• UNM Catalog 2018-2019
• >Colleges
• >School of Medicine
• >Dental Medicine
• >Undergraduate Program

Undergraduate Program

Degree Offered

• Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (B.S.D.H.)

The Division of Dental Hygiene currently offers the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (B.S.D.H.) in two tracks:

1. B.S.D.H. degree program which includes one and one-half years of pre-professional entrance requirements and two and one-half years of professional curriculum requirements.
2. B.S.D.H. degree completion program for students who have already completed an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene.

Dental hygienists are licensed preventive oral health professionals who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services in dental care. Career opportunities for hygienists are available in a variety of settings, including private dental practices, community dental health clinics, public schools, clinical and basic science research laboratories, state and federal health facilities and management positions. Licensure by national and state examination is required.

Students for the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree are accepted for matriculation only in the spring semester. Students may be accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program for the fall, spring or summer sessions.

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (B.S.D.H.) degree program follows a required three semester pre-professional year in college with a five semester curriculum which begins each year during the spring semester. An additional short session is also included during the summer between the junior and senior years of the Dental Hygiene curriculum. Facilities limit each class to no more the 24 students. In addition to tuition, housing, books and other usual school expenses, the Division of Dental Hygiene issue student instrument kits costing the student approximately $4,000.00. Additional fees of approximately $2,000.00 annually and a $600.00 summer session in the junior year will cover dental supplies, clinic and laboratory. Graduation and Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association membership fees are additional. Fees are subject for change on a yearly basis. Students are responsible for transportation fees to and from rotations at off campus sites.

Admission Requirements

1.  Applications/Academic Credentials
     • UNM Application: Students presently enrolled in a degree-seeking status at UNM need not reapply. All others must submit an application for admission to UNM. Application forms are available from the Office Admissions. Complete and return application to the Office of Admissions.
     • Application to the Division of Dental Hygiene: Applications are available from the Division of Dental Hygiene and must be submitted to the Division of Dental Hygiene. 
     • Academic Credentials (submit a copy to the Division of Dental Hygiene with your completed application). 
     • Official transcripts from all previous institutions of higher education. 
     • Official listing of courses in progress.
2.  Admissibility to UNM as described in Admissions section of this Catalog.
3.  Completion of pre-professional curriculum. Courses in progress and those to be completed by January of the year in which the application is made are considered. Proof of successful completion of these courses must be submitted to both the UNM Office of Admissions and the Division of Dental Hygiene at the end of each semester which they are taken. An official, final transcript must be forwarded to both the UNM Office of Admissions and Division of Dental Hygiene as soon as it becomes available.
4.  Minimum overall grade point average of 2.40 on a 4.0 scale is considered. Courses with pass/fail (CR/NC) grading are not considered for fulfillment of the requirements. All DH prerequisites courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Deadline: Both applications (UNM and Dental Hygiene) and credentials are due no later than September 1. Admission is for the Spring semester only. Those applicants who are provisionally selected are notified in December.

All applicants are notified of their admissions status. Selection is given to qualified persons regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, qualified disability or military involvement. Equal opportunity for admission is given to all qualified applicants.

Advisement sessions are required and are available each month at the Division of Dental Hygiene. Call the office at (505) 272-4513 to attend the monthly sessions.

Program Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene: Degree Completion Program

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (B.S.D.H.) degree completion program expands the basic skills and knowledge acquired in an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene degree program.

This program requires successful completion of 12 core credit 400 upper-division courses and selection of area of focus in one of several areas including education, advanced clinic, management, research or public health. The program is self-paced and designed to serve the needs of the practicing hygienist. The program can be completed online.

This program is available to selected students who have received an Associate Degree or a Certificate in Dental Hygiene from a school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and a regional accreditation agency. Applicants for admission to the bachelor’s degree program must meet the following requirements:

Admission Requirements

1. Completion of a certificate or associate degree program in dental hygiene that has been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and a regional accreditation agency, or a letter from the director of a CODA and regionally accredited New Mexico community college program.
2. A satisfactory academic GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Completed application to the Degree Completion Program.
4. A copy of official transcripts of all prior college courses undertaken.
5. A $100.00 application fee made payable to the Division of Dental Hygiene.
6. A copy of national dental hygiene examination board score.
7. A copy of current and active license in any state.
8. Interview with Admissions Committee.
9. Application to UNM.

Program Requirements

1. Satisfactory completion of 12 credit hours of 400-level Dental Hygiene core courses, to include 6 credit hours of Extramural Experience in an area of focus as approved by the B.S.D.H. Program Coordinator.
2. Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 128 total credit hours including the above. Thirty of these credit hours must be completed at UNM, exclusive of extension courses. Fifteen of these credit hours must be completed after 92 credit hours have been earned.
3. At least a 2.00 grade point average in all credit hours attempted at UNM and a 2.50 average in all dental hygiene courses.
4. Written application for graduation to be submitted to the Division of Dental Hygiene office in Novitski Hall during the semester prior to expected graduation date. This is to be submitted to the Division of Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Coordinator.
5. Unanimous recommendation for graduation by the full-time faculty of the Division.

An individual curriculum for each student is developed. This curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the practicing hygienist who wishes to enroll as a part-time student as well as the full-time continuing student.

Students graduate under the Catalog requirements of the year in which they enroll, provided they complete graduation requirements within a continuous three-year period. Students who interrupt attendance and are absent from the program one or more years must reapply and follow the same procedures as a new applicant.