A dental hygienist is a preventive oral health professional that is licensed in dental hygiene. Dental hygienists provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services supporting total health through the promotion of oral health. The dental hygienist works with the dental team in the prevention and control of dental disease.

Program objectives:

1. The dental hygiene program will prepare students for practice and licensure as a registered dental hygienist.

• Students will be prepared to provide appropriate dental hygiene therapy for patients with different oral health needs utilizing assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation skills.
• Students will utilize case management skills, interpersonal communication skills and practice management principles to provide quality dental hygiene care in a safe, efficient and humanistic manner.

2. The dental hygiene program will prepare students to provide quality care to patients in an ethical and professional manner.

• Students will understand and practice according to the ADHA Code of Ethics.
• Students will understand and adhere to state and federal laws and guidelines pertaining to the practice of dental hygiene.

3. Dental hygiene graduates will have a good understanding of research methods and will be able to use current research in their dental hygiene practice.

• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of sound research design.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of statistical tools used in research.
• Students will be able to interpret and apply professional research to dental hygiene practice.

4. Dental hygiene graduates will have experience providing community service and outreach and will understand the importance of continuing these activities after graduation.

• Students will demonstrate social responsibility by initiating and participating in the delivery of dental health care and education in the community.
• Students will understand the dynamics of and participate in a variety of interdisciplinary health care settings.