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The Department of Dental Hygiene endeavors to improve the oral health of individuals and communities by graduating students who place meaningful value on life-long learning, and who have the desire and motivation to achieve beyond their self-imposed limitations.  The faculty strives to stimulate student development of intellectual curiosity and professional expertise through collaborative participation in an academic environment that foster interprofessional education.

The Department of Dental Hygiene faculty welcomes the opportunity to educate future oral hygienists in both the traditional and newly evolving skills required for entry into the profession.  The faculty also looks forward to developing professional qualities and leadership capabilities in each student by providing opportunities for critical thinking and logical decision-making.

The É«ÏãÊÓƵoffers a Bachelor of Science completion program for registered dental hygienists already holding an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene. The Bachelor of Science program advances education in dental hygiene skills and prepares students for a broader range of careers in dental hygiene, community health, administration, research, or teaching.  The Bachelor of Science degree program builds upon the knowledge obtained at the associate degree level with core curriculum courses in the arts and sciences and upper division courses in dental hygiene, management, health care, interprofessional education, and upper division electives.  This program is designed to prepare students to meet the challenges of the changing health care delivery system and to establish a foundation for graduate study.

** Additional elective credit will be required if transfer coursework is less than 85 credits.

A minimum grade of "C" is required in all DEN prefix courses and professional electives.  A "C" or higher must be achieved in all prerequisites for these courses.

Technical Standards

The Department of Dental Hygiene offers students the opportunity to:

1. Competently provide the public with dental hygiene care based on a sound foundation of scientific knowledge and effective decision-making.
2. Provide individuals and groups with up-to-date dental hygiene care as an essential component of comprehensive, interprofessional health care. 
3. Explore the complexities of ethical decision-making as it relates to professional situations.
4. Gain access to dental hygiene licensure in the state of choice by successfully preparing students to complete the national and regional board examinations.
5. Develop a commitment to life-long learning by continuing with educational plans following graduation.
6. Demonstrate the knowledge necessary to assess, plan, implement and evaluate community-based oral health programs.
7. Utilize appropriate communication methods to effectively provide patient care.

For students transferring from another institution, a minimum of 36 credits in attendance is required for a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene.  You must take at least 36 credits at É«ÏãÊÓƵ.  If there appears to be an area of clinical deficiency, due to time away from clinical practice or the introduction of new technology and knowledge into the practice of dental hygiene, a clinical dental hygiene course may be required.  Other restrictions apply. 

Admission Requirements: Dental Hygienist with an Associate Degree

• Must be a graduate of a dental hygiene program accredited by the American Dental Association - Commission on Dental Accreditation.
• Must have completed the requirements for a Dental Hygiene (Associate Degree) with at least a 2.5 grade point average (GPA).
• Must submit official college transcripts reflecting an overall GPA of 2.5, in addition to a GPA of 2.5 in all science and math courses.
• Must complete the É«ÏãÊÓƵ admissions application.

See Undergraduate Admissions also.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary.  Other expenses include books and housing.  For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.