B.S. Degree in Dental Hygiene

The Dental Hygiene Department also offers a post-associate Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene Education. This program allows the registered dental hygienist to complete a bachelor's degree. The core and related field courses for this degree may be taken while the student is enrolled in the Associate degree program. The six professional dental hygiene courses must be taken upon completion of the associate degree and after obtaining dental hygiene licensure. The core and professional courses are offered primarily in the late afternoons or evenings, or via Web CT to accommodate the working schedule of the dental hygienist.

The B.S. program is comprised of preparatory courses that will enable the student to be employed in such areas as dental hygiene and dental assisting instruction, dental health education in public school systems, and public health. The goal of the program is to provide the post-associate degree student with the opportunity to continue an interest in life-long learning through development of critical thinking and research skills in order to become an effective change agent and assume key roles in educational and alternative settings.

Exhibit the ability to demonstrate competent clinical skills.
Demonstrate respect for the dental team and possess ethical and professional standards.
Integrate academic knowledge from general education, biomedical sciences, dental sciences and dental hygiene sciences into practical application.
Develop effective communication skills to disseminate preventive dental health education in the clinical setting and in the community.
Develop an interest in life-long learning through development of critical thinking and research skills to become an effective change agent.