Best online masters programs in Dental Hygiene/Hygienist

2-year full-time Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science with a broad-based education in the social, behavioral, and biological sciences, preparing students for the practice of contemporary dental hygiene and for leadership roles in oral healthcare of the future.

Online (via E-Learning) or On Campus options for licensed dental hygienists who are pursuing a Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science Degree.

A two year program that provides opportunities to conduct research in basic, behavioral, and clinical sciences and to serve the university, the profession, and the community.

The University of Michigan (U-M) has been a center of excellence for academics, research, and professional achievement since its founding in 1817. Today, U-M is one of the world top higher-education institutions.

The U-M School of Dentistry is no exception to this tradition of excellence. The School attracts individuals who go on to make significant contributions to the dental and dental hygiene professions. And, as the nation second-oldest graduate dental hygiene program, U-M helped set the standard for dental hygiene education, and remains in the forefront of advances in the field.

Michigan offers many benefits not available to students in most other dental hygiene programs. As a U-M dental hygiene student, you will have access to the resources of:.

Go on rotations within the Dental School to specialty clinics.

Learn from experts in the broader fields of dentistry, public health, and basic sciences, not just dental hygiene.

Take many courses together with taught to dental students, providing the opportunity for increased interaction with your future colleagues.

Participating in a university-based dental hygiene degree program offers students a far wider range of career possibilities than are available to associate degree holders. U-M Dental Hygiene degree programs in particular provide students with an extended knowledge base and experiential learning opportunities. And additional degrees qualify students to pursue careers in teaching and research, as well as in clinical practice in school or public health programs.

U-M dental hygiene programs are part of a nationally recognized dental school at a top research university.

Hiring managers know that U-M graduates are well educated and well prepared for the responsibilities of their new career.

As a U-M degree holder, you will be joining one of the world largest living alumni bodies, with 500,000+ grads in than 100 countries around the world.

You'll also be part of the Dental Hygiene family, where you will develop lifelong relationships.

Your University of Michigan degree will give you the background and experience you need to achieve success in your chosen profession.

An entry level program, allowing the exploration of all roles of the dental hygienist.

Designed for students who either have an associate degree or certificate, or who have completed some (but not all) of the coursework for a bachelor degree. Offered either online or on campus.

A two year program that provides opportunties to conduct research in basic, behavioral, and clinical sciences and to serve the university, the profession, and the community. Offered either online or on campus.

Employment opportunities for dental hygienists have never been better. An increased number of dental insurance plans, greater awareness of the importance of oral hygiene, and an expansion of the role and function of the dental hygienist means a higher employment growth rate than is likely for many other occupations.

The majority of hygienists are employed in private dental offices, although an increasing number are working in public health agencies, school systems, industrial firms, clinics, hospitals, universities, and research organizations. Specific responsibilities of the hygienist vary with the setting and with the laws of the state in which the hygienist is employed. Typically, hygienists in private practice will provide the following services:.

Within school systems, hygienists function in two roles: clinicians and educators. As clinicians, they conduct dental screening examinations, participate in dental surveys and follow-up studies, and provide oral prophylaxes. Expansion of the educator role presents the hygienist with the opportunity to develop and implement classroom programs on oral health and to serve as a consultant to teachers on dental health education.

Dental hygienists in public health agencies typically have clinical, consultative, supervisory, and or administrative responsibilities. These responsibilities include:.

Demonstration of new dental preventive methods and procedures.

Assistance in planning, organizing, and conducting community dental health programs.

Participation as dental health advisers in community health activities.

Dental hygiene is a licensed profession. Following graduation from an accredited program, dental hygienists will be required to demonstrate proficiency by successful completion of a board examination that includes both written and clinical practice sections. The license to practice dental hygiene is issued by the state board of dentistry in the state where the hygienist is employed.

The University of Michigan Student Chapter of the American Dental Hygienists' Association.

Association (ADHA). ADHA is the largest professional association representing all dental hygienists. Membership is open to all dental hygiene students. Dues are paid in the fall semester of each year.

Dental hygiene students can apply for a student membership in the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), the official organization of the dental hygiene profession. Student members receive all the benefits of full membership, plus additional opportunities for personal and professional development including resources for scholarships and grants, National Board prep, and continuing education.

Upon graduation from an accredited program in dental hygiene you are eligible to become professional members of ADHA. Professional membership has all the benefits of student membership, and many .

The Student Council attempts to conceive, plan, and execute appropriate projects for the good of the dental school community and the profession as a whole.

The Honor System is one expression of the high degree of personal and professional integrity for dental and dental hygiene students. The Honor Council determines policies governing all aspects of the Honor System and acts as a judicial body on any infractions of the Honor System. The Council tries cases of student offenders and issues warnings or makes recommendations to the executive committee on the disposition of student violations.

The Taft Society is a volunteer organization open to both dental and dental hygiene students of all levels. The Taft Society is mainly a service-oriented group which sponsors activities of value to the students and the community.

Founded in 1931, the CMDS serves as a voice and ministry of Christian doctors. This organization is open to all dental and dental hygiene students.

The AAPHD U-M Chapter was created in January of 2010 for those interested in public health and public policy. The mission is to create a sustainable relationship with the underserved community in Washtenaw County to promote oral health, prevent disease, and reduce disparities in oral health status and promote public health science as a vital part of dental education. Focus of this association is on education, outreach, and interacting with some of the most well respected public health professionals in the world. This group is open to anyone in the School of Dentistry.

This organization is open to both dental and dental hygiene students of all levels. The objectives of the ADEA U-M School of Dentistry Student Organization are to:.

Provide effective student input into both dental and allied dental education.

Promote the advancement of dental education by providing student input into and involvement with ADEA activities.

Stimulate students to assume roles in dental and allied dental education and research.

Work in partnership with other student organizations to promote their involvement in the advancement of dental education.

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the nation leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, patient care and community service. To fulfill each of these goals requires vision and leadership. This program will target pre-doctoral dental and dental hygiene students to facilitate the development of leaders in the dental profession. The program is intended to capitalize on human potential by developing a leadership mindset through activities such as coaching and counseling for maximal performance, fostering the power of working together and managing change.

Sigma Phi Alpha is the national dental hygiene honor society, and student election to it is limited to 10 percent of each graduating class. Candidates are selected on the basis of scholarship, character, and potential for professional leadership. Sigma Phi Alpha at U-M Dentistry.

I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Michigan (1998). During this time I completed a Master of Business Administration degree in Health Care Management from the University of Phoenix (2004) In 2005, I accepted a position in the corporate setting. My background includes over 30 years in clinical and educational experience in the dental assisting and dental hygiene professions. My professional memberships include ADHA, ADEA, and the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH).

I teach didactic and clinical courses in Dental Hygiene. I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at the University of Michigan, and Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am a member of the American Dental Hygienist Association and Michigan Dental Hygienist Association.

I graduated from Ferris State University Dental Hygiene Program in 1998 and enjoyed 16 years of clinical practice. In 2012 I completed my Bachelor degree in Dental Hygiene through the University of Michigan (UM) E-Learning Degree Completion Program. While at UM I developed a special interest in service-learning and community-based oral health initiatives. This led me to pursue a Master in Public Health Degree with a certificate in Health Education and Promotion which I completed in 2015 through Benedictine University online graduate program. My professional interests include campus-community partnerships, especially programming that benefits older adults, on-line learning technologies, and program evaluation. I am a member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association, the American Dental Education Association, the American Association of Public Health Dentistry, and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi U-M Chapter.

My educational journey started in 2015 when I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Detroit Mercy. From there, I entered the University of Michigan dental hygiene program and received my Bachelor in Science of Dental Hygiene degree in 2018. During my time as a student at U-M I worked as an Orthodontic Dental Assistant alongside post-doctorate students as well as in a clinic specializing in maxillofacial and craniofacial work. I am very passionate dental access being available to all and was able to travel to Nicaragua and provide dental hygiene services to very impoverished communities.

I received my Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree from the University of Michigan (U-M) in 1980 and my Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Central Michigan University in 1991. My interests include care of the advanced periodontal patient, both theory and application, presenting continuing education courses to other dental professionals on this subject content. Strong academic interests include curriculum design with associated student assessments and outcomes. I completed my higher education full time administrative role 2016, and am looking forward to continuing my strong passion of teaching future dental professionals, as a clinical lecturer within the Division of Dental Hygiene.

In 2000 I graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in human biology and began working in research at the Karmanos Cancer Center. My interest in oral health was sparked shortly thereafter while working as a dental assistant and it led me to pursue a career in dental hygiene. I completed my dental hygiene studies in 2004 at the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. I began working in clinical private practice, then returned to U-M and in 2014 graduated with a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene degree. I am deeply interested in clinical education and research and advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as the advancement of our dental hygiene profession. I am a member of the Michigan Oral Health Coalition, the American Dental Hygienists' Association and the American Dental Education Association.

After graduating from the University of Michigan with a BSDH in 1969, I worked in private practice for forty years. I practiced in a few different states before returning to Michigan to settle into a general practice just a few blocks from the School of Dentistry. Towards the end of my career in private practice, some local hygienists and I started a PA 161 program with Washtenaw County Head Start centers to provide screening exams, fluoride varnish and referrals at no charge to all Head Start children. After 10 years, this program transitioned to the U-M Dental Hygiene program, to give dental hygiene students a wonderful community experience. I enjoy the opportunity interacting with dental hygiene students who will be our future leaders.

I am a 1981 BSDH graduate of the University of Michigan (U-M) Dental Hygiene Program. In 2006 I earned a Masters of Public Administration from U-M Flint.

In 2010 I graduated from University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. My eight years working full-time in a periodontal practice provided me with a wealth of experience with non-surgical cases, pain control, and post-operative care. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with current students to enrich their clinical educational experience. I also manage the marketing and recruitment efforts for the U-M Dental Hygiene Department as well as the social media page. These initiatives involve outreach events via zoom and in-person informational sessions at local colleges for prospective students. I am also a member of American Dental Hygienist' Association (ADHA) and Michigan Dental Hygienists' Association (MDHA), and have been a delegate representing the South Central district for the past three years at the MDHA House of Delegates.

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene in Boston, Massachusetts. I teach a wide variety of dental hygiene courses including Community Dentistry, Periodontology, and Oral Health for Target and Special Needs Populations classes. I also practices dental hygiene part-time in a practice limited to periodontics. In 2014, Governor Paul LePage, appointed me to the Maine Board of Dental Practice. I am an examiner and active member of the Commission on Dental Competency and Assessments (CDCA). Association, American Dental Education Association, and the current Sigma Phi Alpha Chi Pi Chapter President. Prior to moving to Maine in 2002, I worked as a research hygienist at the Forsyth Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. I also held a position as a clinical research co-investigator at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine in Boston. During that time, I co-authored a multitude of research articles that appeared in the Journal of Periodontology, Journal of Dental Research, Journal of Clinical Periodontology, and the Journal of Dental Hygiene.

I received a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree in 1988 from the University of Michigan, followed by additional certificates in the administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide oxygen sedation in 2003 and 2004, respectively. In 2000 I joined the Division of Dental Hygiene within the Periodontics and Oral Medicine as an adjunct lecturer and minority recruiter. In addition to my clinical teaching responsibilities I continue to practice clinical dental hygiene part-time in Southfield, MI. I am a member of the Nu Chapter of Sigma Phi Alpha and am a long-time member of the Wolverine Dental Hygiene Society where I am currently the national convention liaison. Association and American Dental Education Association. I founded and facilitate two dental hygiene student-based organizations, Michigan Multicultural Dental Hygiene Student Association and the Student National Dental Hygiene Association. I am currently completing a Master of Arts in Educational Technology Degree at Central Michigan University.

I earned an Associate of Arts degree in Dental Hygiene from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Auxiliary Teacher Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Master of Education degree from the University of South Florida. In addition to teaching part-time at U-M, I teach for St. Petersburg College and for the Academy of Academic Leadership. I currently serve as a reviewer for Journal of Dental Hygiene and on the CODA Dental Hygiene Review Committee . Association and the American Dental Education Association.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2013. An interest to further my knowledge in dental hygiene led me to pursue graduate studies and in 2018 I graduated with a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. My thesis research project focused on the knowledge of dental professionals and students regarding the human papillomavirus vaccine. My other research interests include oral health promotion and access to care. Association and the American Dental Education Association.

I graduated from the University of Michigan in 2015 after studying English Education, Music Education, and Trombone Performance. Part of my training was working as a Peer Consultant in the Sweetland Center for Writing, which eventually evolved into my role as the eHygiene Tutor, teaching grammar and style techniques to postgraduate students from the Michigan School of Dentistry Division of Dental Hygiene. My research interests include communication sciences, educational psychology, and musical cryptography. I spend the rest of my time editing full-time at a local healthcare company and part-time at a not-so-local economics company. I am grateful for the chance to share my writing knowledge and medical journal experience with the next generation of dental hygienists.

I started my career in dental hygiene with an Associate degree from Lakeland Community College. For the next 40+ years, I worked as a clinical dental hygienist, practicing in a variety of settings in Ohio, Texas, Wisconsin, and Michigan. While in Texas, I started the Continuing Education Dental Hygiene Study Club, and with this project began my interest in teaching. I earned my Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from Midwestern State University, Texas, followed by a Master of Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University in 2002. For 10 years, I taught part time at Wayne County Community College and at the University of Michigan, both in the clinic and classroom. I am a member and current president of Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society, Nu-Chapter. I enjoy practicing primarily in community settings and my passion and interest is expanding the use of dental hygiene services for the under served in the community as well as mentoring students during their community-based research projects. I also provide care for patients in our Integrated Special Needs Clinic.

I am passionate health equity, working at it from clinical and research perspectives. I am an MD student at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. In 2019, I graduated with my MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of Michigan, where I also received my BS in biochemistry and Spanish. My research interests include health policy and health behavior, including behavioral economics. I am also passionate education, having taught courses on biostatistics, health behavior, and chemistry. Previously, I researched at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in Periodontics and Oral Medicine with Dr. William Giannobile, focusing on the development of regenerative treatments for periodontitis, like personalized scaffolds to deliver gene-therapy vectors.

Janet teaches in the bachelor and graduate programs.

I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. I continued my education at UNC Chapel Hill and earned a Master of Science degree in Dental Hygiene Education in 2006. I received a Doctorate of Education in Adult and Community College Education in 2017 from North Carolina State University. I currently teach dental radiography, oral pathology, nutrition, first year clinic, and dental hygiene theory. Associati

The Master of Dental Hygiene program is a two year online course of study designed to prepare dental hygienists for a career in dental hygiene leadership and education. This degree gives dental hygienists the knowledge and experience needed to teach in a dental hygiene program.

Provide graduates with an appreciation of the skills necessary to be leaders in the profession.

Prepare graduates to contribute to the body of knowledge in dental hygiene through research and scholarly activity.

The graduate program consists of courses in education, research, leadership, including a thesis and an internship. Synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences are facilitated online through the use of e-learning technologies.

The Master of Dental Hygiene program is a two year online course of study designed to prepare dental hygienists for a career in dental hygiene leadership and education. This degree gives dental hygienists the knowledge and experience needed to teach in a dental hygiene program.

Provide graduates with an appreciation of the skills necessary to be leaders in the profession.

Prepare graduates to contribute to the body of knowledge in dental hygiene through research and scholarly activity.

The graduate program consists of courses in education, research, leadership, including a thesis and an internship. Synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences are facilitated online through the use of e-learning technologies.

ODU's online master's program in dental hygiene prepares you to be a leader in this rewarding, growing field. ODU's unique approach also gives you the choice to tailor your degree to other growing career fields. These could include education, administration/management, research, marketing, or community health. ODU's dental hygiene program is accredited by CODA, the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. This program also requires a practicum/internship.

UNM offers a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene in continuation to the Bachelor Degree in Dental Hygiene. The Master of Science Degree Program in Dental Hygiene is intended to develop dental hygienists to teach, develop dental health programs in a variety of settings, conduct research and provide care as collaborative dental hygiene practitioners throughout New Mexico.

The accelerated online program for a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene launched in Fall 2022. Tuition information is found on the Program Details tab.

March 21 from 11 a.m.to 12 p.m. Mountain Time.

In your online coursework, you will build upon the knowledge gained in your baccalaureate work, including emphasis on the following areas:.

Enhance decision-making skills by participating in graduate-level dental hygiene courses.

Develop problem-solving skills for independent dental hygiene practice.

Contribute to the dental hygiene scientific body of knowledge.

Conduct research and theory development in the dental hygiene sciences.

Participate in graduate dental hygiene internship experiences in educational settings, rural areas, industry and community outreach sites.

The total cost per credit hour is $428.12 base tuition. There is a student technology fee charged each semester. It is $150 in the Fall, $150 in the Spring, and $20 in the Summer. There may be additional costs, depending on the class, for textbooks, supplemental course materials, and proctoring fees.

Proof of a bachelor degree in dental hygiene or a related field, and in the latter case, proof of having completed an accredited certificate or associate degree program in dental hygiene. Official or unofficial college transcripts should be provided.

If needed, proof of completion of a certificate, associate or bachelor degree program in dental hygiene that has been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and a regional accrediting agency.

Photocopy of National Dental Hygiene Board Examination results.

A copy of a current American dental hygiene license.

A non-refundable application fee of $125 must be included with your application payable online at TouchNet.

In order to graduate with a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene from UNM, a student must:.

All graduate work, including transferred coursework, must be completed within a seven-year period.

Dental Hygiene Hygienist requires the successful completion of at least 30 credit hours of graduate-level course work (500-level) and the completion of a thesis or project. It offers innovative courses and an online curriculum.

Major Requirements: 30 Credit Hours100% Online Cost Per Credit Hour: $428.12Length of Classes: 8 weeks each class.

Tuition: Program Details and Tuition Fee Information.

MS in Health Studies with Dental Hygiene Focus.

Available only to graduates and current students ofCommission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited RDH associate degree programs.

Degree completion in as little as one year.

Apply courses to a master degree in Health Studies.

Grades of a B or higher in the graduate courses can be applied to a TWU MS in Health Studies with Dental Hygiene focus.

You also have the option of continuing your education and boosting your future earning potential with a graduate degree in Health Studies with a Dental Hygiene focus.

Minimum of 30 hours taken at TWU, including 18 hours of dental hygiene courses and 12 hours of core or electives.

Earn a C or higher in all TWU dental hygiene courses.

When you apply to TWU, we will evaluate your academic achievement and preparation, as well as your standardized test scores. Admission to TWU is valid for four terms, unless you have attended another higher education institution.

Admission to the R.D.H. to B.S. in Dental Hygiene (Online).

A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on transferable college work (students may be admitted provisionally without a 3.0 GPA).

After acceptance to TWU, dental hygiene RDH-to-BSDH program.

To complete the program application, applicants must submit:.

A scanned copy of their dental hygiene license.

Be enrolled in the R.D.H. to B.S. in Dental Hygiene program at TWU.

Have a minimum of 12 hours remaining in courses toward the major.

Complete the R.D.H. to B.S.D.H. M.S. Health Studies Accelerated program application.

A one-page personal statement letter indicating the reasons for pursuing a master degree.

Professional resume indicating academic background and relevant experience for graduate study.

Once admitted by the program, Graduate School. Students cannot enroll in graduate-level coursework until accepted by the Graduate School.

Apply for admission to the M.S. in Health Studies Dental Hygiene emphasis program.

NOTE: the start date indicated on the graduate application must be for the semester following graduation from the bachelor degree.

Uponadmission to an accelerated program, students with senior standing (90earned SCH) may enroll in graduate courses for credit.

Once admitted to an accelerated program, students must maintain a3.0GPA throughoutthe remainder of their baccalaureate degree, ortheir admission to the accelerated graduate program may be revoked.Academic components may set additional requirements for theirprograms.

Dental Hygiene Theory I.

Semester course 3 lecture and 6 laboratory clinical hours. Designed to familiarize the student with the scope, role and responsibilities of the dental hygiene profession. Topics include an introduction to the educational and therapeutic services as well as the philosophy of preventive oral health and its relevance to the practice of dental hygiene. Also introduces the clinical knowledge and skills needed to perform fundamental clinical dental hygiene procedures, instrumentation, patient education and preventive services.

Dental Hygiene Theory II.

Semester course 2 lecture hours. Continuation of DENH 301. Designed to provide the student with knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and includes instruction in some advanced dental hygiene skills, including dental hygiene diagnosis, treatment planning, oral signs of abuse neglect, topical medicaments and use of sonic and ultrasonic instrumentation.

Semester course 2 lecture hours. Designed to guide dental hygiene students in becoming competent in the use of scientific literature as a part of lifelong learning and evidence-based decision-making in patient care. Covers foundational materials in research design and biostatistics, including the development of testable hypotheses, data collection, data summary, and evaluation and interpretation of data found in scientific literature. Students will critique scientific literature from peer-reviewed journals and participate in reflection of current literature on assessment of patients with special needs. Students will also take part in an online collaborative investigator training initiative for protecting human subjects in research.

Prerequisite: DENH 301. Enrollment restricted to students in the dental hygiene program. Introduces preventive oral health strategies, methods, materials and principles of instruction in health education and communication. Emphasizes oral health promotion as related to individual patients, community groups as well as professional peer-group presentations. Introduction to evidence-based decision-making in dental hygiene practice.

Clinical Dental Hygiene I.

Semester course 1 lecture and 3 clinical hours. Prerequisite: DENH 301. The clinical practicum introduces dental hygiene services as part of a comprehensive care model within the School of Dentistry and reinforces the knowledge and clinical skills learned in the prerequisite course. Students apply basic instrumentation and patient treatment skills in a clinical setting. Weekly seminars provide opportunity for students to problem solve and critically discuss and assess clinical experiences.

Semester course 2 clinical hours. Prerequisite: DENH 327. Students are assigned rotations in clinical practice settings in underserved areas, where they are exposed to patients of varied ethnic, socioeconomic and demographic backgrounds, as well as special patient populations not typically encountered in the School of Dentistry clinics. While continuing clinical education, students have the opportunity to make oral health care accessible to marginalized groups. Throughout this unique learning experience, students are exposed to the benefits of potential practice in public health dentistry. Students will reflect on the service activity to increase understanding and application of course content and to enhance a sense of civic responsibility. Graded as pass fail.

Semester course 3 lecture hours. Designed to provide students with an of the chemistry of the major nutrients as well as provide a practical approach to the concepts of nutrition. Emphasis will be placed on developing positive preventive health behaviors and providing nutritional education to dental patients in a clinical setting. The interrelationships of diet, nutrition and dental and systemic diseases will be discussed along with current food trends, consumer aspects of food choices and basic nutrition principles. A general review of dietary supplements also will be provided.

Dental Hygiene Theory III.

Semester course 2 lecture hours. Dental specialty content is presented: concepts and techniques in specialty areas that will enable the dental hygienist to consider implications for dental hygiene treatment planning with relation to periodontics, orthodontics, endodontics, preventive, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, pain control, oral surgery, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry and implantology. Through case scenarios students develop treatment plans with regard to the dental hygiene process of care. Students discuss patient education needed for each phase of care appropriate for the informed consent of the patient.

Dental Hygiene Theory IV.

Semester course 2 lecture hours. Designed to guide dental hygiene students in becoming competent in the use of scientific literature as a part of lifelong learning and evidence-based decision-making in patient care. Covers foundational materials in research design and biostatistics, including the development of testable hypotheses, data collection, data summary, and evaluation and interpretation of data found in scientific literature. Students will critique scientific literature from peer-reviewed journals and participate in reflection of current literature on assessment of patients with special needs. Students will also take part in an online Collaborative Investigator Training Initiative for protecting human subjects in research.

Semester course 2 lecture hours. This hybrid course is intended to provide the dental hygiene student with an of the broad field of public health. Topics include the sciences of public health, the controversial nature of public health, powers and responsibilities of the government, social and behavioral factors in health, environmental issues in public health, medical care and public health, and public health challenges in the upcoming century. The course serves as a foundation for DENH 412. The course will also provide students with experiences that foster positive attitudes and behaviors regarding their responsibility to care for underserved populations, thereby providing insights on the impact of social and economic factors on dental health. Field experiences place emphasis on special populations, including elementary school children geriatric, institutionalized and hospitalized clients and individuals with mental and or physical disabilities. The course and its field experiences will prepare the dental hygienist for the role of dental public health practitioner, educator and consultant, as well as a resource person in community settings.

Semester course 1 lecture and 3 clinical service-learning project hours. This hybrid course is designed to provide dental hygiene students with an introduction and of basic concepts of dental public health, community dental health education and community program planning. Course topics include oral health trends, dental indices, water fluoridation, prevention and control of oral diseases in a community, and community dental health programs. Students become involved in the application of concepts such as program assessment, design, implementation and evaluation. This course will prepare the dental hygienist for the role of dental public health practitioner, educator, and consultant and resource person in community settings. Field experience is designed to prepare students to function in a variety of community health settings. Emphasis on special populations of elementary school children, geriatric, institutionalized, hospitalized and individuals with mental and or physical disabilities.

Semester course 2 lecture hours. This online course is designed to explore the ethics, jurisprudence and principles of dental hygiene practice. Students explore ethical issues and dilemmas in dental hygiene and health care delivery. This course strives to provide students with the foundations of ethical reasoning and decision-making in practices. The course fosters professional development and an understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of oral health care.

Clinical Dental Hygiene II.

Semester course 1 lecture and 4 clinical hours (3 clinical hours per credit). Prerequisite: DENH 327. A continuation of the clinical practicum seminars and clinical experiences continue to prepare students to provide oral health care services in the private and public sector. Students participate in comprehensive care clinical experiences within the School of Dentistry. Advanced dental hygiene procedures are initiated and patient assessment, management skills and self-assessment are emphasized. Skill development in dental hygiene procedures continues patient management skills as well as decision-making and problem-solving in relation to patient assessment, treatment planning and evaluation are emphasized. Course sequence provides the student with the opportunity to use and further enhance the knowledge and skills of dental hygiene practice and procedures in a clinical model that emphasizes comprehensive patient care and a foundation for transference of those skills to the work environment in the private and public sector. Note: A grade of PR is required in this course for continuation in DENH 447.

Clinical Dental Hygiene III.

Semester course 1 lecture and 4 clinical hours (3 clinical hours per credit). Prerequisite: DENH 437 with a grade of PR. A continuation of the clinical practicum seminars and clinical experiences continue to prepare students to provide oral health care services in the private and public sector. Students participate in comprehensive care clinical experiences within the School of Dentistry. Advanced dental hygiene procedures are initiated and patient assessment, management skills and self-assessment are emphasized. Skill development in dental hygiene procedures continues patient management skills as well as decision-making and problem-solving in relation to patient assessment, treatment planning and evaluation are emphasized. Course sequence provides the student with the opportunity to use and further enhance the knowledge and skills of dental hygiene practice and procedures in a clinical model that emphasizes comprehensive patient care and a foundation for transference of those skills to the work environment in the private and public sector.

Clinics in Dental Hygiene.

Semester course 1-3 credits. Clinical laboratory experiences offering the opportunity to use and further develop the knowledge and skills of dental hygiene practice.

Continuous course 32 clinical sessions. Prerequisites: DENH 302, 327 and 342. Enrollment restricted to dental hygiene students only. Course must be repeated to fulfil requirements. (Requirement is for 32 clinical session over two semesters. Students are assigned rotations in clinical practice settings in underserved areas, in which they are exposed to patients of varied ethnic, socioeconomic and demographic backgrounds, as well as special patient populations not typically encountered in the School of Dentistry clinics. While continuing clinical education, students have the opportunity to make oral health care accessible to marginalized groups. Throughout this unique learning experience, students are exposed to the potential benefits of practice in public health dentistry. Students will reflect on the service activity to increase understanding and application of course content and to enhance a sense of civic responsibility. Students will also provide guided reflections on designated reading assignments.

Special Topics in Dental Hygiene.

Semester course 1-3 credits. Format may include intensive mini-courses or workshops.