Program Overview
Fones School of Dental Hygiene established in 1949, was named for Dr. Alfred Civilion Fones, a dentist who was instrumental not only at the University of Bridgeport, but also in the world dental hygiene movement. Accredited since 1953, the Fones program is in full accordance with the principles established by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education. Graduates are eligible for National, Regional, and State examinations.
The Masters of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene at the University of Bridgeport Fones School of Dental Hygiene is a strong quality based graduate program that prepares dental hygienists for leadership roles in education, administration, public health, and dental hygiene practice. The curriculum is designed for students to gain theory and practical experience. Whether students attend full or part time, emphasis is placed on students gaining experience and confidence to assume positions designated for graduate degree employment. Faculty is carefully selected based on their expertise in each facet of the curriculum.
Instructional Format
The M.S. in Dental Hygiene is offered entirely online. The courses are designed to be learner-centered in terms of scheduling, duration, learning materials, assignments, and interaction between faculty and students and among students. The online interaction is designed to encourage thoughtful and well-prepared discussions based on both the student’s command of the coursework and their personal dental hygiene experience.
Online courses leading to the M.S. in Dental Hygiene follow an accelerated 8-week format, allowing students to earn their degree at a part-time or full-time pace while still maintaining their professional work schedule. Courses are conducted online and can be accessed at anytime from anywhere. Interaction with professors and other students is done through email, online discussion board, and collaborative learning software (live, virtual classroom).
Orientation
Part 1 – Campus: A 3 1/2 day campus visit is required for all newly enrolled students. This 3 1/2 day orientation occurs during the first week of June prior to the start of summer online courses. A second campus visit is required at the completion of the program when students present their thesis to the thesis committee. Both parts of the orientation are mandatory for all students.
Part 2 – Online: All students are required to participate in an Online Orientation one week prior to the first course. During the Orientation students are given instructions on how to navigate the Blackboard course management system, strategies for being a successful online student, and access to other University resources, including the Wahlstrom Library’s electronic databases. Successful completion of the Orientation is required of all new students in the online program. Both parts of the orientation are mandatory for all students.
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information about the M.S. in Dental Hygiene online degree program.