University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry
- Nebraska
- Entry Level
- In-Person
- unmc.edu
Program Contact
University of Nebraska Medical Center
College of Dentistry
4000 East Campus Loop South
Lincoln, NE 68583
Why study dental hygiene?
Dental hygienists experience the privilege and joy of building relationships with their patients and helping them lead healthier lives by protecting their oral health. Dental hygiene is a rewarding and challenging career that offers a wealth of benefits, including competitive salaries, working as part of a dental care team, and helping to eliminate oral health disparities. The need for new dental hygienists is rapidly increasing; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental hygienists will grow nearly 20% by 2026.
Why study dental hygiene at UNMC?
Our program is one of the few in the United States that offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Our comprehensive curriculum not only prepares you for a successful career in dental hygiene but also provides you with the advanced education and critical thinking skills that set you apart in the job market.
Our students thrive in our close-knit, supportive learning community. Our focus is helping you succeed; our outstanding faculty members ensure that every student receives the personalized guidance they need, and our students support each other.
UNMC is an extraordinary place where you will become a confident, compassionate oral health care provider. Our students build their skills through being immersed in a variety of learning experiences. Learn more about our unique learning environment.
Curriculum
Clinical Techniques, Clinical Dental Radiology, Community Dental Health, Dental Anatomy, Dental Materials, Oral Pathology, Research Methodology, Local Anesthesia, Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Sedation, Medical Emergencies, Osteology of the Skull, Histology, Head and Neck Anatomy, Immunology, Periodontology, Caring for Older Adults, Pharmacology, Special Patient Care.
Preparation for admission to the program consists of approximately two academic years of study. The course work can be completed at any accredited college.
Career Opportunities
Private Practice (working with general dentists and dental specialists), Public Health (public health agencies, community health clinics and schools), Research, Teaching, Sales.
Program Information
| Program Type | Entry Level |
|---|---|
| Teaching Method | In-Person |
| Degree Awarded | Bachelor |
| Program Size | 24 |
| Program Length | 24 months |
| Application Deadline | January 31, 2026 |
| Program Start Date | August 24, 2026 |
| Credit Hours Required to Graduate | 123-128 |
| Supplemental Application | No |
| Supplemental Fee | No |
| Accepts International Students | No |
| Supports Student Visa | No |
| Program Website | unmc.edu |
Application Requirements
Required Standardized Tests
- ACT
- ATDH
Prerequisite Instructions
| 1st Year - 1st Semester | ||
| Comm. (Eng. Comp. 100 level) | 3 hrs | |
| General Biology/Lab | 4 hrs | |
| Human Behavior/Culture & Social Org. | 3 hrs | |
| Intro to Psychology | 4 hrs | |
| Total | 14 | |
| 1st Year - 2nd Semester | ||
| Comm. (Eng. Comp. 100 level) | 3 hrs | |
| Biology of Microorganisms/Lab | 4 hrs | |
| Comm. (Speech) | 3 hrs | |
| Intro to Sociology | 3 hrs | |
| 1st of 12-Hr Series | 3 hrs | |
| Total | 16 | |
| 2nd Year - 1st Semester | ||
| General Chem. I/Lab | 4 hrs | |
| Humanities/Arts | 3 hrs | |
| Humanities/Arts | 3 hrs | |
| Nursing Anatomy/Lab | 5 hrs | |
| 2nd of 12-Hr Series | 3 hrs | |
| Total | 18 | |
| 2nd Year - 2nd Semester | ||
| General Chem. II/Lab | 4 hrs | |
| Human Physiology/Lab | 4 hrs | |
| Nutrition | 3 hrs | |
| 3rd of 12-Hr Series | 3 hrs | |
| 4th of 12-Hr Series | 3 hrs | |
| Total | 17 |
Letters of Evaluation Instructions
Three Letters of Recommendation are strongly encouraged. Of those three, we recommend that at least two of them be professional references.