M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development
The M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development is a 36-credit master's degree p...
B.S. in Dental Hygiene (Predental Track)
Boston
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The B.S. in Dental Hygiene (Predental Track) at MCPHS is a 37-month, full-time program based at the Boston campus. It is uniquely structured to simultaneously prepare students for both dental hygiene licensure and competitive admission to dental school. The first 21 months focus on core science prerequisites for dental school and foundational dental hygiene knowledge. The subsequent 16 months comprise the professional phase, emphasizing intensive clinical experiences in MCPHS's on-campus clinic and various community facilities. Upon graduation, students earn a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and are eligible to sit for national and regional dental hygiene licensing examinations. This allows them to immediately enter the workforce as dental hygienists, gaining invaluable direct patient care experience that can significantly strengthen their dental school applications.
Curriculum: The comprehensive curriculum for the B.S. in Dental Hygiene (Predental Track) at MCPHS spans 37 months and is divided into two phases. The initial 21 months focus on foundational sciences crucial for dental school, including Biology I & II (with labs), Chemical Principles I & II (with labs), Organic Chemistry I & II (with labs), Anatomy & Physiology I & II (with labs), Medical Microbiology (with lab), and Physics I & II (with labs). Alongside these, students take liberal arts courses such as Expository Writing, Calculus, Introduction to Psychology, Cultural Anthropology, and Healthcare Ethics. The subsequent 16-month professional phase delves into specialized dental hygiene courses, including Dental Anatomy and Histology, Head and Neck Anatomy, Periodontology, Pathology, Pain Management, Dental Radiology, Dental Materials, Pharmacology, and extensive clinical dental hygiene practice. The program also includes a "Community Oral Health" component and a "Capstone Leadership in Dental Hygiene" project.
Research Focus: The B.S. in Dental Hygiene (Predental Track) at MCPHS incorporates a significant research component, preparing students to engage with and contribute to evidence-based oral healthcare. The curriculum includes a dedicated course on "Oral Health Research," where students learn methodologies and critical appraisal skills. The program emphasizes a scientific approach to dental hygiene practice, encouraging students to evaluate new dental technologies and treatment protocols. While specific large-scale research projects might be part of the professional phase for graduate-level students, undergraduate students are trained to understand and apply research findings in clinical settings. The Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene's commitment to advancing knowledge through scholarship supports an environment where students are exposed to current research and contribute to the knowledge base of the profession.
Industry Engagement: MCPHS demonstrates extensive industry engagement for its B.S. in Dental Hygiene (Predental Track), largely facilitated by its location and the program's practical design. A significant portion of the program involves hands-on clinical experiences in MCPHS's state-of-the-art on-campus clinic, where students work with a diverse patient population. Furthermore, students gain invaluable experience through clinical rotations at various community facilities, providing exposure to real-world dental practice environments and fostering professional connections. The program's design, which leads to eligibility for dental hygiene licensure, directly prepares graduates for immediate entry into the dental workforce, offering direct industry experience even before applying to dental school. Faculty, often practicing dental professionals, bring current industry insights and connections into the classroom and clinic.
Global Perspective: The B.S. in Dental Hygiene (Predental Track) at MCPHS integrates a global perspective by preparing future dental professionals to serve diverse populations and understand the broader determinants of oral health worldwide. The curriculum's emphasis on "Community Oral Health" encourages students to consider health disparities and access to care, both locally and globally. The program fosters "intercultural knowledge and competence," essential for effectively interacting with a diverse patient base. While direct international clinical rotations for this undergraduate program are not explicitly highlighted, the overarching mission of the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene includes engaging students in a diverse learning environment and fostering collaboration with community partners to meet the oral health needs of diverse populations. This foundational understanding equips graduates to approach global oral health challenges with an informed and compassionate perspective.
Location
Boston
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 33060
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to help make their education more affordable and accessible.
Merit-Based Scholarships: MCPHS provides merit-based scholarships that reward outstanding academic performance. International students with strong academic records, competitive test scores, and leadership potential may qualify for these scholarships, which can cover a significant portion of tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited, some need-based scholarships and financial aid options are available to international students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must provide evidence of their financial status and submit the required documentation during the admission process.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within MCPHS offer specialized scholarships tailored to specific health science programs such as Pharmacy, Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, and Public Health. These scholarships often prioritize candidates pursuing high-demand healthcare fields.
International Student Scholarship Opportunities: MCPHS frequently offers dedicated international student scholarships aimed at encouraging a diverse student body. These scholarships are competitive and awarded based on academic merit, leadership, and contributions to the community.
External Scholarships and Partnerships: International students at MCPHS are encouraged to explore external scholarship programs and partnerships offered by governments, private foundations, and international organizations.
Graduates of MCPHS's B.S. in Dental Hygiene (Predental Track) are in a highly advantageous position for pursuing a career in dentistry. The program's rigorous science curriculum and extensive clinical experience as a dental hygienist provide an unparalleled foundation for dental school.
Dentist (DMD/DDS): The primary and most common ultimate goal of this track, requiring successful completion of dental school and state licensure. Graduates will be well-prepared to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral diseases and conditions.
Licensed Dental Hygienist: Upon graduation and passing licensure exams, individuals can immediately work as dental hygienists in private practices, community clinics, hospitals, or nursing homes, providing preventive oral healthcare, cleanings, and patient education. This also serves as a valuable gap-year opportunity before dental school.
Public Health Dental Hygienist: Works in community health programs, non-profit organizations, or government agencies to promote oral health, provide screenings, and deliver preventive care to underserved populations.
Dental Assisting (Advanced Role/Supervisory): While the program exceeds the requirements for a basic dental assistant, graduates could take on advanced or supervisory roles, leveraging their extensive knowledge of dental procedures, materials, and patient care.
Clinical Research Assistant (Oral Health): Supports research studies focused on dental materials, oral diseases, public health interventions, or new dental technologies in academic, corporate, or government research settings.
Dental Sales Representative (Products/Equipment): Utilizes their in-depth knowledge of dental procedures and materials to educate and sell dental products, equipment, and pharmaceuticals to dental practices and clinics.
Dental Hygiene Educator/Clinical Instructor: With a bachelor's degree and clinical experience, graduates can pursue roles teaching in dental hygiene programs, providing clinical instruction to aspiring hygienists.
Dental Office Administrator/Manager: Leverages their comprehensive understanding of dental practice operations, patient flow, and clinical needs to manage the administrative and operational aspects of a dental office.
Periodontal Co-Therapist/Specialty Dental Assistant: Works specifically in a specialty dental practice (e.g., periodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery), assisting with more complex procedures and patient management in that specialized field.
Graduate School Candidate (Other Health Professions): While geared towards dentistry, the strong scientific and healthcare foundation could also prepare graduates for other health-related master's or doctoral programs, such as Physician Assistant (PA) studies, Public Health (MPH), or even Biomedical Sciences, depending on evolving interests.
