Regis College's dental hygiene program offers both associate's and bachelor's degrees for students who are passionate about helping patients improve and maintain good oral health. Our program has exceptional board completion and job placement rates. RDH licensure requires numerous written and clinical state and federal examinations and historically Regis College dental hygiene students have been highly successful.
As one of the preeminent dental hygiene programs in New England, our students receive a strong foundation in biomedical sciences while gaining practical training experience in the state-of-the-art Regis College Dental Center located in Waltham, MA. Furthermore, our program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Upon enrolling, you'll be immersed in the atmosphere of an active dental hygiene practice and gain hands-on experience as a dental hygienist. After your third year of study, you'll be eligible to apply for licensure as a dental hygienist.
The Regis College dental hygiene program and the Regis College Dental Center practices and employs current infection control policies with all aspects of patient care.
Why Study Dental Hygiene?
Dental hygienists are some of the most in-demand health care workers in the United States. The career outlook of American dental hygienists is impressive with an estimated annual growth rate of 9% and an average salary of approximately $77,000 per year. In addition to a positive career outlook, dental hygiene is a rewarding career that allows you to interact with a large population of patients and improve their oral health and overall well-being.
Career Outcomes for Dental Hygiene
Dental hygienists assess patients for signs of oral diseases and bloodborne pathogens, expose dental radiographs, perform cleanings, and provide other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health. Dental hygiene services are a treatment to maintain or increase the overall health, well-being, and functional outcomes for individuals experiencing dental disease.
Upon successful completion of our program, our students can find themselves working in a variety of settings, including:
- private dental practices
- group practices
- specialty practices
- public health agencies
- hospitals
- nursing homes
- health clinics
- prisons
- federal agencies such as military institutions
- schools
Field Experience Opportunities
Our dental program prepares students for the career of a dental hygienist by providing them with hand-on learning experiences at our state-of-the-art dental center. Our dental center provides students with the opportunity to serve the public under supervision of dental hygiene educators and supervising staff dentists. This will ensure that students are well equipped to enter into the workforce with confidence and experience under their belts.
Quick Facts:
100%
of Regis College dental hygiene students participate in outreach project while in the program
100%
of incoming first-year Regis students receive merit scholarship or need-based aid from the university
100%
of dental hygiene students are required to practice in diverse work settings for true experiential learning
Program Contact Information
The Office of Undergraduate Admission
Regis College
Office of Undergraduate Admission
235 Wellesley Street
Weston, MA 02493
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program (FAQS)
What is CODA Accreditation?
The Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) monitors dental programs across the United States by implementing standards that ensure that students receive an accurate and up-to-date dental education. In most states, graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program is necessary to attain licensure as a dental hygienist. Our accredited program will ensure that you are equipped with the proper education to succeed in the field.
What is the Difference Between a Dental Hygienist and a Dental Assistant?
Both dental assistants and dental hygienists interact with patients, but the nature of their interactions differ. While the responsibilities of a dental assistant are largely administrative and logistical, dental hygienists are involved in the direct facilitation of their patient’s health. A dental assistant will assist the dentist with procedures, sterilize cleaning equipment, deal with patient records and history, and answer payment and billing questions. A dental hygienist, on the other hand, is tasked with direct patient care, improving the oral health of their patients and teaching them good oral health practices.
What are the Requirements for Regis’ Dental Hygiene Degree?
For students to be accepted into the dental hygiene program, they must have attained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and B- or better in all science prerequisite courses. Upon entry into the dental hygiene program, students must earn a 2.0 (C) grade in all dental hygiene courses and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all other courses.
