Degree Programs

Which program / track is right for you?
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.
The Department of Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting offers BS students the opportunity to apply for a scholarship when enrolling in our internship courses.
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). 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.
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
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.
The courses listed below are usually offered throughout the academic year.
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/Required Courses
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.
*Concepts in Community and Public Health is currently an elective, but is becoming a core/required course in Spring 2021.
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.