Program Overview

Undergraduate Dental Hygiene Program

The Adams School of Dentistry is the only university in the state to offer a baccalaureate level dental hygiene program. The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) is awarded if a student has completed the general education courses traditionally associated with a four-year college degree in addition to the dental hygiene curriculum. For transfer students, these courses may be completed prior to entering the dental hygiene program, in the summer between the first and second year, during the final spring semester or during the first summer session after graduation.

Our Philosophy

The philosophy of the dental hygiene program is to empower students to grow into lifelong learners who are competent in providing patient care to a diverse population in traditional and non-traditional settings. Our aim is to inspire students to become critical thinkers who utilize evidence-based decision-making within the scope of dental hygiene practice. Earning a BSDH provides more career options, including working in public health, teaching and research.

Admissions Information

• Prospective students must submit an application the spring semester prior to their intended fall semester start date.
• There is a priority deadline of January 15th every application cycle.
• Current UNC-Chapel Hill Students: You may request and complete an application through your Connect Carolina portal.
• Transfer Students: You may submit an application through the Common Application portal making sure to use the transfer student version.

Curriculum, Goals and Competencies

• The dental hygiene program admits 28 undergraduate students for each incoming class.
• We accept one class per academic year. New classes begin matriculation in August of each year.
• Classes and clinics for the dental hygiene program can be scheduled Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Students enroll on average in 15 credit hours per semester.

Tuition and Fees

• Dental hygiene students are responsible for undergraduate tuition and fees payable to the UNC-Chapel Hill as well as fees to the Adams School of Dentistry.
• Please visit the UNC-Chapel Hill Cashier’s Office for current tuition and fees per semester.

Dental Hygiene Licensure

• Upon completion of the dental hygiene program, students will take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and a practical exam in the state where they will be licensed.
• In North Carolina, hygienists take the ADEX Exam from the CDCA-WREB-CITA Testing Agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When can I apply?
  • Prospective students must submit an application the spring semester prior to their intended fall semester start date.
• How do I apply to the undergraduate dental hygiene program?
  • Current UNC-Chapel Hill Students: You may request and complete an application through your Connect Carolina portal.
  • Transfer Students: You may submit an application through the Common Application portal making sure to use the transfer student version.
• How many students do you accept?
  • The dental hygiene program admits 28 undergraduate students for each incoming class.
• Can I set up an appointment to review my transcript with an admission counselor?
  • We are always happy to help clarify our requirements for prospective students.
• I am a current dental hygienist; do you offer a degree completion program to receive the BSDH?
  • At this time, the dental hygiene program does not offer a degree completion program.
• Do you offer an online BSDH or Post-Certificate program?
  • At this time, the dental hygiene program does not offer any online program options.
• Can I finish my prerequisite courses or degree requirement (AA/AS) after I begin the dental hygiene program?
  • No, all prerequisite requirements must be completed by enrollment.
• I took the science prerequisites more than five years ago. Do I need to retake them?
  • At this time, there are no time restrictions or expiration dates on prerequisite courses for our program.
• My GPA is not where I want it to be, can/should I still apply?
  • Yes! Applicants will be considered for admissions under a holistic review process.
• I am a high school student, or I have never attended college and I want to earn my BSDH from UNC-Chapel Hill. What should I do first?
  • You should contact the UNC-Chapel Hill Office of Undergraduate Admissions to obtain information about admission to the university.
• I already have a bachelor’s degree or have attended college before and want to apply to the dental hygiene program to pursue my Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene, where do I start?
  • The Dental Hygiene Program will allow students to receive an additional bachelor’s degree.
• I have received a degree in dentistry from another country or received a certificate from an accredited dental assisting school, will I be able to receive credit for courses if accepted into the program?
  • No. The UNC-Chapel Hill dental hygiene curriculum requires completion of all courses and does not accept transfer credits from previous dental hygiene coursework or other programs.
• How many classes will I take each semester? How many hours per day will I attend class? Can I study part-time?
  • Classes and clinics for the dental hygiene program can be scheduled Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Students enroll on average in 15 credit hours per semester.
  • Pursuing the Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene requires a full-time enrollment for the four semesters it takes to complete the program.
• Will I be able to work full-time while attending the dental hygiene program?
  • Most dental hygiene students find the demands of attending courses and clinics far too rigorous to incorporate full-time employment into their daily schedules.
• Can I submit more than 3 letters of recommendation? What should be included in letters of recommendation?
  • Yes. While our program only requires three letters, you may submit additional letters if you believe they are essential in our understanding of you as an applicant and enhance your application.
• When should I expect my admissions decision letter?
  • Admissions Decision are released mid- to late-April every application cycle.
• Do you have a waitlist?
  • Yes, we do have a waitlist.
• I applied to the dental hygiene program, but I was denied. What can I do?
  • All decisions for the dental hygiene program are final.
• I am currently a UNC-Chapel Hill student and would like to complete my current major/minor. Is this possible?
  • Yes. You can maintain/complete any previous majors or minors.
• Is financial aid available?
  • Yes. All financial aid is processed by the University’s Office of Student Scholarship and Student Aid.
• Does your program require students to purchase instruments on their own?
  • No. The Adams School of Dentistry supplies clinical instruments for student use during their time at the school.