The Education
of Registered Dental Hygienists

Applicants to most Dental Hygiene Programs are administered either the Allied Health Sciences Survey or the Dental Hygiene Aptitude Test. Both of these are measurement instruments similar to those used in the dental, medical, and nursing professions to search out those individuals best suited to enter the human services fields. Those candidates who possess a sincere calling and desire to enter the profession of Dental Hygiene and who subscribe to certain ideals are those who can confidently enter and complete this program of study.

The mindset of a Registered Dental Hygienist is that of a caring, committed, nurturing, ethical and moral health care provider. These characteristics when combined with an above average commitment to learning allow for completion of a very rigorous professional educational program, which is a minimum of two-years. When the initial educational process is concluded, the individual has successfully completed the National, State, and Regional Board Examinations and has earned state licensure, she or he, may then assume use of the RDH credential and embark upon career paths of any one or more of the seven roles of the Registered Dental Hygienist.

Visitors to Maryland-DHA.Org who are seeking information about the profession of Dental Hygiene or who may be considering a career in the profession are invited to fully explore the following pages. Graduate RDHs who may be reentering the profession will find contact information as well as tutoring and study links for state board preparation.

Link to the ADHA website for a wealth of information regarding the requirements for admission to accredited Dental Hygiene programs, school curriculum info, Institute For Oral Health scholarships, research grants and fellowships. Maryland DHA scholarship and contact information along with pertinent specifics regarding Dental Hygiene schools within the state of Maryland is also included with links to each of the three schools.

General information on education and admission requirements:

Education and Career Resources:

Professional Roles of the Dental Hygienist

Complete listing of all accredited dental hygiene programs

Dental Hygiene Schools in Maryland

The State of Maryland is very fortunate to have three outstanding programs available for her citizens. Explore the contents of the following dental hygiene school websites for detailed information on entry-level, baccalaureate and masters degree programs.

Allegany College of Maryland Dental Hygiene Program

Baltimore City Community College Dental Hygiene Program

University of Maryland Dental Hygiene Program

Maryland Student American Dental Hygienists' Association

Scholarship Information

Maryland Dental Hygienists' Association Scholarships

Through the generosity of its members and as a result of fundraising efforts throughout each year, the Maryland Dental Hygienists' Association annually awards three scholarships in the name of Bertha Morgan R.D.H., the founder and first president of MDHA. The scholarship is presented to a deserving student from each of the three accredited Dental Hygiene programs in Maryland.

Eligibility Criteria

U.S. Citizen
Resident of Maryland for at least three (3) years
Grade point average in the Dental Hygiene Program is
.......at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Financial Need
S.A.D.H.A. member
Must be entering FINAL YEAR in the Dental Hygiene Curriculum
...... and plan to graduate in the Spring
Plan to practice Dental Hygiene in Maryland after graduation

Factors Considered

The MDHA Scholarship Committee considers these factors:
Scholarship, financial need, character, service and leadership.

Application Requirements

Complete the application form as directed
Have a letter of recommendation from a full time
.......faculty member that includes verification of your grade point average.
Have a letter of recommendation from a person
.......other than a faculty member and who is not related to you.
Complete an interview with the scholarship committee if requested.

If you feel that you qualify, the Maryland Dental Hygienists' Association urges you to apply for the scholarship. Completed applications and letters of recommendation must be postmarked by the announced/published deadline.
Please print out copies of the following application form, complete and mail:

The Scholarship Application is a "PDF" file. In order to print or view it, you must have Adobe Acrobat resident on your computer. If you do not have it, you may download a free copy here:

Scholarship Application

Contact Information

If you need additional information or assistance with questions please contact:

MDHA Scholarship Chairperson
P.O. Box# 5750
Rockville, Maryland 20855

or call

Maryland Dental Hygienists' Association
1-301-639-7592

We can enrich your professional experiences.

PRESENTERS for:
....Continuing Professional Education
....An AGD Approved Sponsor for the
....... . dental community
....Many topics to choose from

Hygiene Associates
Education Associates

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