A career in dental hygiene requires either an associate degree or a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene. Students may take the first two years of general education courses at Boise State University and then apply for admission to professional school. The program suggested here is based upon the prerequisites at Idaho State University. Students should consult an advisor and pattern their program at Boise State University on the requirements of the specific professional school to which they expect to apply.
The following web sites are excellent resources for pre-dental hygiene students:
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- ADA School Listing
- American Dental Hygienist Association (ADHA)
- American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
- Idaho State University Dental Hygiene Program
- College of Southern Idaho Dental Hygiene Program
Advisor | Email | Position and Department | Phone | Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenda Hill | ghill@boisestate.edu | Director, Pre-Professional Studies | 208-426-3832 | HSR 124 |
| Erin Colburn | erincolburn@boisestate.edu | Pre-Health/Pre-Professional Advisor | 208-426-2454 | HSR 123 |
| Howard Wiley | howardwiley@boisestate.edu | Pre-Health/Pre-Professional Advisor | 208-426-3732 | HSR 122B |
Pre-Dental Hygiene Course Work
Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 101 and 102 | English Composition | 6 |
| Arts and Humanties | (consult with advisor) | 6 |
| Social Sciences | ||
| COMM 101 | Introduction To Speech Communications | 3 |
| PSYC 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| History, Economics or Anthropology | (consult advisor) | 3 |
| BIOL 191 BIOL 205 BIOL 227,228 | General Biology* Introduction to Microbiology Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II | 4 4 8 |
| CHEM 101, 101L – 102, 102L | Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry and Introduction to Organic/Biochemistry | 8 |
| MATH 143 OR MATH 147 MATH 254 | College Algebra OR Precalculus Applied Statistics with Computers | 3-5 3 |
| HLTHST 207 | Nutrition | 3 |
| Total | 57-59 | |
| NOTE: Idaho State University requires students to take DENT 2201 Principles of Dental Hygiene (2 credits) via a distance learning course from ISU during their sophomore year. HLTHST 100 Introduction to Health Professions (1 credit) is highly recommended |
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