Mission Statement, Goals, and Pass Rates
Mission Statement
The dental hygiene program derives its purposes and functions from the mission statement
of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. Our primary purpose is to provide the
highest quality education while recognizing and respecting the dignity of each individual
student. We are committed to contributing to the oral health needs of the community
by providing high-quality care in a cost-efficient manner.
The dental hygiene program strives to provide a variety of quality academic, laboratory,
preclinical and clinical learning experiences that prepare students to assume the
role of a dental hygienist in a variety of practice settings. Students, while having
the responsibility for their own learning, are provided with an environment for effective
learning by the faculty. The dental hygiene faculty encourages students to attain
their professional goals while realizing their individual potential as learners and
beginning professionals.
Program Goals
- To graduate clinically competent and ethical dental hygienists who will promote the values of oral and general health and wellness to the public.
- To provide a quality educational program that meets the needs of the students, employers, and educational community.
- To graduate dental hygienists who are able to initiate and assume responsibility for health promotion and disease prevention activities for diverse populations in a variety of settings.
- To create a physical and emotional atmosphere conducive to learning.
- To graduate dental hygienists who possess transferable skills such as communication, problem solving, and critical thinking in order to take advantage of opportunities for professional growth and development.
Pass Rates
Since 2001 the UAFS dental hygiene program has exceeded the accreditation standards
for the pass rate average on both the written national board dental hygiene examination
and the regional clinical examination. We're proud of our pass rates and of our graduates.
Dental Hygiene First Write Pass Rates
National Board Exam
National Board Exam pass rates will be reported on each graduating class.
Date | Candidates Taking | Candidates Passing | Pass |
March 2015 | 15 | 15 | 100 |
March 2016 | 11 | 11 | 100 |
March 2017 | 10 | 10 | 100 |
March 2018 | 11 | 11 | 100 |
March 2019 | 15 | 15 | 100 |
March 2020 | 15 | 15 | 100 |