Program Overview

The health of the mouth can affect the health of the entire body. Infection and inflammation of the teeth and gums can have long-term systemic consequences. In our B.S. in Dental Hygiene program, — one of the finest dental hygiene programs in the U.S. — you will learn just how important the dental hygienist is to patients’ overall health and will acquire the in-classroom knowledge and hands-on expertise you need for success in this highly rewarding field.

You will learn important prevention and detection skills as you become both a knowledgeable practitioner and a guardian of your patients’ health. You’ll also:

• Learn about the latest advances in dental hygiene standards and infection control
• Gain experience with modern treatment stations and techniques
• Benefit from cutting-edge virtual instruction programs
• Experience modern digital radiology and dental materials laboratories
• Learn from experienced faculty with vast clinical experience
• Apply what you learn while working with patients at the University of New Haven Dental Center – which has been called "a tremendous hidden gem" – and other internship sites

The BS in Dental Hygiene and Master of Public Health accelerated program is a five-year, 157 credit degree program designed for students interested in advancing their career and earning potential and who aspire to work in public or governmental health organizations, community health centers and more. This degree program combines CODA accredited dental hygiene major with advanced knowledge of the field of public health with electives focusing on global health, health education and promotion, and program evaluation. This degree combination includes graduate coursework in the senior year as well as coursework during the summer after the senior year in order to complete the program in five years.

Students applying for Fall 2020 may apply directly to this dual degree program.  Students who meet the admission criteria for this program will also be conditionally accepted into the MHA program.  This conditional acceptance remains effective for students who maintain a cumulative 3.2 undergraduate GPA.