B.S. Dental Hygiene (extended major)

To earn this degree, you must complete at least 126 units of coursework, which we describe in the sections that follow:

• at least 35 units of liberal studies requirements.  Be aware that you may not use courses with a DH prefix to satisfy these liberal studies requirements.

• at least 28 units of preprofessional requirements

• at least 81 units of major requirements

• elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 126 units

Be aware that some courses required for your degree may have prerequisites that you must also take. Check the courses in the appropriate subject.  (You may be able to count these prerequisites toward your liberal studies or general elective credit.)

Please note that you must complete NAU’s diversity requirements by taking two 3-unit courses, one in ethnic diversity and one in global awareness. These courses may be used to meet other requirements within your academic plan if you choose them carefully. Click here for a list of the available diversity courses.

Also note that NAU requires that at least 30 units of the courses you take for your degree must be upper-division courses (those numbered 300 and above).

Computer skills are required for the dental hygiene plan, and several courses require computer activities, including Internet access. If you don’t have computer skills, you should add a computer course to your plan of study.

You must also have CPR certification (health-care provider level) and first aid certification before beginning the clinical phase of the dental hygiene plan.

Finally, please note that you may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement; however, you must still meet the total of at least 126 units to graduate. Contact your advisor for details.

Preprofessional Requirements

To be eligible to enter the clinical phase of the plan, you must complete the following 28 units of prerequisite courses:

• CHM 130 and 151L (5 units)

• BIO 181:181L, 201, and 202 (12 units)

• NTS 135 or256 or any Human Nutrition course approved by advisor (3 units)

• PSY 101 (3 units)

• STA 270 (3 units)

• DH 100 and 101 (2 units)

Major Requirements

After you have been accepted into the dental hygiene plan, you take the following 81 units:

• DH 208 and 227 (8 units)

• BIO 205 (4 units)

• DH 228, 235, 235L, and 338 (11 units)

• BIO 320 (3 units)

• DH 340 (3 units)

• DH 300, 319, 319L (enroll in 3 labs), 369, 369L, 370, and 418 (13 units)

• DH 320, 320L (enroll in 3 labs), 326, 419, and 450 (13 units)

• DH 373W, which meets NAU’s junior writing requirement (3 units)

• DH 408 (3 units)

• DH 354, 425, and 425L (enroll in 4 labs) (8 units)

• DH 416, 426, 426L (enroll in 4 labs), and 470 (8 units)

• DH 495C, which meets NAU’s senior capstone requirement (3 units)

General Electives

Additional coursework is required, if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.  

You may take these remaining courses from any academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you. (Please note that you may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren’t used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.)

Click here for more information about Dental Hygiene undergraduate courses, graduate courses, and faculty.