Specialization Tracks & Courses
Choose one of four specialized tracks designed to prepare you for leadership, education, public health, or informatics roles in dental hygiene.
Track 1: Allied Health Education
Prepare for a career as a dental hygiene educator in classroom or clinical settings. Courses combine theory, instructional design, and hands-on teaching experience.
DENHYG 1901 – Allied Health EducationFall
-
Loading course details…
DENHYG 1902 – Allied Health Education PracticumSpring
-
Loading course details…
Track 2: Health Management
Gain practical management skills to lead dental teams in clinical, educational, or corporate settings. Topics include leadership, conflict resolution, interviewing, project management, and employee assessment.
DENHYG 1921 – Health Management SeminarFall
-
Loading course details…
DENHYG 1922 – Health Management PracticumSpring
-
Loading course details…
Track 3: Community Engagement, Outreach & Leadership
Prepare for public health and community-based roles. Learn program development, implementation, and assessment while working with diverse populations.
DENHYG 1931 – Foundations in Community Oral Health EngagementFall
-
Loading course details…
DENHYG 1925 – Nutrition in Community HealthFall & Spring
-
Loading course details…
PEDENT 5801 – Community Outreach Experiences with Vulnerable PopulationsSpring
-
Loading course details…
Track 4: Interprofessional Health Informatics
Learn to manage and analyze health data to improve communication, research, patient care, and education in interprofessional settings.
DENHYG 1941 – Introduction to Interprofessional Health InformaticsFall
-
Loading course details…
DENHYG 1942 – Health Informatics PracticumSpring
-
Loading course details…
General Education & Degree Requirements
In addition to your dental hygiene specialization, the degree includes general education coursework and other degree requirements.
*Writing-intensive coursework may overlap with other requirements.
View CGS General Education Requirements →Transfer Credit
As a degree-completion student, you may be able to transfer up to 75% of the credits required for your degree.
Credits That May Apply Toward the Degree
- 79 credits in dental hygiene coursework
- 12 credits from associate degree general education
- Other dental hygiene coursework evaluated individually
Total credits required to graduate: 131
At least 30 credits at the 1000 level must be completed at Pitt. Transfer credit is evaluated based on your previous coursework and the degree requirements.
Plan Your Degree
Explore sample degree maps to see how you can complete the Dental Hygiene B.S. on a full-time or part-time schedule.
Full-Time Study
Complete the program in approximately three terms with a full-time course schedule.
View Full-Time Degree MapPart-Time Study
Balance your degree with work and other commitments through a more flexible course schedule.
View Part-Time Degree MapQuestions About the Program?
Connect with our team for guidance on the curriculum, application questions, or one-on-one advising.
Program Director
Victoria Green
vig41@pitt.edu
CGS Academic Advisor
Krista Stokes
krista.stokes@pitt.edu
This program is offered in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.
Resources for Online Students
Access the academic, library, technology, and online learning resources available to Pitt students.
Academic Support & Tutoring
Tutoring and writing support through the McCarl Center and Study Lab.
Meet with Academic Support »Library & Research Services
Access digital library resources, journals, databases, and research support.
Explore Library Resources »Technology Help
Get help with technology and online learning tools.
412-624-HELP (4357)
Contact the Help Desk »Online Student Resources
Find FAQs, course resources, and information to help you succeed as an online student.
Explore Online Resources »