Fones School of Dental Hygiene · First collegiate Dental Hygiene program worldwide
Make Your Community Smile With
a Degree in Dental Hygiene Students pursuing their bachelor’s degree can choose between on-campus or online courses
Established in 1949 and accredited since 1953, the Fones School of Dental Hygiene at University of Bridgeport is the first school of dental hygiene in CT — and the world. Benefit from career-ready training at the Fones Dental Hygiene Clinic
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Become the caregiver your community needs
Dental care isn’t only about keeping your teeth clean. Our entire bodies are one system — meaning oral hygiene has the power to impact your overall health. Now, more than ever, we need dependable, compassionate dental hygienists to provide high-quality patient care. When you earn your degree in Dental Hygiene at University of Bridgeport, you’ll prepare for a fulfilling and in-demand career making a meaningful difference in your community.
The Fones Advantage
Gain hands-on experience at the Fones Dental Hygiene Clinic
Fones Dental Hygiene Clinic
Conveniently located on our seaside campus, the Fones Dental Hygiene Clinic is the perfect place to brush up on your skills. In this community-based care center, you will apply classroom learning to an authentic clinical setting — providing supervised care to patients while preparing you to enter the field with confidence and experience.
Teledentistry
University of Bridgeport is the first and only program in the United States to integrate teledentistry and advanced technology directly into the program’s curriculum.
A flexible path to a fulfilling career
Whether you’re pursuing your associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in Dental Hygiene, UB will prepare you to meet your professional goals
UB Dental Hygiene: training future professionals with next-gen tools
University of Bridgeport is the first and only program in the United States to integrate teledentistry and advanced technology directly into the program’s curriculum. Hear more about the equipment students train with from Amanda Sargent, Assistant Professor in the Fones School of Dental Hygiene.
Program Pathways
Choose your focus
| Degree path | Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene | Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene | Master of Science in Dental Hygiene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format and Location | On campus only | On campus or online | Online only |
| Total credits | 78 total credit hours | 120 total credit hours | 36 total credit hours |
| GPA | Cumulative G.P.A of 2.7 or higher | Cumulative G.P.A of 2.7 or higher | Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher |
Curriculum
Coursework includes
| Course code | Course name |
|---|---|
| DHYG 124 | Dental Radiology |
| DHYG 127 | Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist |
| DHYG 140 | Introduction to Periodontology |
Accreditations
Commission on Dental Accreditation
The program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements.”
Awards and rankings
Awards and rankings
research.com, 2026
Innovative. Hands-On. Career-Ready. | UB Dental Hygiene
UB’s historic Fones School of Dental Hygiene is a preeminent training institution for future and practicing hygienists. Since being founded as the first collegiate Dental Hygiene program worldwide, the Fones School has prepared hygienists with the knowledge and tools necessary to provide exceptional care to patient populations.
Student Spotlight
Find your calling at the Fones School of Dental Hygiene
“My experience at UB was one for the books. It was a great experience with lasting memories and a degree that has and will continue to elevate me to greater heights. UB will always have a special place in my heart — the lasting friendships I developed and the knowledge I acquired by a wonderful teaching staff that truly cared about their students’ success.”
Admissions
Application steps and deadlines
Key enrollment deadlines
Invest in yourself
Paying for school doesn’t have to be stressful. There are a variety of federal, state, and private financial aid programs available, including grants, scholarships, and student loans. The Office of Financial Services is ready to connect with you and guide you toward achieving your goal of a college education.
Common Questions
Answers for future dental hygiene students
Established in 1949 and accredited since 1953, the Fones School of Dental Hygiene at University of Bridgeport is the first school of dental hygiene in CT — and the world.
Yes. In addition to earning your degree in dental hygiene, you must also earn licensure. Licensure is achieved by taking the National Board Dental Hygiene exams, which you will prepare for throughout your time in the UB dental hygiene program. Graduates are eligible for national, regional, and state examinations.
At UB, licensed dental hygienists with an AS in the field can take a 2-year* track to their BS degree. Didn’t earn your associate degree in Dental Hygiene at UB? You can complete your BS in Dental Hygiene on ground, taking advantage of UB’s state-of-the-art Dental Hygiene Clinic, OR complete your BS 100% online.
Your future starts today!
Contact us to learn more!