Dental Hygiene
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Degree Type
Bachelor of Science
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College
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Contact
Advising Contact: Vannety Fuentes
Phone: 479-788-7270
Help the world smile brighter with a degree in dental hygiene.
Successful completion of the program prepares graduates for the written National Board Examination and the clinical dental hygiene examinations required for licensure to become a registered dental hygienist, an integral part of any dental team.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median wage for dental hygienists in 2024 was $94,260.
Online Completion Degree Option
Dental Hygiene-AAS to B.S. Dental Hygiene Online Completion
This program is specifically designed for dental hygienists with an associate degree who desire to advance their education toward a baccalaureate degree. The fully online A.A.S. to B.S. completer provides enhanced theoretical and clinical knowledge to promote career advancement or the option to move into a new field related to dental hygiene, pursue a master's degree, or strengthen professional skills in communication and evidence-base practice.
Certificate of Proficiency
This 9-credit hour program provides curriculum designed for those in helping professions such as human services, health care organizations, educators, and others. Courses include Intermediate Spanish I, II, and Spanish for the Professions. Beginning Spanish I and II or required placement scores are prerequisites for Intermediate Spanish I. Please note that this certificate program is associated with the College of Arts and Sciences. For more information please contact the World Languages Department.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to demonstrate:
- competency in the application of the dental hygiene process of care (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation) that promotes optimal oral and systemic health.
- clinical competence in dental radiography in accordance with current standards of practice and patient safety such as assessing radiographic needs, exposing and interpreting diagnostically acceptable radiographs, and electronically storing images.
- effective communication skills while critically evaluating and applying evidence-based, patient-centered dental hygiene care in collaboration with patients and other healthcare professionals.
- the application of ethical principles, professional standards, and legal responsibilities when providing dental hygiene care to diverse patient populations.
CODA Accreditation
The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of "approval without reporting requirements."