University of Bridgeport offers a tremendous Dental Hygienist program, educating students on the prevention and treatment of oral disease while setting them up for a rewarding career in an in-demand field.
However, you may have noticed that UB also offers a Pre-Dental Hygienist track. If you’re considering becoming a dental hygienist, you may be wondering which track suits you and your professional goals best.
Let’s dive in to learn the key differences between Pre-Dental Hygiene and Dental Hygiene, and how you can properly set yourself up for a successful career.
Work towards a career in dental hygiene with a Pre-Dental track
The Pre-Dental Hygiene program at University of Bridgeport introduces first-year students to the field of dental hygiene.
This program allows students to complete the prerequisite courses to subsequently earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene.
The Pre-Dental Hygiene program offers a wide array of foundational courses such as mathematics, humanities, social sciences, and more. Students will grow academically while preparing to apply for the Dental Hygiene program during their second year.
It’s important to note that participation in the Pre-Dental Hygiene program does not guarantee placement into the Dental Hygiene program. Students must satisfy all their prerequisites and apply for acceptance into the program.
Are you interested in beginning your career as a dental hygienist? Learn more about our various Dental Hygiene programs!
Life as a Dental Hygiene student
Once Pre-Dental Hygiene students gain admittance in the Dental Hygiene program at UB, they can advance their skills by utilizing our state-of-the-art facilities.
University of Bridgeport offers an array of Dental Hygiene programs, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Depending on your program, you can take classes either on-campus or online — whichever works best with your schedule.
The core of UB’s Dental Hygiene bachelor’s program consists of 73 credits — and the associate degree covers these core courses. Bachelor’s students will enroll in up to 120 credits to receive their degree.
During your first year as a Dental Hygiene student, you will participate in a pre-clinic. You will gain hands-on experience by practicing on your fellow peers in UB’s on-site Dental Clinic. Once you complete your pre-clinics, you will become eligible for clinicals, during which you will tend to real patients from the surrounding community.
Those who hold an active dental hygienist license or have received their bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene or a related field are eligible to apply for the master’s in Dental Hygiene, which will further your knowledge in the field and open up new career opportunities.
Learn at the Fones School of Dental Hygiene
UB’s Fones School of Dental Hygiene holds the distinction of being the first dental hygiene school in, not only Connecticut, but the entire world.
The Fones School of Dental Hygiene offers a comprehensive understanding of the field through expert instruction and hands-on learning opportunities — preparing you to make a meaningful difference in your community. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Gain experience to enter an exciting career
We need caring and devoted dental hygienists now more than ever. Dental hygienists provide life-changing direct patient care in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and more.
Choosing a career as a dental hygienist is a smart move for a multitude of reasons. First, you help people keep their mouths healthy, supporting their overall well-being. This job is always in demand, so you’ll enter the workforce with a sense of job stability. As a dental hygienist, you’ll enjoy high earning potential and can work in a variety of healthcare settings. Overall, becoming a dental hygienist is an ideal way to make a meaningful difference in other peoples’ lives.
Dive into the exceptional Dental Hygienist program at the University of Bridgeport, where we pave the way for an exhilarating career in dental hygiene. Begin your journey in the Pre-Dental Hygiene track, laying down the necessary groundwork with essential prerequisites before leaping into the program’s exciting challenges and opportunities. Get ready to embark on a fulfilling path towards becoming a skilled dental hygienist!
Are you interested in beginning your career as a dental hygienist? Learn more about our various Dental Hygiene programs!