Dear RDH:
I found Heidi Emmerling`s article, "Where the Bachelors Are" (August 1997) interesting and useful to the readership. As director of a degree completion program that I feel is user-friendly, yet somewhat traditional, I feel compelled to respond.
The University of Maryland at Baltimore`s program allows students to transfer in as many as 90 credit hours, with 30 hours left to obtain the BSDH degree. Eighteen of these remaining 30 hours are offered at UMAB two days a week, thereby affording the option of a four- to five-day workweek combined with student life. The other 12 elective credits may be taken at a branch U of M campus at times and locations that suit the individual student`s need (evening classes and distance learning included). Students are given great breadth and depth in course selection. Both the 12 hours of electives and the UMAB courses are not hard science, but generate discussion and self-awareness. UMAB students tend to enjoy the closeness of their group and the stimulation of the classroom setting. In addition, they are choosing to get a baccalaureate in dental hygiene because they feel it substantially builds upon their previous degree.
Jacquelyn L. Fried, RDH, MS
Baltimore, Maryland
