Dental Hygiene

Curriculum Description

The Dental Hygiene curriculum provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate dental hygiene care for the individual and the community. Students will learn to prepare the operatory, take patient histories, note abnormalities, plan care, teach oral hygiene, clean teeth, take x-rays, apply preventive agents, complete necessary chart entries, and perform other procedures related to dental hygiene care. Graduates of this program may be eligible to take national and state/regional examinations for licensure which are required to practice dental hygiene. Employment opportunities include dental offices, clinics, schools, public health agencies, industry, and professional education.

Accreditation

The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation [and has been granted the accreditation status of “initial accreditation”]. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.

The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org/

Graduates will be able to:

Provide hygiene care to a diverse patient pool in a professional, ethical, legal and humane manner.
Integrate infection control techniques.
Prepare high-grade, radiographic images used in diagnostics.
Perform appropriate life-saving measures for medical emergencies in a dental setting.
Provide accurate, consistent and thorough documentation throughout the dental hygiene process
Use critical thinking and quality assurance mechanisms in provision of evidence-based care.
Continuously perform self-assessment for life-long learning and professional growth
Demonstrate allegiance to the profession through service activities and affiliations with professional organizations.