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 (Fast Track)
Worcester
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The B.S. in Dental Hygiene (Fast Track) at MCPHS is a demanding 16-month, year-round program located at the Worcester campus. It is uniquely structured to accelerate the professional development of individuals who have already completed substantial college coursework or hold a prior bachelor's degree. The program's core objective is to train highly skilled and compassionate dental hygienists capable of providing comprehensive oral healthcare. Emphasizing an immersive education, it combines foundational classroom learning with extensive clinical practice, preparing graduates not only for licensure but also for impactful careers in diverse dental settings.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.S. in Dental Hygiene (Fast Track) is meticulously designed to provide a deep understanding of dental hygiene science and practice within a condensed timeframe. It builds upon prerequisite courses, immediately immersing students in specialized dental hygiene content. Key areas of study include Head and Neck Anatomy, Pathology, Nutrition, Dental Anatomy, Embryology, Dental Radiology, Periodontology, and Pharmacology. A significant portion of the program is dedicated to comprehensive Dental Hygiene Process of Care courses, complemented by extensive Clinical Dental Hygiene labs and experiences. Students also explore Community Oral Health, gain insights into Pain Management, and undertake a Capstone Leadership in Dental Hygiene project, along with coursework in Practice and Career Management, and Healthcare Ethics. The integrated curriculum ensures a holistic understanding of patient care and professional responsibility.
Research Focus: The B.S. in Dental Hygiene (Fast Track) program at MCPHS integrates a focus on evidence-based practice and critical inquiry. While it is primarily a clinical practice degree, the curriculum includes components like "Oral Health Research," which introduces students to research methodologies and the critical evaluation of scientific literature. Students are encouraged to understand how research continually informs and improves dental hygiene best practices, techniques, and procedures. The capstone project, often related to leadership in dental hygiene, may also involve elements of applied research or program evaluation. This emphasis ensures that graduates are not just skilled practitioners but also lifelong learners capable of adapting to new advancements and contributing to the evolution of oral healthcare.
Industry Engagement: MCPHS demonstrates robust industry engagement for its Dental Hygiene (Fast Track) program, largely through the renowned Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, one of the oldest continuously running dental hygiene programs in the country. Students benefit from extensive hands-on clinical experiences in MCPHS's prestigious on-campus dental hygiene clinic, which is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. These experiences involve working with real patients under the direct supervision of expert faculty, many of whom are active practitioners. Additionally, the program facilitates clinical placements in various external community facilities, providing exposure to diverse patient populations and practice environments. These strong connections within the dental community ensure that the curriculum remains current with industry trends and that graduates are well-prepared for seamless entry into professional practice.
Global Perspective: The B.S. in Dental Hygiene (Fast Track) program at MCPHS implicitly integrates a global perspective by fostering an understanding of universal principles of oral health and its impact on overall systemic health, which are relevant worldwide. The curriculum's focus on identifying the oral health needs of diverse populations, and making ethical decisions in patient care, encourages cultural competence. While the primary clinical training is situated within the U.S. healthcare system, some faculty members are dedicated to improving global access to dental care through volunteer service trips to various countries, as noted in their profiles. This exposure to faculty involvement in international initiatives, combined with MCPHS's diverse student body, broadens students' awareness of global health disparities and the role of dental hygiene in addressing these challenges on a broader scale.
Location
Worcester
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 52210
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 (Fast Track) are highly skilled and adaptable professionals ready to make an immediate impact in diverse oral healthcare settings.
Clinical Dental Hygienist (Private Practice): The most common role, providing preventive oral healthcare services such as professional cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, and oral hygiene instruction in private dental offices.
Public Health Dental Hygienist: Works in community clinics, schools, or government programs to provide oral health education, screenings, and preventive services to underserved populations, focusing on improving community oral health.
Dental Hygiene Educator/Clinical Instructor: Teaches and mentors aspiring dental hygienists in academic programs, providing both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical supervision in university or college settings.
Dental Product Sales Representative: Utilizes their clinical knowledge to educate dentists and other dental professionals about new dental products, equipment, and technologies, working for manufacturing or distribution companies.
Corporate Educator/Trainer: Develops and delivers training programs for dental sales teams, dental practices, or within dental product companies, sharing expertise on product usage, clinical techniques, or industry trends.
Dental Office Manager/Administrator: Oversees the administrative and operational aspects of a dental practice, managing staff, scheduling, billing, and ensuring efficient patient flow and quality care.
Dental Hygiene Researcher: Conducts studies to advance the science and practice of dental hygiene, evaluating new techniques, products, or interventions in academic institutions, corporations, or public health organizations.
Periodontal Co-Therapist: Works collaboratively with a periodontist, specializing in the management and treatment of gum diseases, often involving advanced scaling and root planing, and patient education on periodontal health.
Mobile Dental Hygienist/Independent Practitioner (where permissible by state law): Operates a mobile dental hygiene service or an independent practice, providing services to patients in settings like nursing homes, schools, or homebound individuals, increasing access to care.
Dental Consultant: Provides expertise to dental practices on improving clinical efficiency, patient care protocols, practice management, or adopting new technologies and services.
