Dental Hygiene Program

dental_hygiene_class_of_2026.jpg

Program Snapshot

Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene 
Length of Program: 2 years
Class Size: 24
Locations: Lincoln, Nebraska & Gering, Nebraska
Accreditation: The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Application Opens: October 15  |  Application Deadline: February 1  |  Start Date: August 

Licensure Disclosure 

Completion of the program fulfills educational requirements for eligibility for licensure examinations, which ultimately leads to licensure in all US states and territories. See complete licensure disclosure.

Meets Educational Requirements
All States and Territories in the USA: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, US Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

For additional information, contact: Dr. Yun Saksena, Associate Dean for Education and Campus Culture,  Culture, yun.saksena@unmc.edu


Why study dental hygiene?

Dental hygienists experience the privilege and joy of building relationships with their patients and helping them lead healthier lives by protecting their oral health. Dental hygiene is a rewarding and challenging career that offers a wealth of benefits, including competitive salaries, working as part of a dental care team, and helping to eliminate oral health disparities. The need for new dental hygienists is rapidly increasing; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental hygienists will grow nearly 20% by 2026.


Why study dental hygiene at UNMC? 

Our program is one of the few in the United States that offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Our comprehensive curriculum not only prepares you for a successful career in dental hygiene but also provides you with the advanced education and critical thinking skills that set you apart in the job market.

Our students thrive in our close-knit, supportive learning community. Our focus is helping you succeed; our outstanding faculty members ensure that every student receives the personalized guidance they need, and our students support each other. 

UNMC is an extraordinary place where you will become a confident, compassionate oral health care provider. Our students build their skills through being immersed in a variety of learning experiences. Learn more about our unique learning environment.


Curriculum

Clinical Techniques, Clinical Dental Radiology, Community Dental Health, Dental Anatomy, Dental Materials, Oral Pathology, Research Methodology, Sedation

Preparation for admission to the program consists of approximately two academic years of study. The course work can be completed at any accredited college. 


Career Opportunities

Private Practice (working with general dentists and dental specialists), Public Health (public health agencies, community health clinics and schools), Research, Teaching