Overview

The curriculum is taught using small group instruction with experienced faculty providing hands-on training within our own on-campus patient care dental clinic. The course of study in the Dental Hygiene Program provides a broad based education in the social, behavioral, and biological sciences with special emphasis toward teaching, community health and research.  Although legal dental hygiene functions vary from state to state, some of the functions routinely performed by a dental hygienist include, but are not limited to:

• Calculus and plaque removal (hard and soft deposits) from above and below the gum line
• Examination of the teeth and oral structure, including a soft tissue exam
• Exposing and interpreting dental radiographs – Digital
• Plaque control instruction and developing personal oral hygiene programs for home care
• Dietary and tobacco use counseling
• Applying caries-preventive agents, such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants
• Educating the individual patient and the general public about the importance of good oral hygiene habits
• Oral cancer and blood pressure screening
• Providing pain control measures through the use of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation
• Designing community dental health programs
• Working with special population groups (minority groups, geriatric, mentally/physically disabled persons)

Dental Hygiene Program