Professional Certifications and Licensure

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Dental Hygiene 

The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s (UMMC) Bachelor of Science (BS) in dental hygiene program satisfies the licensure eligibility requirements set forth by the governing body in the State of Mississippi. Students who satisfactorily complete the program will be awarded the BS degree from the University of Mississippi and are eligible to sit for the Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), which is a requirement for licensure to practice as a registered dental hygienist. Registered (licensed) dental hygienists practice according to the requirements of individual state dental practice acts. Learn more about Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners.

Learn more about career paths for dental hygienists at the American Dental Hygienists' Association website. For additional information on career opportunities, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Dental Hygienists.

Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s (UMMC) Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)  program satisfies the licensure eligibility requirements set forth by the governing body in the State of Mississippi. Students who satisfactorily complete the program will be awarded the DMD degree from the University of Mississippi and are eligible to sit for the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE).

The NBDE is the United States national dental examination for students and professionals in dentistry, which is a requirement for licensure to practice as a doctor of dental medicine. Doctors of Dental Medicine practice according to the requirements of individual state dental practice acts. Learn more about Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners.