Dental Hygiene Programs

About our Dental Hygiene Programs

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Adams School of Dentistry offers both an undergraduate dental hygiene program as well as a Master of Science Dental Hygiene Education Program. The two-year undergraduate program prepares students to become registered dental hygienists, while the two-year graduate program focuses on allowing already registered dental hygienists to begin careers in academia.

Both programs are designed to educate and prepare dental hygienists for careers in a diverse and changing health care environment, with an emphasis on creating a well-rounded dental hygiene health care professional who can treat a variety of patients and provide leadership in the profession. 

Undergraduate Dental Hygiene Program

Discover Dental Hygiene at Adams School of Dentistry

Undergraduate Program Information

Master of Science Dental Hygiene Program

Discover Master of Science at Adams School of Dentistry

Master’s Degree Information

Our Mission

As a part of Adams School of Dentistry, students have access to a variety of experiences in clinical patient care, community dental health and dental specialties, including geriatric dentistry, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and research. Both programs are accredited by The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Post-secondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education.  

Adams School of Dentistry is the only university in the state to offer a baccalaureate level dental hygiene program. We want to empower students to grow into lifelong learners who are competent in providing patient care to a diverse population in traditional and non-traditional settings. Our aim is to inspire students to become critical thinkers who use evidence-based decision-making within the scope of dental hygiene practice. Earning a BSDH provides more career options, including working in public health, teaching and research.