Dental Hygiene Program
The Dental Hygiene Program at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry combines an outstanding curriculum with the state-of-the-art advantages of the dental school environment. The School of Dentistry has the dual distinction of being the first dental college in the world and a recognized leader in scholarship, research and service. Dental hygiene students and dental students work together to provide patient care and participate in ongoing research and community service programs.
Tuition Program
The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a program consisting of sixteen Southern states that participate in a higher education consortium. ACM affords students an opportunity to enroll in certain out-of-state bachelor’s and graduate degree programs that are not offered within the student’s home state’s public college or university, at reduced tuition rates. The following states are partners in the ACM consortium: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida (graduate programs only), Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina (graduate programs with restrictions) Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas (graduate programs only), Virginia, and West Virginia. Therefore, if you have not earned a previous bachelor’s degree, reside in one of these states and a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene is not offered in your home state, and if you wish to come to the University of Maryland, Baltimore to obtain your Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene, you may want to explore your eligibility for a ACM tuition waiver with your home state’s higher education commission. The Delaware ACM, see link above, has been successfully utilized by eligible Degree Completion students residing in Delaware.
District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant Program
The DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) is a grant that allows you to attend any public institution in the nation as if you're a resident of the school's state. You pay the low in-state tuition and the grant pays the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition up to $10,000 a year. With a maximum of 5 award years that can amount to a lifetime of $50,000, this grant makes affordable college tuition a reality. This program has been successfully utilized by eligible Degree Completion students residing in Washington, DC.
Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure
School of Dentistry - Entry-Level Dental Hygiene BS Degree
The University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Dental Hygiene BS Degree curriculum follows the rules of the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in preparing students for a degree in dental hygiene. The degree prepares graduates to sit for professional licensure examinations. The University of Maryland School of Dentistry Entry-Level Dental Hygiene BS Degree curriculum satisfies the educational requirements for graduates to apply for licensure, as well as local anesthesia and nitrous oxide certification in the State of Maryland. The School has not made a determination as to the sufficiency of its program to satisfy professional licensing or certification requirements of any [other] state or jurisdiction.
Students should consult the Board of Dental Examiners in their state to confirm if the degree from UMB meets the criteria for professional licensure in their state. Contact information for the Boards of Dental Examiners can be found at https://www.adha.org/licensure
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Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
Dental Hygiene Program: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Dental Hygiene programs are offered at UMSOD?
The University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) offers two Dental Hygiene programs:
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Dental Hygiene (2+2 Program): For students who have completed prerequisite coursework at another accredited college or university.
- Dual-Degree BS/MS Clinical Dental Hygiene Leader (CDHL) Program: Designed for applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. This two-year program integrates advanced clinical training with graduate-level coursework and a capstone project.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the ADEA Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service (DHCAS) at ADEA DHCAS
Applicants upload all required materials directly to DHCAS, including:
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Dental hygiene shadowing form
The application cycle typically opens in late October and closes in mid-February. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all materials are received by the deadline.
For detailed instructions: Application Instructions
How are applicants selected for interviews and admission?
Applications are reviewed by the Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee based on the information included in the application including the GPA. Selected applicants are invited for an in-person interview, which provides an opportunity to assess communication skills, professionalism, and overall fit for the program.
Please note that an interview invitation does not guarantee admission. Final decisions are based on a combination of academic performance, interview results, written materials, and overall readiness for the rigors of the program.
UMSOD admits 14 students per year:
- 8 students to the Bachelor of Science program
- 6 students to the Dual-Degree BS/MS Clinical Dental Hygiene Leader program
Where can I find prerequisite course requirements?
A list of prerequisite courses is available on our the Bachelor of Science degree program page.
Courses may be completed at any regionally accredited college or university, including community colleges.
What does “Technical Writing” mean as a prerequisite?
Applicants must complete a Technical Writing course focused on professional or research-based writing rather than introductory composition.
Examples of acceptable courses include:
- Technical Writing for Health Professions
- Writing in the Disciplines (if focused on scientific or professional communication)
- Advanced Composition emphasizing clarity, conciseness, and structure
If you are unsure whether your course qualifies, please email the syllabus to umsoddhadvising@umaryland.edu for review.
Does UMSOD offer one-on-one advising?
The Dental Hygiene program does not provide individual advising appointments. However, our advising team is available by email to answer questions about prerequisites, course equivalencies, or the application process.
umsoddhadvising@umaryland.edu
Before emailing, please review the website and this FAQ, as many common questions are addressed here
How can I confirm that my courses will transfer?
You can use the Course Equivalency Tables on our website to verify transferability. If your school is not listed, compare course descriptions carefully or contact your college advisor.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all prerequisite requirements are met before enrollment.
Are international applicants eligible to apply?
Are international applicants eligible to apply?
Yes. International applicants must:
- Complete all prerequisite courses at a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
- Submit TOEFL scores if English is not their first language (minimum iBT score of 80–85).
- Provide official transcript evaluations and documentation through DHCAS and the UMSOD International Services Office.
For more details on the application process visit the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene page.
What factors are considered in admissions decisions?
The Admissions Committee evaluates applications holistically. Key factors include:
- Completion and strength of prerequisite coursework
- Overall and science GPA
- Quality of the personal statement
- Professionalism and written communication
- Shadowing experience
- Leadership and community engagement
Completion of prerequisites at a community college does not disadvantage applicants.
Who can I contact for additional questions?
For general questions about prerequisites, application materials, or program structure, please email:
umsoddhadvising@umaryland.edu
Please allow up to five business days for a response.
For technical assistance with DHCAS, visit:
ADEA DHCAS Support
