BS in Dental Hygiene

2-year full-time Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science with a broad-based education in the social, behavioral, and biological sciences, preparing students for the practice of contemporary dental hygiene and for leadership roles in oral healthcare of the future. The dental hygienist is a member of the oral health team and is responsible for a wide range of services related to the provision of oral healthcare and patient education. The entry-level Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program provides the education and training needed to become a dental hygienist. It allows you to explore not only the professional responsibilities of a clinician but also roles in research, education, public health, administration, and advocacy. The Dental Hygiene undergraduate degree program includes classroom and laboratory work as well as hands-on experience at many specialty clinics, offering students a wide variety of patient experiences. Intraprofessional (dental students and dental hygiene students) joint courses and shared clinical care of patients further broadens the dental hygiene student learning experiences. Dental hygiene students are taught by both dental and dental hygiene faculty who are committed to preparing students to be the next “leaders and best” in the profession. Research also plays a role within the program and involves several opportunities for students to explore topics in the areas of social and basic science. The mission of the Dental Hygiene Program is to promote optimal oral health through education, research, and service. To achieve that mission, the Dental Hygiene program will: Educate dental hygienists in the current theory and practice of the profession so they may provide the best standard of care to all segments of the population; Conduct research related to oral health and dental hygiene; Serve the university and the profession by disseminating knowledge and establishing linkages to promote oral health and dental hygiene; Foster diversity in education, patient care, research, and health policy.