Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

The University of Louisville School of Dentistry’s B.S. degree in Dental Hygiene provides a comprehensive education to prepare future dental hygienists. Because the program is housed within a school of dentistry, hygiene students learn their skills in a context that emphasizes their important place in the dental health team.

The four-year program’s curriculum serves as a broad-based foundation for the changing complexities of health care, equipping students to provide comprehensive dental hygiene care in a variety of settings. Classes and experiences emphasize critical thinking and problem solving skills. The first 2 years of the program are spent completing general education and program prerequisites on the Belknap Campus, or another institution for transfer students. All students apply for admission to the Upper Division clinical and didactic courses, which includes two years of full time study at the School of Dentistry, located on the Health Sciences campus.

As licensed health-care professionals, dental hygienists provide a wide range of preventive and therapeutic dental services:

  • Examining teeth and gums
  • Removing stains and plaque
  • Applying fluoride and sealants that protect teeth and prevent decay
  • Bleaching discolored teeth
  • Taking dental x-rays
  • Teaching oral hygiene

Image of hygiene students in cap and gown - University of Louisville School of Dentistry

 

A baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene will expand the hygienist’s personal and professional growth, opening the door to opportunities in:

  • Administration and management
  • Research
  • Patient care, including select populations such as senior citizens, children and patients with special needs
  • Public health
  • Corporate sales
  • Education

Please review the information below regarding professional licensure. By proceeding with the application, you confirm your understanding of the following:

  • I have reviewed and understand the educational requirements for professional licensure, if any, for my program of interest, at the following link: https://louisville.edu/oapa/licensure-information
  • I may need to fulfill additional, non-education-related requirements in order to obtain a license in my field of interest.
  • The University of Louisville recommends that I contact the licensing agency where I am currently located or the location where I intend to pursue licensure to confirm those requirements.