The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene requires two years of liberal arts study, with a minimum of 60 semester hours, followed by two years of study focusing on basic and dental sciences, dental hygiene science and theory, community health and pre-clinical and clinical experiences. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for national, regional and state board licensing examinations. Classes enter once each year in the fall semester.

Student learning outcomes

Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:

Allied Dental Core Competencies

Professional Knowledge

1. Professionalism

1.1 Apply professional values and ethics in all endeavors.
1.2 Adhere to accreditation standards and federal, state and local laws and regulations.

1.3 Promote quality assurance practices based on accepted standards of care. 

1.4 Demonstrate interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with
professionals and patients across socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

2. Safety

2.1  Comply with local, state and federal regulations concerning infection control protocols
for blood-borne and respiratory pathogens, other infectious diseases and hazardous
materials. 
2.2 Follow manufacturers’ recommendations related to materials and equipment used in
practice.
2.3 Establish and enforce mechanisms to ensure the management of emergencies.
2.4 Use security guidelines and compliance training to create and maintain a safe, eco
friendly and sustainable practice compatible with emerging trends.
2.5 Ensure a humanistic approach to care.
2.6 Uphold a respectful and emotionally safe environment for patients and practitioners.

3. Critical Thinking

​3.1   Demonstrate critical and analytical reasoning to identify and develop comprehensive
oral health care solutions and protocols. 
3.2  Apply individual and population risk factors, social determinants of health and
scientific research to promote improved health and enhanced quality of life.

4. Scientific Inquiry and Research

​4.1 Support research activities and develop research skills. 
4.2 Use evidence-based decision-making to evaluate and implement health care
strategies aligned with emerging trends to achieve high-quality, cost-effective and
humanistic care.
4.3  Integrate accepted scientific theories and research into educational, preventive and
therapeutic oral health services. 

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

5. Health Education and Community Connection

​5.1  Endorse health literacy and disease prevention.
5.2 Communicate and provide health education and oral self-care to diverse populations.
5.3 Facilitate learning platforms for communities of interest by providing health education
through collaboration with dental and other professionals. 
5.4 Promote the values of the dental profession through service-based activities.
5.5   Evaluate outcomes for future activities supporting health and wellness of individuals
and communities.

6. Advocacy

​6.1 Promote an ethical and equitable patient care and practice environment by
demonstrating inclusion of diverse beliefs and values.
6.2 Uphold civic and social engagement through active involvement in professional
affiliations to advance oral health.

Professional Development and Practice

7. Professional Growth

​7.1  Commit to lifelong learning for professional and career opportunities in a variety of
roles and settings.
7.2 Engage in research, education, industry involvement, technological and professional
developments and/or advanced degrees.
7.3 Demonstrate self-awareness through reflective assessment for continued
improvement.

8. Business Practices

​8.1 Facilitate referrals to and consultations with relevant health care providers and other
professionals to promote equitable and optimal patient care.
8.2 Promote economic growth and sustainability by meeting practice goals.
8.3 Create and maintain comprehensive, timely and accurate records.
8.4 Protect privacy, confidentiality and security of the patients and the practice by
complying with legislation, practice standards, ethics and organizational policies.

9. Leadership

​9.1 Develop and use effective strategies to facilitate change.
9.2 Inspire and network with others to nurture collegial affiliations.
9.3 Solicit and provide constructive feedback to promote professional growth of self.

Discipline-specific Competencies--Dental Hygiene

DH. 1 Essential Knowledge

DH. 1.1 Apply the knowledge of the following sciences during the dental hygiene process of
care:

• Microbiology

• Human anatomy and physiology

• Human cellular biology

• Chemistry

• Biochemistry

• Immunology and pathology

• Nutrition

• Pharmacokinetics

DH. 1.2 Apply the knowledge of the following behavioral sciences during the dental hygiene
process of care: 

• Sociology

• Psychology

• Interpersonal communication

DH. 2 Person-centered Care

2.1 Assessment
DH. 2.1.1 Accurately collect and document a comprehensive medical, dental, social health
history and diagnostic data.
DH. 2.1.2 Critically analyze all collected data.
DH. 2.1.3 3 Identify predisposing, etiologic, environmental and social risk factors for person
centered care. 

2.2 Dental Hygiene Diagnosis 
DH. 2.2.1 Analyze comprehensive medical, dental and social health history.
DH. 2.2.2 Integrate observational and diagnostic data as part of the dental hygiene diagnosis.

2.3 Planning
DH. 2.3.1 Use the patient’s assessment to establish an optimal and realistic, person-centered
dental hygiene care plan through mutual communication.
DH. 2.3.2 Use all aspects of the dental hygiene diagnosis in combination with the person’s
values, beliefs and preferences to develop a dental hygiene care plan through shared decision
making. 

2.4 Implementation
DH. 2.4.1 Obtain informed consent based on the agreed-upon treatment plan.
DH. 2.4.2 Execute individualized treatment based on the patient’s dental hygiene diagnosis.
DH. 2.4.3 Integrate educational, preventive and therapeutic services to provide comprehensive
person-centered care.
DH. 2.4.4 Use specialized skills and evidenced-based technology to promote dental and
periodontal health. 
DH. 2.4.5 Continuously re-evaluate for modifications to achieve desired outcomes.

2.5 Evaluation and Documentation
DH. 2.5.1 Evaluate the effectiveness of completed services.
DH. 2.5.2 Analyze treatment outcomes of the dental hygiene process of care to determine
improved health and modifications.
DH. 2.5.3 Modify dental hygiene care plans as necessary to meet goals of patient and clinician.

DH. 2.5.4 Identify necessary referrals for success of the treatment outcomes, including
intraprofessional and interprofessional health care providers, supporting professions and patient
advocates. 
DH. 2.5.5 Accurately document assessment findings and data, dental hygiene diagnosis and
care plan, implementation, outcome evaluation and any communication between professionals
and patient and anyone else in the circle of care.