Dental Hygienist

GOAL 1 Students will be clinically competent.

1. Students will apply a professional code of ethics in all endeavors.
2. Students will adhere to state and federal laws, recommendations, and regulations in the provisions of oral health care.
3. Students will record accurate, consistent, and complete documentation of oral health services provided.
4. Students will utilize methods that ensure the health and safety of the patient and the oral health professional in the delivery of care.
5. Students will provide community oral health services in more than one setting.
6. Students will systematically collect, analyze, and record diagnostic data on the general, oral, and psychosocial health status of a variety of patients using methods consistent with medico-legal principles.
7. Students will use patient assessment data, diagnostic technologies, and critical decision-making skills to determine a dental hygiene diagnosis, a component of the dental diagnosis, to reach conclusions about the patient’s dental hygiene care needs.
8. Students will provide individualized treatment that includes educational, preventive, and therapeutic services designed to achieve and maintain oral health.
9. Students will determine the outcomes of dental hygiene interventions using indices, instruments, examination techniques, and patient self-reports as specified in patient goals.

GOAL 2 Students will demonstrate communication skills.

1. Students will communicate effectively with diverse individuals and groups, serving all persons without discrimination by acknowledging and appreciating diversity.
2. Students will collaborate with the patient and other health professionals as indicated to formulate a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan that is patient-centered and based on the best scientific evidence and professional judgment.

GOAL 3 Students will develop critical thinking skills.

1. Students will use critical-thinking skills and comprehensive problem solving to identity oral health care needs.
2. Students will continuously perform self-assessment for lifelong learning and professional growth.
3. Students will evaluate factors that can be used to promote patient adherence to disease prevention treatments.
4. Students will facilitate consultations and referrals with all relevant health care providers for optimal patient care.

GOAL 4 Students will model professional behaviors.

1. Students will integrate scientific theories and evidence-based research into educational theory, preventive, and oral therapeutic oral services.
2. Students will apply quality assurance mechanisms to ensure continuous commitment to accepted standards of care.

GOAL 5 The program will graduate entry-level dental hygienists.

1. Graduates will successfully complete the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination (NBDHE).
2. Graduates will successfully complete the ADEX dental hygiene Examination CDCA/WREB/CITA) part one of the examination is the simulated patient treatment examination (SPTCE) or Patient Treatment Clinical Examination (PTCE)
3. Graduates will successfully complete the dental hygiene examination. Part 2 of the examination is the computer simulated clinical exam CSCE OSCE.
4. Students will complete program within 24 months.
5. Students will be satisfied with their education.
6. Graduates will be satisfied with their education.
7. Graduates who choose to pursue employment, will be employed within 12 months of program completion. 8. Employer will be satisfied with graduate’s performance.