiene

The Dental Hygiene Program at the Westbrook College Campus of the University of New England in Portland, Maine, is one of the strongest programs available nationwide. Accredited by the American Dental Association, students are provided with an education that prepares them for distinctive dental hygiene careers.

The University of New England offers both the associate degree and the bachelor's degree in dental hygiene. Our students develop a thorough knowledge of dental hygiene theories and practices, study the important aspects of dental hygiene care, and learn how to prevent oral disease. They take pride in the profession of dental hygiene.

In their second and third year our students spend a part of every week in clinical coursework. Under the close supervision of an outstanding faculty, students provide direct dental health care to local patients in dental hygiene clinic.

Dental hygiene students also have opportunities to interact with the College of Health Professions’ seven other programs of study through the College’s dynamic, innovative I2H2 model of health professions education.

The I2H2 model - integrated, interdisciplinary health and healing education, training, research and practice - is a multi-faceted approach for preparing health professionals to work collaboratively as members of health care teams to promote the best possible care and health outcomes for their clients and patients.

• Accredited by the American Dental Association
• An on-campus, state-of-the-art dental clinic in Portland, Maine, serves 5,000 patients per year
• Thirty-one dental chair clinic with five x-ray operatories
• State-of-the-art Steri-Center
• Second- and third-year students spend 12-16 hours per week in clinic providing direct care to patients of all ages
• Faculty/student ratio in clinic is very low to provide students with ample opportunity for questions and interaction with faculty
• Courses on local anesthesia and pain control are offered for students planning to practice in states requiring those specific skills
• A liberal arts concentration is part of every student's program
• Opportunities to interact with seven other College of Health Professions programs of study through the dynamic, innovative I2H2 model of health professions education.