Dental Hygiene (AAS)
Program Description
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree Program in Dental Hygiene is comprised of lecture courses in dental and health sciences along with clinical and hands-on experience. The 78 credit curriculum is offered as a "fast-track" 17-month program (PDF), a two-year program (PDF) or a three-year program (PDF). Dental hygiene students are prepared to perform competently in providing preventive and therapeutic patient oral health care. The dental hygiene program, located within the NYU College of Dentistry, allows students to work side by side with dental (DDS) students, dental faculty and dental hygiene faculty in the clinical portion of the curriculum. By working in these clinical settings with culturally diverse patients, dental hygiene students gain invaluable knowledge and experiences.
Admissions
New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU. For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply.
For admission requirements and instructions specific to this program, see Admission Requirements.
Program Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| DHYG1-UD 100 | Human Microbiology I | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 110 | Oral Anatomy | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 112 | Principles of Dental Hygiene I Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 113 | Principles of Dh I Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 114 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 115 | Radiology | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 116 | Chemistry for Allied Health | 4 |
| DHYG1-UD 125 | CPR Hygiene | 0 |
| EXWR1-UC 7502 | Writing Workshop I | 4 |
| DHYG1-UD 120 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 121 | Principles of Dh II Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 122 | Prin of Dent Hygiene II Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 123 | Dental Materials Lec | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 124 | Oral Embryology & Histology | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 129 | Periodontics | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 200 | Microbiology II | 2 |
| EXWR1-UC 7503 | Writing Workshop II | 4 |
| DHYG2-UD 130 | Prin of Dh III Lec | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 131 | Principles of Dh III Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 132 | General & Oral Pathology | 3 |
| DHYG2-UD 134 | Pharmacology | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 135 | Preventive Dentistry & Public Health | 3 |
| SOCS1-UC 2201 | Oral Communications | 4 |
| PSYC1-UC 6801 | Intro to Psychology | 4 |
| or PSYC-UA 9001 | ||
| DHYG2-UD 136 | Nutrition and Health | 3 |
| DHYG2-UD 139 | Board Review | 0 |
| DHYG2-UD 140 | Prin of Dh IV Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 141 | Principles of Dh IV Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 142 | Ethics | 1 |
| DHYG2-UD 143 | Oral Health Education | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 145 | Pain Management | 2 |
| SOCY1-UC 7200 | Intro to Sociology | 4 |
| or SOCI-UA 0001 | ||
| Total Credits | 78 | |
The NYU dental hygiene program is further enhanced by clinical rotations and outreaches. As part of the clinical requirements, students rotate through specialty areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and hospital clinics, while improving their clinical expertise. Domestic and international outreach opportunities in underserved areas are available to students in their second year. Selected students continue to work closely with dental students and other faculty members, providing comprehensive dental treatment to those who may not have access to care.
Upon completion of the 78 credit curriculum, students are qualified to take the clinical board examinations and the dental hygiene national boards, which are requirements for state licensure.
New Advanced Standing Track
NYU Dentistry offers an accelerated degree track within its dental hygiene program for advanced students, creating a path for dentists with international dental degrees who want to pursue careers in dental hygiene. Students will earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in dental hygiene in the 12-month program.
- Important: Please review the AAS Advanced Standing Track Admissions Requirements.
- Contact the admissions officer (cwarren@nyu.edu) for further information.
- Please review the AAS Advanced Standing Track curriculum (PDF)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| DHYG1-UD 115 | Radiology | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 121 | Principles of Dh II Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 122 | Prin of Dent Hygiene II Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 123 | Dental Materials Lec | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 129 | Periodontics | 2 |
| EXWR1-UC 7502 | Writing Workshop I | 4 |
| PSYC1-UC 6801 | Intro to Psychology | 4 |
| or PSYC-UA 9001 | ||
| DHYG2-UD 130 | Prin of Dh III Lec | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 131 | Principles of Dh III Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 132 | General & Oral Pathology | 3 |
| DHYG2-UD 134 | Pharmacology | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 135 | Preventive Dentistry & Public Health | 3 |
| DHYG2-UD 139 | Board Review | 1 |
| EXWR1-UC 7503 | Writing Workshop II | 4 |
| SOCS1-UC 2201 | Oral Communications | 4 |
| DHYG2-UD 136 | Nutrition and Health | 3 |
| DHYG2-UD 140 | Prin of Dh IV Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 141 | Principles of Dh IV Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 142 | Ethics | 1 |
| DHYG2-UD 143 | Oral Health Education | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 145 | Pain Management | 1 |
| SOCY1-UC 7201 | Contemporary Social Theory | 4 |
| or SOCI-UA 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 55 | |
"Fast Track" 17-Month Program
NYU Dentistry offers an accelerated, continuous, 17-month, Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in dental hygiene.
The Fast-Track AAS degree program, the first of its kind in New York State, is designed specifically to enable highly motivated students to gain access to the same innovative, high quality education as that offered by the traditional two-to-three year course of study, but in a more concentrated period. The course of study commences in January and runs continuously, including summer courses, through the following May.
Please review the AAS Fast Track curriculum (PDF).
Two-Year Track
The two-year track is often the most sought-after track of the AAS degree program. It is also the most condensed of the tracks due to its heavy credit load with semesters averaging 18-20+ credits (full-time status at NYU is 12-20 credits). Students navigate through the 78 credit program over two academic years of study. Some students may have courses that are eligible for transfer, which could lessen the student’s academic load; however, due to course sequencing, this track still requires a two-year commitment. Class meeting times vary from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm over five days per week. Semesters average 15 weeks.
Please review the AAS Two-Year Track curriculum (PDF).
Three-Year Track
The three-year day track extends the full-time two year Associate curriculum, allowing students to complete the required 78 credit program through a less intense full-time credit load. Semesters average 12-15 credits. Some students may have courses eligible for transfer, which could lessen the student’s academic load; however, due to course sequencing, this track requires three years for degree completion. This track offers the flexibility that many students need to balance life/ work responsibilities during the week. Class meeting times vary from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm over five days per week. Course flexibility may vary week to week throughout the six semesters. Semesters average 15 weeks.
Please review the AAS Three-Year Track curriculum (PDF).
Sample Plan of Study
Advanced Standing Track
| 1st Semester/Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DHYG1-UD 115 | Radiology | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 121 | Principles of Dh II Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 122 | Prin of Dent Hygiene II Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 123 | Dental Materials Lec | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 129 | Periodontics | 2 |
| EXWR1-UC 7502 | Writing Workshop I | 4 |
| PSYC1-UC 6801 or PSYCH-UA 1 |
Intro to Psychology or Intro to Psychology |
4 |
| PSYCH-UA 1 | Intro to Psychology | 4 |
| Credits | 23 | |
| 2nd Semester/Term | ||
| DHYG2-UD 130 | Prin of Dh III Lec | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 131 | Principles of Dh III Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 132 | General & Oral Pathology | 3 |
| DHYG2-UD 134 | Pharmacology | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 135 | Preventive Dentistry & Public Health | 3 |
| DHYG2-UD 139 | Board Review | 1 |
| EXWR1-UC 7503 | Writing Workshop II | 4 |
| SOCS1-UC 2201 | Oral Communications | 4 |
| Credits | 21 | |
| 3rd Semester/Term | ||
| DHYG2-UD 136 | Nutrition and Health | 3 |
| DHYG2-UD 140 | Prin of Dh IV Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 141 | Principles of Dh IV Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 142 | Ethics | 1 |
| DHYG2-UD 143 | Oral Health Education | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 145 | Pain Management | 1 |
| SOCY1-UC 7201 or SOC-UA 1 |
Contemporary Social Theory or Intro to Sociology |
4 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| 4th Semester/Term | ||
| Mandatory Transfer Credits | ||
| DHYG1-UD 100 | Human Microbiology I | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 110 | Oral Anatomy | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 112 | Principles of Dental Hygiene I Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 113 | Principles of Dh I Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 114 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 116 | Chemistry for Allied Health | 4 |
| DHYG1-UD 120 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 124 | Oral Embryology & Histology | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 200 | Microbiology II | 2 |
| Credits | 23 | |
| Total Credits | 82 | |
17-Month Fast Track
| 1st Semester/Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DHYG1-UD 100 | Human Microbiology I | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 110 | Oral Anatomy | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 112 | Principles of Dental Hygiene I Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 113 | Principles of Dh I Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 114 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 115 | Radiology | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 116 | Chemistry for Allied Health | 4 |
| DHYG1-UD 125 | CPR Hygiene | 0 |
| EXWR1-UC 7502 | Writing Workshop I | 4 |
| Credits | 22 | |
| 2nd Semester/Term | ||
| DHYG1-UD 120 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 121 | Principles of Dh II Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 122 | 2 | |
| DHYG1-UD 123 | Dental Materials Lec | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 124 | Oral Embryology & Histology | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 129 | Periodontics | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 200 | 2 | |
| EXWR1-UC 7503 | Writing Workshop II | 4 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| 3rd Semester/Term | ||
| DHYG2-UD 130 | Prin of Dh III Lec | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 131 | Principles of Dh III Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 132 | General & Oral Pathology | 3 |
| DHYG2-UD 134 | Pharmacology | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 135 | Preventive Dentistry & Public Health | 3 |
| PSYC1-UC 6801 or PSYC-UA 9001 |
Intro to Psychology or |
4 |
| SOCS1-UC 2201 | Oral Communications | 4 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| 4th Semester/Term | ||
| DHYG2-UD 136 | 3 | |
| DHYG2-UD 139 | Board Review | 0 |
| DHYG2-UD 140 | Prin of Dh IV Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 141 | Principles of Dh IV Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 142 | Ethics | 1 |
| DHYG2-UD 143 | Oral Health Education | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 145 | Pain Management | 2 |
| SOCY1-UC 7200 or SOCI-UA 0001 |
Intro to Sociology or |
4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 78 | |
Two-Year Track
| 1st Semester/Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DHYG1-UD 100 | Human Microbiology I | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 110 | Oral Anatomy | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 112 | Principles of Dental Hygiene I Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 113 | Principles of Dh I Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 114 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 115 | Radiology | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 116 | Chemistry for Allied Health | 4 |
| DHYG1-UD 125 | CPR Hygiene | 0 |
| EXWR1-UC 7502 | Writing Workshop I | 4 |
| Credits | 22 | |
| 2nd Semester/Term | ||
| DHYG1-UD 120 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 121 | Principles of Dh II Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 122 | 2 | |
| DHYG1-UD 123 | Dental Materials Lec | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 124 | Oral Embryology & Histology | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 129 | Periodontics | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 200 | 2 | |
| EXWR1-UC 7503 | Writing Workshop II | 4 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| 3rd Semester/Term | ||
| DHYG2-UD 130 | Prin of Dh III Lec | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 131 | Principles of Dh III Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 132 | General & Oral Pathology | 3 |
| DHYG2-UD 134 | Pharmacology | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 135 | Preventive Dentistry & Public Health | 3 |
| SOCS1-UC 2201 | Oral Communications | 4 |
| PSYC1-UC 6801 or PSYC-UA 9001 |
Intro to Psychology or |
4 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| 4th Semester/Term | ||
| DHYG2-UD 136 | 3 | |
| DHYG2-UD 139 | Board Review | 0 |
| DHYG2-UD 140 | Prin of Dh IV Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 141 | Principles of Dh IV Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 142 | Ethics | 1 |
| DHYG2-UD 143 | Oral Health Education | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 145 | Pain Management | 2 |
| SOCY1-UC 7200 or SOCI-UA 0001 |
Intro to Sociology or |
4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 78 | |
Three-Year Track
| 1st Semester/Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DHYG1-UD 100 | Human Microbiology I | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 110 | Oral Anatomy | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 114 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 116 | Chemistry for Allied Health | 4 |
| DHYG1-UD 125 | CPR Hygiene | 0 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| 2nd Semester/Term | ||
| DHYG1-UD 120 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 200 | 2 | |
| PSYC1-UC 6801 or PSYC-UA 9001 |
Intro to Psychology or |
4 |
| EXWR1-UC 7502 | Writing Workshop I | 4 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| 3rd Semester/Term | ||
| DHYG1-UD 112 | Principles of Dental Hygiene I Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 113 | Principles of Dh I Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 115 | Radiology | 2 |
| SOCS1-UC 2201 | Oral Communications | 4 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| 4th Semester/Term | ||
| DHYG1-UD 121 | Principles of Dh II Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG1-UD 122 | 2 | |
| DHYG1-UD 123 | Dental Materials Lec | 3 |
| DHYG1-UD 124 | Oral Embryology & Histology | 2 |
| EXWR1-UC 7503 | Writing Workshop II | 4 |
| DHYG1-UD 129 | Periodontics | 2 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| 5th Semester/Term | ||
| DHYG2-UD 126 | 0 | |
| DHYG2-UD 130 | Prin of Dh III Lec | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 131 | Principles of Dh III Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 132 | General & Oral Pathology | 3 |
| DHYG2-UD 134 | Pharmacology | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 135 | Preventive Dentistry & Public Health | 3 |
| SOCY1-UC 7200 or SOCI-UA 0001 |
Intro to Sociology or |
4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 6th Semester/Term | ||
| DHYG2-UD 136 | 3 | |
| DHYG2-UD 139 | Board Review | 0 |
| DHYG2-UD 140 | Prin of Dh IV Lecture | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 141 | Principles of Dh IV Clinic | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 142 | Ethics | 1 |
| DHYG2-UD 143 | Oral Health Education | 2 |
| DHYG2-UD 145 | Pain Management | 2 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 78 | |
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:
- Apply ethical practice of dental hygiene and adhere to legal and regulatory codes of the profession.
- Use critical thinking skills and comprehensive problem-solving to create evidence-based systemic and oral health care strategies that promote patient health and wellness.
- Continuously perform self-assessment for life-long learning and professional growth.
- Promote the values of the dental hygiene profession through service-based activities, positive community affiliations, and active involvement in local organizations.
- Initiate collaborative approach and communicate effectively with all patients when developing individualized care plans that are specialized, comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and acceptable to all parties involved without discrimination.
- Use evidence-based decision making to evaluate emerging technology and treatment modalities to integrate into patient dental hygiene care plans to achieve high-quality, cost-effective care.
- Assume responsibility for professional actions and integrates educational, preventive, and therapeutic oral health services based on accepted scientific theories, research, and the accepted standard of care.
- Apply quality assurance mechanisms to ensure continuous commitment to accepted standards of care, including health and safety of patient and provider and accurate, consistent and complete documentation of general and oral health services.
- Initiate consultations and collaborations with all relevant health care providers for the delivery of inter-professional, patient-centered care.
- Manage medical emergencies by using professional judgment, providing life support, and utilizing required CPR and any specialized training or knowledge.
Policies
NYU Policies
University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
College of Dentistry Policies
A full list of related academic policies can be found on the College of Dentistry Academic Policies page.