Earn your Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene (AS-DH) degree from Lincoln Memorial University and keep your community happy and healthy! The DH program at LMU strives to develop you into a skilled oral healthcare provider, committed to providing service.
During your time in our DH program, you will receive a high-quality education that integrates evidence-based knowledge and skills in the following fields to ensure you become a skilled dental hygiene practitioner:
- general education
- biomedical science
- dental science
- dental hygiene science
- basic clinical education
At LMU's College of Dental Medicine, located in Knoxville at the newly renovated LMU Tower, we pride ourselves in offering students like you a variety of opportunities and resources to ensure that you can make the most of your time with us. First and foremost, we only accept 30 dental hygiene students each academic year so that your class sizes remain small, and your instructors can provide the best education and guidance there is to offer in healthcare education. As a student here, you'll also learn in our Center for Research and Education in Technology (CRET) Innovation Center, where you will have the opportunity to work with real patients. You'll even be able to provide services at mobile units and standalone clinics in the area as you develop your skills and competencies.
Admission Requirements
Review the list below to ensure you are eligible for the DH program at LMU! To qualify, you must:
- If you are a high school senior, submit either your ACT or SAT scores. You need to have scored at least a 22 on your ACT to qualify.
- You must have both a science and a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4-point grading scale. A 3.25 or higher will be generally competitive.
Required Prerequisite Courses
- BIOL 261 Human Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab
- MATH 150 (or higher)
- ENGL 101 Composition
- SOCI 100 Introduction to Sociology
- CHEM 100 Introduction to Chemistry
- BIOL 230 Microbiology
- PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology
How to Apply
To be admitted into the DH program at Lincoln Memorial University, you must apply through both the LMU portal and the ADEA application portal. To be considered for entry into the program, you must complete both applications.
The DH program begins in August each year, with the deadline for applications on March 15 each year. Once you have completed your applications, you will be required to complete a supplemental application and meet with the LMU-CDM dental hygiene admissions committee for an interview.
Entry Requirements
- Science and cumulative GPAs of at least 3.0 on a 4-point grading scale.
- Two letters of recommendation. Your letters must be submitted to the LMU-CDM by those completing the letters. The Office of Admissions will not accept letters submitted by students.
- Complete 16 documented observation/shadowing hours prior to entering the DH program.
Program Outcomes
Dental hygiene, amongst other dental procedures and healthcare, is a vital part of maintaining the health and well-being of people in your community. By offering services through your line of work, not only are you helping others stay healthy, but you can potentially develop a solid foundation for personal financial stability. According to U.S. News and World Report, dental hygienists made a median annual income of $77,810 in 2021. The top 25% in the field made $98,260 that year, while the lowest 25% still earned $73,540.
Contact Us
Want to learn more about the DH program at LMU? Reach out and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
Cynthia Metzger
Dental Hygiene Program Director
Office Address: 1705 St. Mary Street
Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865.370.2121
Email: Cynthia.Metzger@LMUnet.edu