Program Description

The goal of the dental hygiene program is to prepare students with the knowledge and skills required to provide direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed dentist. This includes training in scaling and root planning, polishing teeth, application of sealants, patient assessment, pain management, and oral health education. The ultimate goal is to prepare students to gain employment as a dental hygienist.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student should be able to:

1. Articulate the code of ethics including adherence to regulatory structure within Dental Hygiene.
2. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and convey aspects of culturally competent, inter-professional health care to individuals and groups from diverse populations.
3. Demonstrate the ability to define and articulate organizational, operational, ethical, legal, and managerial issues impacting the field of dental hygiene.
4. Investigate the on-going evolution of the dental hygiene profession.
5. Demonstrate the ability to perform self-assessment for life-long learning and professional growth.
6. Generate all required documentation for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluating of dental hygiene care.
7. Develop acceptable individualized patient care plans using ADPIE model.
8. Select appropriate patient education strategies using a variety of resources, based on individualized oral health needs in a variety of community settings.
9. Evaluate treatment options using evidence-based decision making to identify risks and develop strategies for positive health and wellness while respecting patient’s values and goals.

Special Admission Requirements

Acceptance into the dental hygiene program is on a selective basis. Students who meet the minimum criteria for admission to the University will be further evaluated on a competitive basis through entrance test scores and prior academic performance as well as other criteria determined by the University. In addition, all students must have all immunizations current.

Potential Occupational Titles

Potential occupational titles for this program include, but are not limited to, dental hygienist.

Program Content

A minimum of 120.00 semester credit hours is required for graduation.