Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene — Predental Track

An Exceptional Training Ground for Dental School

You'll spend the first 21 months of this 37-month program, which takes place on our Boston campus, completing your core curriculum and dental school prerequisites. You then will move into the 16-month professional phase, where you’ll have the opportunity to work with experts during clinical experiences in our on-campus clinic and in community facilities. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to sit for the dental hygiene licensing exam and may work as a dental hygienist to gain practical experience before starting dental school. Begin this program in the fall or spring.

Dental Hygiene (BS)—Predental Track

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Program Snapshot

Download a program snapshot and learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene—Predental Track.

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Your Four-Year Journey

The core knowledge and clinical experience you gain by studying at New England’s top college for dental hygiene will provide an excellent foundation for dental school. In fact, with far more clinical expertise than many of your peers, you'll be positioned to flourish in dental school.

First-year experience

study biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, and physiology and attend associated labs
learn the interpersonal communication skills necessary to be an effective health professional
explore calculus and expository writing

Second-year experience

complete coursework in microbiology, biochemistry, and organic chemistry and attend associated labs
develop an understanding of healthcare ethics and American culture and identity
learn cultural anthropology and human psychology

Third-year experience

begin building knowledge and core competency in critical areas of dental care, including dental anatomy and histology, dental radiology, and dental materials
study community oral health and perform oral health research
learn the essentials of head and neck anatomy, periodontology, and pain management

Fourth-year experience

continue advanced studies in clinical dental hygiene and the process of dental care
become familiar with how to manage a dental practice
complete a capstone in dental hygiene leadership

The Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at MCPHS

Ours is the longest continually running dental hygiene program in the country.

Doing well while doing good

Professional success and personal satisfaction go hand-in-hand for MCPHS dental hygiene graduates.

Prepare to heal—and lead

Tyler Eatchel, DH, was so well prepared after his MCPHS dental hygiene training that he was asked to co-teach some classes in dental school.

read the full story

The MCPHS dental hygiene clinical experience

Work with a diverse patient population from MCPHS and surrounding communities in one of the nation’s preeminent dental clinics.

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$78k average salary

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports dental hygienist salaries ranging from $60k to $100k in 2021.

MCPHS Community Voices

The lived experiences of MCPHS students, partners, and faculty tell an eloquent story. They illustrate just how our student-centered, teaching-first approach keeps us in the top tier of the country’s “most transformative colleges.” (Money magazine 2020).

Bronwyn Swanson, BSDH ’23

“I’m extremely confident about going out into the workforce and finding a good job. MCPHS does a really great job of preparing you for the professional years.”