Welcome to the Department of Dental Hygiene

The Dental Hygiene Associate in Science degree program is designed to prepare competent dental hygiene professionals, capable of providing quality dental hygiene care in a variety of settings within a changing health care system, and a culturally diverse society. Students gain skills and knowledge required to take the National Dental Hygiene Board and Commission on Dental Competency Assessment, and learn to practice in a manner consistent with the highest standards set forth by the ADA/CODA, ADHA, OSHA, CDC, EPA and Massachusetts General Laws pertinent to health care providers/settings, including the State Dental Practice Act. Service-learning is infused in the Dental Hygiene coursework including the clinical experiences.

Students who wish to pursue a career as a dental hygienist in public health, health management, forensics, health education or dental hygiene education are encouraged to transfer to a baccalaureate program after graduation.

According to the 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national dental hygiene average wage was $6,220 and the Massachusetts state average for full-time hygienists was $84,280 with a median hourly wage of $41.62. Job prospects are expected to be favorable in most areas, but will vary by geographical location. Because graduates are permitted to practice only in the state in which they are licensed, hygienists wishing to practice in areas that have an abundance of dental hygiene programs may experience strong competition for jobs. By the year 2024 the national employment for dental hygienists trend is expected to increase by 19%. At this time, full-time opportunities are fewer than in past years where part-time and temporary employment is more available.

Students must complete a Student Health Record in order to participate in clinical education. This form is confidential and will be kept on file with Enrollment Management. Only pertinent information that may be determined as creating special needs in planning the clinical experience will be shared with the program director. For more information on what is included and required of the Student Health Record, please contact the Admissions.

Students accepted to the Dental Hygiene Program must be in compliance with the current immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for Health Care Personnel (HCP) in order to participate in Community Outreach experiences. Students may also be required to meet additional requirements of the particular clinical agency to which they are assigned.  These requirements may include, but are not limited to CORI and SORI background inquiries, fingerprinting, and drug screening.  Fees may be associated with these screenings for which the student may be responsible to pay.

Students who are not in compliance with these site specific requirements will not be allowed to participate in Community Outreach experiences, which may jeopardize their ability to continue in the program.

All information regarding the health status on an individual is considered confidential, and protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1994.

Once admitted, Dental Hygiene Students purchase their own instruments and supplies, as well as lab coat laundry service as coordinated through the dental hygiene department. Supply kit fees will be included in the first and second semester tuition and fees at a cost of approximately $1000 each semester, totaling $2000.  This amount is subject to change.

Accreditation and Licensure

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education.

Dental Hygiene Applications

Admission requirements and due dates for the Dental Hygiene Program may be found by clicking here. 24 students are admitted to the professional class in the Fall semester only.

For additional admission information call 1-800-818-3434 or email admissions@middlesex.mass.edu

New and Returning Clinic Patients

Dental hygiene services are available to the public in our Dental Hygiene Clinic at a significantly reduced cost. Fall clinic appointments are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Spring appointments are available Tuesday through Friday. To make an appointment, please call the clinic phone/voicemail at 978-656-3250.

You can also visit the dental hygiene clinic website for more information.

For Further Information Contact:

Christine Lombardo, Department Chair for Dental Hygiene, lombardoc@middlesex.mass.edu, 978-656-3051

Last Modified: 8/4/23