Program Overview

University of Montana Programs

The University of Montana offers a range of programs for students, including advising services for those interested in pursuing careers in health professions.

Undergraduate Advising Center

The Undergraduate Advising Center provides support for students, including those interested in pre-health professions advising. The center offers resources such as:

• Catalog
• Dates & Deadlines
• Resources
• UAC Staff
• Drop-in Hours
  • Pre-Health Professions Advising
    • Pre-Chiropractic
    • Pre-Dental Hygiene
    • Pre-Dental
    • Pre-Med (MD and DO)
    • Pre-Naturopathic Medicine
    • Pre-Nursing
    • Pre-Occupational Therapy
    • Pre-Optometry
    • Pre-Pharmacy
    • Pre-Physical Therapy
    • Pre-Physician Assistant (PA)
    • Pre-Podiatry
    • Pre-Psychiatry
    • Pre-Veterinary Medicine
    • Pre-Health Professions Advisors

Pre-Dental Hygiene Program

Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals who have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program in an institution of higher education, licensed in dental hygiene to provide educational, clinical, research, administrative, and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of optimum oral health.

Role of Dental Hygienists

In performing the dental hygiene process of care, the dental hygienist:

• Assesses the patient's oral tissues and overall health determining the presence or absence of disease, other abnormalities, and disease risks
• Develops a dental hygiene diagnosis based on clinical findings
• Formulates evidence-based, patient-centered treatment care plans
• Performs the clinical procedures outlined in the treatment care plan
• Educates patients regarding oral hygiene and preventive oral care
• Evaluates the outcomes of educational strategies and clinical procedures provided

Pre-Dental Hygiene Degree Map

The Pre-Dental Hygiene cohort is a non-degree advising program. Students will not earn a degree in Pre-Dental Hygiene.

Program Details

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) lists several types of Dental Hygiene programs. For additional information on Dental Hygiene programs, students can refer to the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).