Academics, Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, Entry Level

The Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science Degree program prepares students for licensure and entry to the profession through two academic years of upper-level coursework. This program requires all students to successfully complete a total of 63 program hours in two years upon completion of 60 hours of prerequisites, to include the Texas Core Curriculum, taken at any accredited college or university. Once completed, students will acquire a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. Dental Hygiene is a licensed profession requiring successful completion of:

• Dental hygiene coursework at an accredited college or university
• National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
• The Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• A state Jurisprudence Examination

The academic path that students will follow during the course of this program includes course work in dental hygiene theory, laboratory, and clinical skills. A sample plan of study for the Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science program from the catalog shows the normal semesters in which courses are scheduled to be taught.

The primary responsibility of a dental hygienist is to treat and educate patients in the control and prevention of oral diseases. Typical functions of the clinical dental hygienist include assessment of health histories, evaluating and charting oral conditions, removing deposits (plaque, tartar, and stain) from the teeth, exposing and processing dental x-rays, applying preventive agents to the tooth surfaces such as fluoride and sealants, and providing individualized oral hygiene instruction services.

Program Goals

GOAL 1: Promote teaching by providing educational programs to meet the needs of society and professional constituencies.

GOAL 2: Promote research by advancing knowledge through professional development, integration, and discovery.

GOAL 3: Promote service through innovative programs/activities that meet academic and community needs.

GOAL 4: Effectively plan, administer, manage, and evaluate division resources and activities.

Program Outcomes

1. Students will be able to provide clinical assessment and preventive oral health care within the scope of dental hygiene practice to infants, children, adolescents and adults.
2. Students will be able to provide clinical assessment and preventive oral health care within the scope of dental hygiene practice to the unique needs of women, the elderly and patients with physical, cognitive, emotional or development challenges.
3. Students will have the ability to assess oral and systemic risk factors related to individual health status and collaborate with other health care providers.
4. Students are prepared to provide ethically and socially responsible oral health care in compliance with the laws and regulations governing the practice of dental hygiene within the dental clinic workforce, community health clinics, and educational settings.  
5. Students will be able to enhance the oral health of individuals and the community through risk assessment, prevention, promotion of healthy lifestyle and education.