The only dental hygiene program that is part of a major Pennsylvania university, medical center and accredited dental school is found at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine The two-year dental hygiene program certificate incorporates hands-on experience at the school’s specialty dental clinics and university-based hospitals and can be completed for a certificate. A unique Pitt degree completion option allows dental hygiene certificate recipients from the university and other accredited programs to complete a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene. For those who wish to become a dentist, Pitt’s four-year first professional DMD program heavily emphasizes clinical experience through the school’s clinics, hospitals and mobile dentistry programs.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry projections for dental careers in Pittsburgh for 2002 to 2012 are strong. The increase of Pittsburgh jobs for dental assistants is expected to jump 22.7 percent, growing from 970 jobs to 1,190 by 2012. A similar trend is found for dental hygienists, with 23.5 percent projected job growth by 2012, an addition of 190 jobs to reach an estimated total of 1,000. Dental laboratory technician job growth is expected to be flat, with 110 jobs in 2002 and the same in 2012. The number of dentists in the Pittsburgh area is expected to rise 1 percent, from 970 in 2002 to 980 in 2012.
Dental Schools, Programs & Courses
in Pittsburgh
Subjects listed are highlights of programs
and/or courses offered.
Students looking for a place to study and launch a career as a dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant or other dental profession roles are likely to find what they need in Pittsburgh. Double digit job growth is expected for dental hygienists and assistants over the next decade in the city that is home to 800-plus dental practices as well as unique dental education opportunities from private institutions and the University of Pittsburgh, which was ranked in the Top 20 public national universities by U.S. News & World Report
Other Resources for Dental Education and Careers in Pittsburgh