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Degree Programs
Which program / track is right for you?
The two-year, three-year and three-and-a-half-year evening tracks all consist of the same (78 credit) core curriculum leading to the Associate of Applied Science degree. There are differences in the curriculum design of these tracks; for example, the two-year track is a compact, full-time credit platform requiring a two-year commitment to the program. Course loads per semester range from 18-21 credits, with courses scheduled four and a half days per week and some days ending at 6:00 pm. One evening course is included in track as well. The curriculum design for the three-year and three-and-a-half-year tracks are spread out accordingly.
Our Fast Track requires a 17-month commitment and follows the same core curriculum as the tracks above. This full-time credit platform begins in the spring semester which runs from January and continues through May of the following year. View the fast track curriculum (PDF).
The Bachelor of Science degree (128 credit) core curriculum can be completed in three to four years depending upon accepted transfer credits. You may apply to the BS degree program in all semesters with some online course availability.
You can apply for the AAS fast track or the AAS or BS pre-requisite program that begins in the spring semester. There may be options in the three-year day program but may require advisement and modifications in registration.
The courses for the Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science are in specific sequence. Depending upon the number of total accepted transfer credits, you may have a lighter course/credit load; however, the length of the program towards the degree still remains the same. This concept allows time to sequence the clinical experiences over four semesters.
The three-year day curriculum extends the two-year curriculum course load by an additional academic year. Those accepted into the three-and-a-half-year evening track meet for class four nights per week with courses generally taking place between 5:00 pm and 9:50 pm (three classes in the evening program begin at 4:00 pm), and the evening curriculum requires enrollment in summer sessions. Students in this program are considered candidates for degree conferral in September instead of May. While choosing this evening track requires a longer financial commitment, many select this curriculum for work and personal lifestyle reasons.
New York University defines part-time status as fewer than 12 credits. Full-time status is defined as 12-20 credits. Although the part-time program curriculum is defined by length of time and not credit status, it is possible with advisor guidance to plan a curriculum allowing students to take courses at part-time credit status throughout their enrollment in the program. However this might require additional semesters or summer enrollment. Courses have specific time offerings, sequences and pre-requisites. The three-year day and evening programs are designed to provide students the ability to continue earning an income or manage family matters while in school.
The application process requires you to submit an official course-by-course evaluation reviewed by Educational Credential Evaluators. Courses are then considered for transfer based upon policy of time, grades, conversion of transfer credit and similar content. You can still decide which program track is best for your needs: Associate two-year, fast track, three-year day/evening or Bachelor program. The College does not yet have an advanced placement process. Depending upon the number of total accepted transfer credits, you may have a lighter course/credit load; however, the length of the program towards the degree still remains the same.
Apply as a pre-requisite student and plan to register for Introduction to Biology and/or Introduction to Chemistry as needed. Upon completion of these courses with a grade of B or better, conditional acceptance can be modified allowing you selection of your choice of program and track. Our pre-requisite courses are 2 credits each. You can consider registering for additional liberal arts or writing courses to qualify for full- or part-time financial aid.
For those students who qualify, financial aid is available. Aid eligibility is determined from the data provided on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), TAP (Tuition Assistance Program - for NY state residents only) and the amount of aid you have used while in attendance at other higher education institutions.
NYU defines full-time as 12-20 credits and part-time or half-time as over 6 credits. To be eligible for aid, students must be registered for at least 6 credits.
Financial Aid representatives are available at the College of Dentistry to assist you with any questions or concerns.
Choosing to earn a degree in Dental Hygiene requires a major decision, significant financial commitment and a great amount of time and dedication to the program. The practice of dental hygiene comprises many work settings with varying responsibilities. The Bachelor of Science degree provides a more comprehensive education and expands opportunities for employment beyond the scope of the private practice setting to areas such as teaching, research, public health and the corporate sector.
The profession of dental hygiene is moving to Bachelor of Science entry level practice.
In order to become a dental hygienist, you must complete at least an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree in dental hygiene. Some of your liberal arts courses may transfer into our AAS program to lighten your academic load. You may still select from the various tracks to meet your needs.
Bachelor of Science Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Program is comprised of 128 credits, which can be completed either along a "typical" four-year college track (Track A) or through a degree completion track (Track B). Track A is a four-year dental hygiene program (PDF) which allows the student to obtain the BS degree while also receiving dental hygiene education. Track B (degree completion (PDF)) is for students who have already completed an accredited program in dental hygiene and now wish to pursue a BS degree. Additionally, an Accelerated Track A (PDF) for students with possible transfer credits is available.
All BS tracks include unique internship opportunities in specialized areas of focus, such as education, research, public health and healthcare management. Two required internships (100 hours total) must be completed and are carefully selected by the student with faculty advisement. The classes offered within these tracks are unique in that they familiarize the students with varied aspects of healthcare beyond the clinical scope of practice. In the field of dental hygiene, a BS degree will create more innovative employment opportunities within the field of dentistry and dental hygiene.
This curriculum is offered full-time and it is completed within four years. The first year curriculum includes courses in general education, basic sciences and clinical sciences. The second and third years include dental hygiene theory, with a clinical component. The fourth year includes classes in advanced dental hygiene theory, with additional core education requirements to complete necessary degree credits. Students can begin their studies in the Fall, Spring or Summer semesters.
Please review the BS Track A curriculum (PDF).
For incoming students with possible transfer credits, the BS degree may be completed in a shorter period of time. All BS track options will be discussed at the time of the applicant’s information sharing session/ interview with an admissions counselor once official transcripts are reviewed.
Please review the BS Accelerated Track A curriculum (PDF).
This curriculum is for a dental hygiene student who has completed an Associate’s degree in dental hygiene from an accredited dental hygiene program and wishes to complete a BS degree. A student who completed an initial degree in dental hygiene at another institution may transfer up to 96 credits with a grade of "C" or better. At least 32 credits must be taken through NYU. Students who completed 78 credits for the Associate in Applied Science degree at NYU’s Dental Hygiene program must complete 128 total credits for the Bachelor in Dental Hygiene. Students can begin their studies in Fall, Spring or Summer semesters. Most classes are offered online and can be completed full-time or part-time.
Please review the BS Track B (Degree Completion) curriculum (PDF).
Degree Completion "Track B" Students/Core Course Policy
Students must complete all NYU Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program core courses for degree eligibility. These may include courses not required for the candidate's AAS degree but necessary for the NYU Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program.
For out of state residents who will not be taking the NY State Pain Management course through the Dental Hygiene Program at NYU Dentistry, students must submit official completion of certification of local anesthesia/nitrous oxide training. This must be in the form of an official state continuing education certificate showing successful completion of the individual state mandated course. Continuing education credits do not count as transfer credits. Students must still have earned a total of 128 credits for degree conferral of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from NYU Dentistry.
NYU Dentistry offers these cross-school minor options for those enrolled in a bachelor degree track:
Business Studies (UABSTUUD-M); Chemistry (UACHEMUD-M); Environmental Biology (UAENBIUD-M); Nutrition (UENUTRUD-M); Public Health (UEPUHPUD-M); Psychology (UAPSYCUD-M); Social and Cultural Analysis (UUPUHPUD-M).
*Please note applications for a minor must be approved by the department offering the courses and the Dental Hygiene advisor. Minors require additional credits above the minimum degree requirements.
Associate of Applied Science Degree
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree Program in Dental Hygiene is comprised of lecture courses in dental and health sciences along with clinical and hands-on experience. The 78 credit curriculum is offered as a "fast-track" 17-month program (PDF), a two-year day program (PDF) or a three-year day program (PDF), or a three-year evening program (PDF). Dental hygiene students are prepared to perform competently in providing preventive and therapeutic patient oral health care. The dental hygiene program, located within the NYU College of Dentistry, allows students to work side by side with dental (DDS) students, dental faculty and dental hygiene faculty in the clinical portion of the curriculum. By working in these clinical settings with culturally diverse patients, dental hygiene students gain invaluable knowledge and experiences.
NYU Dentistry offers an accelerated, continuous, 17-month, Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in dental hygiene.
The Fast-Track AAS degree program, the first of its kind in New York State, is designed specifically to enable highly motivated students to gain access to the same innovative, high quality education as that offered by the traditional two-to-three year course of study, but in a more concentrated period. The course of study commences in January and runs continuously, including summer courses, through the following May.
The deadline for submission of applications for this program is November 1st.
Please review the AAS Fast Track curriculum (PDF).
The two-year track is often the most sought-after track of the AAS degree program. It is also the most condensed of the tracks due to its heavy credit load with semesters averaging 18-20+ credits (full-time status at NYU is 12-20 credits). Students navigate through the 78 credit program over two academic years of study. Some students may have courses that are eligible for transfer, which could lessen the student’s academic load; however, due to course sequencing, this track still requires a two-year commitment. Class meeting times vary from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm over five days per week. Semesters average 15 weeks.
Please review the AAS Two-Year Daytime Track curriculum (PDF).
The three-year day track extends the full-time two year Associate curriculum, allowing students to complete the required 78 credit program through a less intense full-time credit load. Semesters average 12-15 credits. Some students may have courses eligible for transfer, which could lessen the student’s academic load; however, due to course sequencing, this track requires three years for degree completion. This track offers the flexibility that many students need to balance life/ work responsibilities during the week. Class meeting times vary from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm over five days per week. Course flexibility may vary week to week throughout the six semesters. Semesters average 15 weeks.
Please review the AAS Three-Year Daytime Track curriculum (PDF).
The 3 ½ year evening track extends the two year Associate curriculum with evening course offerings each semester, including summers. This track is popular among students who work full-time, have life/work responsibilities and still wish to seek a career in the dental hygiene profession. Students navigate through the 78 credit evening program and meet for courses four nights per week. Class times vary from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm. There are three courses in the dental hygiene program that begin at 4:00 pm; these "twilight" courses blend the day and evening students into one class. One of these courses is offered in the spring semester of the student’s second year of the program and two are offered in the student’s third year (one in fall and spring) of the program. Some students may have courses eligible for transfer, which could lessen the student’s academic load; however, due to course sequencing, this track requires three years for degree completion. Credit loads vary from full-time to part-time throughout this track. Students completing this degree program have their degree awarded in September, instead of May. Semesters average 15 weeks.
Please review the AAS Three-Year Evening Track curriculum (PDF).
The NYU dental hygiene program is further enhanced by clinical rotations and outreaches. As part of the clinical requirements, students rotate through specialty areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and hospital clinics, while improving their clinical expertise. Domestic and international outreach opportunities in underserved areas are available to students in their second year. Selected students continue to work closely with dental students and other faculty members, providing comprehensive dental treatment to those who may not have access to care.
Upon completion of the 78 credit curriculum, students are qualified to take the clinical board examinations and the dental hygiene national boards, which are requirements for state licensure.
The programs in dental hygiene are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and have been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. For more information please visit the Commission’s web site.
Course descriptions include prerequisites as well as the semester(s) when each course is offered
AAS Degree Program
Professional Courses
This course measures the ability of students to understand information from biomedical, dental and dental hygiene sciences. The course also assesses the student's ability to apply this information in a problem-solving context.
(Fall, Summer)
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and terminology of general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry, and to provide the foundation for further study of nutrition, physiology, and dental materials.
(Fall, Spring)
A study of the compositions and properties of materials used in the contemporary practice of dentistry. Background knowledge and practical experience are provided. Laboratory sessions are integrated with lectures of introductory techniques of manipulation of these materials to be used in a clinical setting.
(Spring)
Study of fundamental disease processes and specific diseases of the oral region; survey of systemic diseases by organ systems; oral abnormalities, including aspects of treatment, are discussed in conjunction with general topics of cell injury, inflammation, neoplasia, and genetic diseases. Emphasis is placed on the effects of systemic diseases on the dental patient.
(Fall, Summer)
This course focuses on the study of the structure and functions of the human body, integrated with other dental sciences and dental applications.
(Fall)
This courses focuses on anatomy of the human body with emphasis on the head, neck, and oral cavity. Other topics include histology, anatomy and physiology of bones, muscles, blood, and nervous systems.
(Spring)
This course focuses on the study of the principles of microbiology including the transmission, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of systemic and oral diseases.
(Fall)
This is a continuation of Microbiology I with a focus on the prevention of systemic and oral diseases.
(Spring)
Fundamental principles of biochemistry and other basic science courses are coordinated with the study of nutrients and their relationship to health. This course offers a theoretical and practical study of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and water and how they affect the status of an individual’s oral health.
(Fall)
Through lecture, laboratory and independent study, the student is provided the opportunity to learn the development, structure, morphology, eruption, and functions of the primary and permanent dentitions.
(Fall)
This course covers both general and oral histology. Introductory lectures in general histology and embryology, followed by a study of the fundamentals of histology and embryology of the head, neck, and oral cavity.
(Spring, Summer)
Principles, practices, methods, and audiovisual materials are used in teaching dental health education to the public in schools and or in community public health institutions. Practical applications are provided by assuming responsibilities for designing, implementing, and assessing community dental health programs.
(Spring)
This course is designed to teach the student management of pain control through the use of local anesthetic agents and the administration of nitrous oxide and oxygen when used as a sedative. The physiology and pharmacology agents, indications and contraindications for use, and the treatment of complications and emergencies are stressed. Other modalities of pain control will be discussed.
(Spring)
A theoretical and practical study of the various concepts and methods used in describing, preventing, and controlling periodontal disease. Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the diseases are presented.
(Spring)
Lectures consider both theoretical and practical aspects of drug use. Initial discussions center on those principles that control the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs. In subsequent lectures, the pharmacology of individual drug groups is presented. Their cellular actions, therapeutic uses, and adverse effects are discussed. Emphasis is placed on those drugs of greatest medical use.
(Fall)
An introduction to current principles and issues in public health and their relationship to the delivery of dental care to the public. Students learn basic concepts of health care organization, epidemiology, statistics, program planning, and prevention of dental diseases. Future roles for dental health care providers in a changing health care system are investigated. The role of preventive dentistry in clinical practice is discussed.
(Fall)
Through lecture and laboratory experiences, the student becomes knowledgeable and develops proficiency in providing comprehensive dental hygiene treatment, patient education, and management. Subjects covered are oral inspection, charting, recording medical and dental histories, sterilization, hard and soft deposits, stains, fluoride mechanisms, instrument sharpening, dental and medical emergencies, and oral physiotherapy.
(Fall)
The clinic correlates knowledge from the didactic portion of the course to conduction of oral health services on clinic partners. All clinic skills are practiced to proficiency. Students will be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
(Fall)
This course is a continuation of Principles of Dental Hygiene I. The lectures include slide presentations and discussions on various oral manifestations seen in the oral cavity. Some systemic disease processes that have intraoral signs and symptoms are also covered.
(Spring)
This clinic develops professional knowledge and the refinement of techniques required in providing comprehensive dental hygiene treatment to patients. Rotating assignments in dental school clinics provide an opportunity to learn about the responsibilities of various members of the dental health team.
(Spring)
Through lecture, discussions, reading assignments, and research projects, the students continue to develop professional judgment and skills in providing optimal comprehensive dental hygiene patient treatment.
(Fall)
Students continue to develop professional judgment and clinical skills by providing comprehensive dental hygiene treatment including expanded functions to clinic patients and on extramural rotation assignments.
(Fall, Spring*)
*Spring Session 1 credit evening students only
Through lectures, discussions, readings, and writing assignments, the student develops knowledge of ethical and legal issues, professional organizations, résumé writing, job interview techniques, dental office procedures, and management.
(Spring)
The students continue to develop their cognitive and psychomotor skills in providing preventive dental hygiene services, expanded functions, and nutritional counseling to clinic patients as well as to patients treated through extramural rotation assignments.
(Spring)
Through the use of lectures, slides, and laboratory experiences, this course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of radiation biology, radiation protection, radiographic image receptors, the developing process, and the fundamentals of dental radiography including the projection and production of X-rays. Normal radiographic anatomy, as well as caries detection and the radiographic evaluation of periodontal disease, are discussed. Students learn radiographic techniques on manikins and then proceed to take radiographs for the clinic patients.
(Fall)
Liberal Arts Courses
The College of Dentistry and the Paul McGhee Division work cooperatively to offer these courses through NYU's School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Students are recommended to take these courses according to their specific track guidelines.
This course is designed to provide the student with a legal and ethical framework. Students explore the responsibilities involved in hygienist/patient and employee/employer relationships. The legal ramifications of a variety of practice settings are investigated. Through case studies, ethical and professional development is encouraged.
(Spring)
The courses listed below are usually offered throughout the academic year.
Intended for students whose Writing Placement Essays indicate that they require more preparation for Writing Workshop I. Students learn to generate ideas; shape and support a thesis; and gain further control over sentence structure, word choice, and grammar. Students also read and analyze various texts to help them, and familiarize themselves with standard English practices. (This course may be taken twice if necessary.)
This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of psychology, with emphasis on psychology's major areas of study: personality development, learning, social psychology, physiology, and motivation. Current schools of thought are examined in an historical context. Psychoanalytic, behavioral, humanistic, and cognitive approaches to psychology are reviewed.
This course is a study of society, groups, and cultures and an introduction to sociological theory as a means for interpreting and understanding human behavior and the human condition. Topics of discussion include the process of social and cultural change, social structure and stratification, roles and gender, the family, and social control.
A study of the dynamics of the communications process and a workshop in developing effective communications skills. Emphasis is on a wide range of behaviors and situations, from one-to-one interactions to formal presentations.
This course focuses on the individual student's writing and reading skills. Writing is presented as an ongoing evolutionary process. The class emphasizes strategies for generating and clarifying ideas; refining analytical thinking; using evidence effectively; controlling detail and generalization; and developing a sense of audience. Students also become familiar with the skills needed for library research.
This second-level course emphasizes the development of a personal voice, control of style, and independent analytical thinking, while continuing to build confidence and fluency. Analytical thinking is stressed, as is the use of evidence in the context of research and other academic writing. Students expand their information retrieval and research skills.
NOTE: All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed before higher level courses may be taken, unless special permission is given by the Director of the Dental Hygiene Program.
BS Degree Program
BS Track A curriculum also includes all courses listed to the left in the AAS section.
Core Courses
This course covers various types of business writing: letters, reports, memos, proposals and manuals. In writing reports, the model of the corporate annual report is used. In writing proposals, both solicited and unsolicited proposals are covered. In writing manuals, students learn how to compile technical information and provide graphic support.
(Fall, Spring) Online course
This course is designed to instruct students on how to use statistics for data analysis. The course will make use of SPSS, a statistical software package (Versions 10 or higher.) The first semester will serve as a foundation, covering methods for displaying and describing data.
(Fall, Spring)
This course introduces students to the most essential and current concepts of information technology. Students learn basic fundamentals of computer hardware and application software. Utilizing the most contemporary online learning technology, students will have experience using Microsoft Office applications – Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
(Fall) Online
This course emphasizes analytic thinking by reading texts and being able to evaluate them critically, to analyze structure and their appeals to logic and emotion, to develop criteria for effectively evaluating writing, and to recognize and discuss the many qualities which contribute to effective critical thinking by others, including classmates.
(Fall, Spring)
This course is designed to explore the concepts of cultural competence as related to the delivery of health care. The students move along a cultural competence continuum towards cultural proficiency. Self assessment is critical to understanding and applying the concepts.
(Fall, Summer) Online
This course consists of fieldwork in areas such as dental research, teaching and dental auxiliary programs, administration of dental facilities and dental health education in selected settings, and business affiliations. Students develop a learning proposal and evaluation mechanism. Fieldwork can occur on or off campus. Faculty advisor approval required prior to registration. Minimum of 50 hours per 3 credit sections, directly supervised each term. Paper required.
(Fall, Spring, Summer)
This is an introductory course designed to provide future healthcare decision makers with foundation of knowledge about the US healthcare delivery system. Some of the topics addressed include the history, financing, and delivery models of health care.
(Spring)
The course provides an overview of the ways that health professionals collect information and the application to the delivery of health care. A combination of approaches is used, including readings about and discussions of research methods; a series of learning activities to provide practical experience in research methods; analyzing research methods examples; and preparing elements of a research proposal. In addition, the course is designed to help provide students with the foundation for locating and evaluating scientific information, and to become informed consumers of completed research.
(Spring, Summer)
This course is designed to teach the student management of pain control through the use of local anesthetic agents and the administration of nitrous oxide and oxygen when used as a sedative. The physiology and pharmacology agents, indications and contraindications for use, and the treatment of complications and emergencies are stressed. Other modalities of pain control will be discussed.
(Spring)
Elective Courses
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of dental health teaching and evaluation. Emphasis is placed on behavioral objectives, assessment of instructional procedures, and evaluations. Practical application is provided through assignments and mini-class lecturing.
(Fall)
The Dental Hygiene Accreditation Guidelines are presented with special emphasis on clinical requirements and their application to preclinical curriculum. Strategies for teaching clinical dental hygiene procedures are presented, with application and teaching experience provided through instruction of students enrolled in a preclinical course.
(Spring)
As healthcare moves toward a more integrative model, career opportunities for dental hygienists in community & public health sectors will expand. This online course outlines the history, evolution and status of health in various levels of community. Students will have the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge of public health issues and initiatives by examining local, state and federal health resources, health objectives for the nation, program planning, promotion, and disease prevention in all aspects of health. Topics include epidemiology, environmental health, drugs, safety, and occupational health. Activities include web based assignments, discussions, lectures, student presentations, in addition to exploring existing community agencies and programs.
(Fall) Online
This course is designed to integrate dental hygiene knowledge, apply it and prepare for: the forensic needs of the community, detection and prevention of abuses of humanity, and develop a community advocate who is prepared to play an active role in times of catastrophe.
(Spring)
This course will prepare students for advanced roles in dental hygiene oral health care through a collaborative approach of theory, research and clinical practice. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of the aging process and develop clinical skills necessary for complete health assessment and management of oral issues. The coursework will explore foundational knowledge in healthful aging as well as issues related to chronic illness in the geriatric population. Principles of evidence-based research and practice will be utilized to explore the oral health problems unique to geriatric patients. Students will analyze public policy and the impact of limited access to care.
(Spring)
Minimum of 15 hours per point. Cannot be used to satisfy the required dental specialty or Liberal Education Plan requirements. Formal registration and prior faculty approval are required.
(Offered as needed)
This course explores the bio-psychosocial dimensions of Women's health. The course will examine the many factors affecting the health and well-being of women throughout their lifespan. Prevention, health promotion, research, and clinical intervention are the foundations of this course.
(Spring) Online
Additional BS Curriculum Requirements
The College of Dentistry and the Paul McGhee Division work cooperatively to offer these courses through NYU's School of Professional Studies. Students are recommended to take these courses according to their specific track guidelines.
The courses listed below are usually offered throughout the academic year. **Prerequisites will be defined per class through the School of Professional Studies. Please review prerequisite requirements before enrolling.
**Prerequisites will be defined per class through the School of Professional Studies. Please review prerequisite requirements before enrolling.
**Prerequisites will be defined per class through the School of Professional Studies. Please review prerequisite requirements before enrolling.
**Prerequisites will be defined per class through the School of Professional Studies. Please review prerequisite requirements before enrolling.
NOTE: All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed before higher level courses may be taken, unless special permission is given by the Director of the Dental Hygiene Program.
